Fat Joe has officially received the key to his hometown of New York City in a star-studded affair that included the likes of Funk Flex, Doug E. Fresh, and more.
The event was held at Orchard Beach in New York on Tuesday, August 20, and was organized by Rise Up NYC. Alongside Flex and Doug E., notable figures such as Chubb Rock, Wayne Wonder, and the DJ duo Bobby Konders and Jabba were present as Mayor Eric Adams awarded the Terror Squad rapper with a key to the city.
“His music has touched our hearts for many years,” Adams remarked to News 12. “Fat Joe is truly a legend, and we are extremely excited to present him with the key to the city.”
Below, you can find some images and videos from the occasion.
After posting the news he’d be receiving the key earlier this month, Fat Joe was seemingly met with some pushback, despite his status as a New York rap legend and philanthropist.
“I will receive the key to the city on the 20th, and it was quite a challenging process. Hip Hop has faced some criticism,” he stated in a post. “The mayor and his team, including his trusted associate, presented me with the key to the city. There was some discontent among certain individuals.
“However, I cannot think of anyone who is more genuine in their connection to the streets of New York than Fat Joe, who supports numerous individuals and establishes various businesses. I am at a loss for words regarding the reactions.”
The artist known for “Lean Back” did not clarify who expressed dissatisfaction with his receiving the key to the city.