Fat Joe Claps Back at MLK Jr. Professor Over N-Word Debate

Rapper Fat Joe has issued a response to academic Marc Lamont Hill's recent criticisms concerning his personal use of the N-word and claims about his racial identity. Hill, in his YouTube series "Just My Thoughts," stated that his position is that only Black individuals, those who can be called a n a, should use the N-word. Hill questioned Fat Joe's assertion of being "the blackest person," citing his Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage and upbringing in the Bronx.

Fat Joe, whose father was Afro-Cuban, addressed Hill's comments via Instagram. He has consistently identified his ethnic origins as Puerto Rican and Cuban, having been raised in the Bronx. The rapper previously spoke about his identity and his use of the N-word during an appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast, referencing his roots in the birthplace of hip-hop.