Fat Joe Reflects on Grammy Loss to Chance the Rapper, Calls it a Major Disrespect

In a recent interview, hip-hop heavyweight Fat Joe revisited a sore point from nearly eight years ago: his loss to Chance the Rapper at the 2017 Grammy Awards. The Best Rap Performance category saw Joe's hit "All The Way Up," featuring Remy Ma, French Montana, and Infared, go up against Chance's infectious anthem "No Problem," which ultimately took home the coveted trophy. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that Joe still feels the sting of that defeat, labeling it one of the "biggest disrespects" he has experienced in his storied career. Reflecting on both the 2017 Grammy loss and an earlier defeat with his 2005 track "Lean Back," Joe expressed his frustration candidly, stating, "We got robbed." He reminisced about losing to the Black Eyed Peas with "Lean Back" and reiterated the sentiment surrounding his loss to Chance. The rapper did not mince words when discussing the perception of his competition, indicating that he believes "All The Way Up" far surpassed the lyrics and production of Chance's offering. Joe’s comments bring to light the ongoing debate over the Grammy Awards and their often-controversial choices in recognizing talent within the hip-hop genre. He articulated a sentiment that resonates with many artists: the feeling of being overlooked or undervalued by the Academy. "It's crazy," he noted, "The Grammys have been playing with us the whole time." This remark highlights a broader conversation about the representation and recognition of hip-hop artists in an industry that often seems out of touch with the influences shaping the genre. As of now, Chance the Rapper has not publicly responded to Fat Joe’s remarks, which may indicate his desire to move past the competitive nature of the awards ceremony. However, Joe’s comments serve as a reminder of how deeply personal and emotional these awards can be for artists. It reflects the ongoing pressures within the music industry to earn acknowledgment from peers and institutions alike, and how past grievances can resurface years later. Fat Joe’s candidness is a testament to the passion that drives artists in the competitive landscape of hip-hop. As fans and industry insiders continue to debate the merits of various works and the significance of accolades, it’s clear that for some, like Fat Joe, the wounds of the past remain very much alive.