Fat Joe Album: “Me, Myself & I [PA]”

I'm not a large fan of Fat Joe. I'm hardly even a moderate fan of Joey Crack's style. Even when he was Fat Joe da Gangsta, and releasing DITC-laced tracks like "Flow Joe" back in the day, Fat Joe never really stood out much as an emcee. It took the incredible talent of his protege, Big Pun, to put Fat Joe on the map, and it's no surprise that Joe's best album, Don Cartagena, was released while Pun was running the game.

Pre-Pun, and post-Pun times haven't been very good to Joe. Some people blame the lack of Fat Joe's musical quality after Cartagena as a result of him being devestated by Pun's death. While that is a reasonable assumption, let us not forget that Joe wasn't releasing any groundbreaking albums before he ran with Pun either. I'm not accusing Fat Joe of having Pun ghostwrite for him on Don Cartagena, but it's obvious that Pun brought out the best in Joey Crack, resulting in a nearly classic album.

This is, in my honest opinion, the best Fat Joe album behind Don Cartagena. While it is far from classic, it is an above-average, and highly focused release from an emcee I'd nearly given up on long ago. Joe isn't making any musical, and lyrical movements, and he's hardly changed his subject matter in between albums; this is still a very commercial album from Fat Joe. However, his swords have gotten sharper, his beats are hotter, as well as more diverse, and when it comes to actual delivery, this maybe the pinnacle for Joe.

Only three tracks feature guest appearances, with two of them being Lil' Wayne, and the other being Game; the rest of this album is all Joe. Joe hasn't carried this much of the workload since his debut album, but the lack of posse cuts actually add to the overall quality of this release. Joe is in the forefront, as he should be on his own album. I'm also glad he chose two of the more gifted mainstream emcees for guest appearances, instead of enlisting whoever's hot at the moment.

You won't find any provocative lyricism here, and you won't find any production that shakes the foundation of hip-hop; what you will find is a highly satisfying album from Fat Joe, who, while clearly being far from one of the best cats in the game, still manages to release an album with no filler. Definitely enough to feed his hardcore fanbase, and quite a healthy meal for those of us who aren't exactly crazy about Crack. Recommended.

This album is perfectly titled because he is probably the only one who is feeling it. Besides this album cover resembling Don Cartegena(his best album!) and the title ripped from an old De La Soul classic, Fat Joe doesnt give you anything you spectacular. No its not worser than All Or nothing but its still bad. He does have some dope tracks which are DAMN(all his songs should sound like this so why dont they?) NO DRAMA(sick beat, mediocre lyrics), BENDICION MAMI(great tribute to his mom), THINK ABOUT IT HARD NOT TO KILL and STORY TO TELL but his album is weighed down heavily by these rusty anchors. Filler: Make It Rain and She's My Momma and Jealousy is bubblegum rap at its worst and Im still trying to figure out how Make It Rain became an anthem out here in South Florida. The song is bootycrack plus that has to be the worst beat Scott Storch has made! Pendemic needs to be redone. The Profit is better than Make It Rain but is that saying much? Breathe And Stop, which poorly samples Bob Marley's War is so dull I had to punch my self in the balls just to stay awake! And isnt that the dullest hook you've ever heard provided by The Game? Bottom Line: While this album is not worser than his previous work it is still forgettable like his previous albums. Joe raps decent on certain tracks(Damn, Think About It) and some of the beats are tight. You dont get the full package with Joe on this one and that why it will fall on deaf ears(all the pop albums he made notwithstanding). Fat Joe at his best: Jealous Ones Envy and Don Cartegena. Fat Joe at his worst: All Or Nothing, J.O.S.E., Represent(back when he was called Fat Joe De Gangsta),Loyalty and Me Myself and I. Thats five bad albums that Joe has made throughout his career. I think its about time for Fat Joe to hang it up.

as for as production this album is one of the best this year by far and his lyrics are tight as well . people dont give joe much credit, this album has to be a top ten of the year

This album is a complete album from start to finish. He still spits real rap. I just wish he didn't make his singles so commercial b/c it makes him seem like a commercial rapper. Like chingy, or diddy or someone.

the album is a good album.... i joe really did step it up this time.... i dont pay attention to what this Reviewer: Constant (Vancouver, BC Canada) guy has to say