Internet divided as Fat Joe headlines World Series Game 3: ‘Jay-Z wasn’t available?’ | The Express Tribune

On Monday, Bronx rapper Fat Joe, known offstage as Joseph Antonio Cartagena, stirred up online debate with his performance during Game 3 of the MLB World Series for the New York Yankees.

Joe performed his classics, ‘All The Way Up’ and ‘Lean Back’, while Leslie Odom Jr. took on the national anthem. Yet, fans on social media were quick to express mixed feelings, questioning why the Yankees chose Joe over other famed New York rap icons such as Jay-Z or Q-Tip.

“Jay-Z wasn’t available? Q-Tip?” one user questioned on social media, while others pointed to the memorable 2009 World Series when Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performed ‘Empire State of Mind’ at the stadium, calling Joe’s appearance a “downgrade.”

The reactions also turned light-hearted with many fans jokingly blaming Fat Joe for the Yankees’ 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

“Even when Fat Joe came out, the body language from the fans was like DAMN! I was like, what’s going on here? Are we in a funeral already?” one person noted.

Adding to the conversation, retired MLB star David Ortiz shared his observations on the crowd’s reaction while speaking with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. 

“Your body language had to be there all the way to the last out…even when…the home run was hit,” Ortiz said.

Amid the online chatter, Fat Joe has also been making headlines for his recent health transformation. The 54-year-old rapper shared insights into his weight loss journey, reflecting on how he shed 200 pounds through low-carb eating habits. 

“We just try to eat everything with the least carbs as possible. So we try to stay away from the bread, the pasta, the rice,” he explained. Joe further revealed he uses Ozempic, a medication for type 2 diabetes, to help manage his condition and control cravings, although weight loss was a secondary benefit.

Despite the divided opinions, Fat Joe’s appearance at Game 3 left an impact, sparking both appreciation and debate over his performance and his evolving journey in the public eye.