During a recent interview with The Art of Dialogue, Rivera addressed the veteran rapper’s assertion that he had recorded multiple tracks with The Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige—and he didn’t hold back.
“I love Fat Joe, Fat Joe is my guy. I love the Jada & Joe show, and now I know why they’re running with the ‘Joe is the King of Cap,’” Rivera joked, mixing humor with skepticism.
Calling Cap on Fat Joe
Rivera, founder of Untertainment Records, expressed doubt about Joe’s claims while explaining his insider perspective:
“Imma call cap, without even knowing, ’cause I don’t know for sure, but I’m calling cap […]. If there was a real, legitimate album, I would’ve heard about that. I wouldn’t have heard about them doing songs.”
Rivera has a long history of working closely with Biggie, including on Junior Mafia’s 1995 album Conspiracy. Any collaborations between Fat Joe and Biggie, according to Rivera, would have likely come across his desk.
Inside Biggie’s Studio
He detailed how Biggie approached studio sessions, making it clear that recording wasn’t guaranteed for everyone:
“In Daddy’s House, Big go in the studio, you could get a verse or you might not get a verse, depending on his mood and how much money you had in your pocket. He was a ‘How much weed you got on you’ type sh*t, you know what I’m saying? But I call cap off that, Joe. Show me the receipts, Fat Joe.”
Rivera’s perspective sheds light on the selective and often unpredictable nature of Biggie’s studio sessions, giving fans a peek behind the curtain of 1990s hip-hop recording culture.
Fat Joe’s Original Claim
In 2023, Fat Joe told media outlets that he had recorded several songs with Biggie, including tracks that reportedly contained disses toward Tupac Shakur.
“We made a bunch of songs, y’know what I’m sayin’?” Joe said. “But it was really disrespectful and hateful, and so [Biggie] died and 2Pac died. They might have burnt them sh*ts, to be honest with you, ’cause you know, it was distasteful after the fact.”
While Fat Joe insisted the recordings existed, Rivera’s comments suggest he has never seen or heard these sessions, casting doubt on the validity of Joe’s claims.
Hip-Hop Fans React
Fans online quickly weighed in on the debate, with many pointing out Rivera’s credibility as a long-time insider:
- “If Un says cap, I’m believing him. He knows the Biggie archives way better than Joe.”
- “Fat Joe always talking up stuff. Receipts or it didn’t happen.”
- “Biggie was selective AF in the studio, Un knows what he’s talking about.”
The exchange has sparked a mini online feud, with fans dissecting 90s hip-hop lore and debating which version of history is accurate.
Legacy and Studio Politics
Rivera’s comments also highlight the unpredictable nature of music collaborations in the 90s, especially with icons like Biggie Smalls:
- Studio sessions were highly selective
- Contributions depended on timing, connections, and sometimes money
- Many tracks were never released or were destroyed
This insider context helps explain why claims of unreleased Biggie tracks often generate skepticism—even among industry veterans.
Final Take
The back-and-forth between Fat Joe and Lance “Un” Rivera is a reminder of the intrigue and drama behind hip-hop history. While Fat Joe maintains some unreleased songs exist, Rivera’s perspective as a trusted Biggie collaborator casts significant doubt.
Until Fat Joe presents the **“receipts,”” fans and historians alike will continue to debate the story.
Do you think Fat Joe’s claims are true, or is Lance “Un” Rivera right to call cap? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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