Here we go again.

Fat Joe and The Five Percent Nation are not two names that most people would expect to hear in the same sentence, but that’s what’s happening right now. The Bronx-bred rapper made a claim about his past affiliation with the Nation of Gods and Earths…also known as the The Five Percent Nation.

During a recent interview, the “Lean Back” rapper dropped the news when he said, “I come from a projects called Godsville. Right? So also, it was like the Mecca of the Five Percenters. I was the God Crack Kim Great God Allah. I’m telling you what it is, right. You gotta think…”

The internet did just that—think. And react.

Almost instantly, debate erupted in both Hip-Hop and Five Percent circles. While Joe spoke with conviction, a lot of Gods pushed back hard. Some say his statements were, at best, a distortion and, at worst, disrespect.

According to sources familiar with the Nation’s roots in New York City, it is possible, especially the Bronx. It’s not completely out of the question that Fat Joe was influenced by Five Percenter culture in the 80s and 90s. One person said, “It’s possible he was around those who were loosely affiliated, or who adopted the lessons without ever formally becoming a part of the Nation.”

Back then, it wasn’t uncommon for Hip-Hop artists to reference the ideology, language, and teachings in their music. Many were not fully committed or “righteously civilized.” But Fat Joe’s name “Crack Kim Great God Allah”—left some confused and others offended. One critic pointed out: “How do you use the word ‘crack,’ a destructive drug that tore apart the community, and ‘Allah’ in the same breath?” Uhmmmmm…great fkn question.

Those closer to the Nation say this isn’t about clout chasing or going viral. For many, The Five Percent Nation represents a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual identity. “This ain’t a hashtag. This ain’t an aesthetic,” one lifelong member told AllHipHop off the record. “You don’t throw on a name like that without accountability.”

Still, some have chosen to give Joey Crack the benefit of the doubt, chalking it up to a misinterpretation of the teachings. Bronx elders who were around during that era confirm that the Nation had strong influence, especially among Blacks. I was told, it gets complicated with Latino youth. I am not about to go down that rabbit hole. Hit Google! Fat Joe could have just absorbed aspects of the culture from his environment. A lot of people did.

Hopefully there is not damage done. But, take a gander on Facebook…they are upset. The potential for ill will in there. I did hear that nobody will try to harm Joe. That’s a good thing!

People know Fat Joe personally. So, who will step forward to clarify or correct him?

Only time or the Gods will tell.