Resurgent rap boss, Fat Joe, added his response to the growing chorus of voices speaking out against Wednesday's violence at New York City's Irving Plaza. Hours after T.I. came forward to offer condolences and object to self-destruction in Hip Hop's name, Joey questioned the timing of the shooting, which left one dead and three hospitalized with bullet wounds, noting that it ran contrary to the message of "unity" that has been brewing in the industry.

“That’s pretty ironic that [the shooting happened] while we’re doing this symbol of unity. I hope these young kids see it and follow suit. Cause ain’t nothing really worth it," said Joe. "You gotta understand most of us grew up in poverty with a dream and all the strikes against us. The fact we’re able to make music, make money, have fans, and make our dreams come true – we really gotta appreciate that.”

His comments come after having landed one of the biggest collaborations of his career, getting former foe Jay-Z to feature on the "All the Way Up" remix. Back in April, Joe spoke on Jay during an interview in which he addressed a dilemma with Nas that dated back to the epic Nas/Jay Z beef in '01, reminding viewers that he had since made peace with the Brooklyn emcee, stating, "Let's be clear, I f**k with Jay-Z, Roc-a-Fella, all them ni**as. I got mad love, mad respect; nothing but love for what they did for Hip Hop, the culture, being a businessman."

Other veterans in the industry have followed suit, with Puff Daddy declaring that he is rooting any negativity out of his space from here on out. The Bad Boy Family Reunion has itself operated as a clearing for rivals to bury the hatchet, with Lil Kim's bonding session with Faith Evans becoming one of the biggest stories to come out of the tour. Perhaps the most significant gesture of brotherhood arose directly from the May 25 shooting, as Maino disputed widespread claims by the media that the incident sprung from a supposed beef his circle had with suspected shooter Troy Ave's people. "It always has been and always will be good relations between myself and my team and Troy Ave, Hovain, Young Lito and the BSB family," Maino said.

Source: allhiphop.com