American rapper Fat Joe has claimed that Chris Brown's 2009 attack on then-girlfriend Rihanna cost him the fame and stardom Michael Jackson enjoyed at the height of his career.
The 53-year-old rapper believes Brown's violent attack overshadowed his talent after the 35-year-old singer attacked Rihanna, 36, in a car in Los Angeles' Hancock Park neighborhood on Feb. 8, 2009, after a pre-Grammys party.
Fat Joe said on Instagram Live, 'If Chris Brown never fell out with Rihanna, we'd be calling him Michael Jackson right now. 'Not like Michael Jackson – Michael Jackson.'
The New York City native described Chris Brown as 'the most talented singer, artist, actor, hitmaker of our time.'
Fat Joe urged the public to forgive Brown for his past mistakes.
'There's no one even close to Chris Brown, and it's time we get over it,' said Fat Joe. It's been 20 years that I know of – no more incidents. We will let this life go without telling the truth?
Fat Joe said, 'What happens is, when the truth is an unpopular decision, everyone is afraid to say it.' 'They get cancelled—especially famous ones. But you know, the streets – they know what it is. The roads always know, they tell you the truth.'
Fat Joe pointed to the music of convicted sex offender R. Kelly, which he said remains popular despite the artist's decline.
'The streets still bump into R Kelly,' he said. 'He's in prison, he's done terrible things.'
Fat Joe said he felt it was time to let go of Brown's past mistakes and recognize his talents.
'What I'm trying to say is it's a shame we're lying,' he said, 'and we're not giving it to the king of R&B.
'We're thinking he can fight Michael Jackson, all I'm trying to say is – I'm not lying – if you really look at his work and you look at all his hits, you see What does he do? .
Fat Joe said he in no way condones what Brown did in 2009, but noted that Brown was a 'little kid' at 19 when the violent incident took place.