"Jay-Z wasn't available? Q-Tip?" - Internet reacts as Fat Joe headlines World Series 3, sparks fan backlash 

On Monday, the Bronx rapper Joseph Antonio Cartagena aka Fat Joe opened for the New York Yankees at Game 3 of the MLB World Series as he performed his classics All The Way Up and Lean Back.

Leslie Odom Jr. was brought to sing the national anthem before Game 3, and during Game 2, the Los Angeles Dodgers brought Ice Cube to perform his hit tracks It Was a Good Day and Bow Down.

However, fans weren't happy with Joe's participation and took to social media to share their thoughts. They wondered if more famed rappers like Jay-Z and Q-Tip weren't available for the Yankees to get Fat Joe to perform.

Some were more upset as the team lost to the Dodgers by 2-4.

Internet reacts to Joe's performance for the New York Yankees at the World Series Game 3. (Image via X/@webcav1)

Internet reacts to Joe's performance for the New York Yankees at the World Series Game 3. (Image via X/@HammerTimeLays)

One person noted Alicia Keys and Jay-Z's rendition of their iconic hit Empire State of the Mind at the Yankees stadium in 2009 during World Series Game 2. Comparing it with Joe's opening for the Yankees this year, the user called it a "downgrade".

Internet reacts to Joe's performance for the New York Yankees at the World Series Game 3. (Image via X/@YankeesRealist)

Internet reacts to Joe's performance for the New York Yankees at the World Series Game 3. (Image via X/@beeksvybe)

Internet reacts to Joe's performance for the New York Yankees at the World Series Game 3. (Image via X/@imotivate4life)

Several people jokingly blamed Fat Joe for the Yankees' loss.

Internet reacts to Joe's performance for the New York Yankees at the World Series Game 3. (Image via X/@toinclonecone)

Internet reacts to Joe's performance for the New York Yankees at the World Series Game 3. (Image via X/@YankeesSzn99)

Former MLB player David Ortiz addressed the crowd's reaction to Joe's performance as he sat down with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez after the game:

"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?"

He added:

"Your body language had to be there all the way to the last out...even when...the home run was hit."

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Fat Joe recently spoke about maintaining his 200 lbs weight loss

In 2023, rapper Fat Joe underwent a massive transformation — from weighing around 470 lbs to losing 200 lbs. In a recent US Weekly interview published on October 15, rapper Fat Joe reflected on his health transformation journey. The 54-year-old told the outlet:

"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. That’s the smartest way to eat."

Joe also revealed he takes Ozempic, but not primarily for losing weight for his type 2 diabetes. However, he said the drug did help him retain the weight loss procedure by regulating his cravings.