Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, former hype man to rapper Fat Joe, has filed a $20 million federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, leveling explosive allegations against the rapper. Dixon claims Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, underpaid him, withheld earnings from collaborative work on tracks, and engaged in fraudulent practices to mislead authorities about his income.
The lawsuit paints a picture of a long-standing relationship built on exploitation, with Dixon asserting that he was left stranded in foreign countries without resources and forced to operate within a criminal enterprise fueled by intimidation and violence.
Lawsuit Alleges Coerced Sex Acts, Underage Abuse, and Creative Exploitation by Rapper
Among the most disturbing claims in the lawsuit is that Fat Joe coerced Dixon into performing or participating in approximately 4,000 sex acts in front of the rapper and his entourage. Furthermore, the complaint accuses Fat Joe of engaging in sexual relationships with underage girls, specifically 15- and 16-year-olds, during his late 30s.
One of his tracks, “She’s My Mama,” is said to be based on a real-life incident involving one of these minors, according to Dixon’s allegations. These accusations bring a stark parallel to the legal controversies currently surrounding music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Fat Joe Sued for $20M by Ex-Hype Man Over Alleged Abuse, Credit Theft, and Underage Sex ClaimsThe complaint emphasizes that Dixon’s responsibilities extended far beyond hyping up the crowd. For nearly 16 years, he claims to have co-written lyrics, structured hooks, provided background vocals, and helped coordinate travel logistics and security. He also performed in over 200 live shows as Fat Joe’s main onstage partner and even served as his bodyguard.
Songs Dixon says he contributed to include “All the Way Up,” “Congratulations,” and “No Problems,” among many others. Despite these contributions, Dixon alleges he received no proper compensation or credit.
Alleged Credit Theft and Financial Control Spark Major Legal Battle Over Royalties
According to the lawsuit, Fat Joe allegedly kept Dixon’s name off of official credits, publishing registrations, and royalty structures, intentionally denying him recognition and earnings. This was despite promises of ownership stakes in songs and formal credit.
It wasn’t until 2023, when a whistleblower known as “Accountant Doe” surfaced, that Dixon was reportedly able to access critical evidence of wrongdoing. The complaint accuses Fat Joe of exercising total control over business dealings and systematically excluding Dixon from the financial benefits of their work.
Fat Joe’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, dismissed the lawsuit as a retaliatory act and labeled the allegations as “complete fabrications.” This response came after Fat Joe himself filed a defamation lawsuit against Dixon in April, following public accusations made on social media.
Dixon is represented by attorney Tyrone Blackburn, who is also involved in a similar high-profile case against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Blackburn drew a provocative comparison between the two artists, describing Fat Joe as “Sean Combs minus the Tusi,” referring to a party drug. The lawsuit, which includes other defendants such as Peter “Pistol Pete” Torres and companies like Roc Nation, seeks a jury trial and could have major repercussions if the claims are substantiated.