Fat Joe, the mastermind behind the iconic track “Lean Back,” recently shared a hilarious story about how he played his cards right to get Eminem on the remix, proving that sometimes, a little bluffing goes a long way in the music business.

In a recent interview with GQ, Joe revealed a clever tactic he used to get the attention of the hip hop legend. “Mase is one of Eminem’s favourite rappers ever. So, I told Eminem I had Mase. But I didn’t have Mase,” Fat Joe confessed with a laugh. It’s the kind of move that shows Joe’s cunning side, mixing a bit of bluff with business savvy to make things happen in the fast-paced world of music.

Mase, an artist known for his smooth flow and charismatic presence, was someone Eminem respected deeply. Joe knew that by playing up this connection, he could pique Em’s interest in the remix. When Eminem expressed interest in hearing Mase’s verse, Fat Joe found himself in a bit of a predicament. He didn’t have Mase’s verse, but now he had to scramble to track him down. And, fortunately for Joe, Mase came through in the clutch.

Once the verse was secured, Eminem got to work on his contribution to the remix. Known for his perfectionism, Eminem didn’t settle for just one take. Joe shared that Em was relentless in perfecting his verse, re-recording it “like, 40 times.” His dedication to getting every word just right resulted in a verse that added undeniable energy to the remix, giving it the impact it’s known for today.

The “Lean Back” remix, featuring Fat Joe, Eminem, and Mase, became an unforgettable moment in hip hop history. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, as well as to the fact that sometimes, a little hustle, combined with a well-timed bluff, can lead to something legendary.

In the end, Fat Joe’s quick thinking and Eminem’s attention to detail created a remix that elevated “Lean Back” to new heights, cementing its place in the annals of hip hop history. And, of course, it proves that in the game of music, sometimes you’ve got to take risks—and maybe tell a fib or two—to get what you want.