EXCLUSIVE: Fat Joe’sEx-Hypeman Seeks Free Lawyer To Fight Defamation Case

Fat Joe‘s former hypeman wants a volunteer lawyer to help him seek judgment without a trial in the rapper’s defamation lawsuit.

Terrance Dixon submitted the request ahead of a November 13 deadline to address his representation after Tyrone Blackburn left his legal team.

The request follows Judge Jennifer E. Willis’ October 2 decision allowing Blackburn to withdraw from Dixon’s two linked cases. Her order offered Dixon three choices: hire another lawyer, represent himself or request volunteer counsel.

In a November 12 application filed in Manhattan federal court, Dixon outlined his next move against his former boss. He also submitted a separate application asking to proceed without prepaying court fees or costs.

“I need an attorney because discovery has ended and I want to move for summary judgment,” Dixon wrote. “I have not yet asked for an attorney in this case because I was previously represented by Tyrone Blackburn, who is also a defendant in this case. However, he withdrew and the court gave until Nov. 13 for me to find another attorney or submit an application for pro bono counsel.”

Dixon said he had sought assistance from the City Bar Justice Center’s Pro Se Clinic. He described a limit on the help it could provide for the motion he wants to file.

“I have contacted the Pro Se Clinic at the City Bar Justice Center and have had calls about my case and next steps with them,” Dixon wrote. “They stated that they did not have the resources to assist me in drafting my motion for summary judgment and usually only help plaintiffs oppose summary judgment. They have assisted me in filling out this application.”

Fat Joe sued Dixon and Blackburn in April 2025, alleging they tried to extract money through false accusations. Dixon later brought his own lawsuit alleging abuse and unpaid work, claims the rapper denied.

Blackburn’s withdrawal did not remove him as a defendant or end the court’s authority over pending sanctions matters. The October order paused issues involving Dixon through November 13.

Even if the court approves Dixon’s request, an attorney must volunteer to take the case.