Fat Joe

Early Life

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, known as Fat Joe, was born on August 19, 1970, in the Bronx, New York City, to a Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother. Growing up in the Forest Houses public housing project, he faced numerous challenges, including a troubled family life that led him to steal and deal drugs at a young age. His introduction to hip hop came from his older brother, Angel, who inspired him to pursue music despite the adversities he faced during his childhood.

Music Career

Fat Joe began his music career in 1991 as a member of the hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.). He adopted the stage name Fat Joe da Gangsta and quickly gained recognition, leading to his debut album, "Represent," released in 1993. The album featured the hit single "Flow Joe," which topped the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. Following this success, he released several albums, including "Jealous One's Envy" and "Don Cartagena," and formed the hip hop group Terror Squad, which became a platform for emerging artists like Big Pun and Remy Ma. Over the years, Fat Joe has continued to evolve as an artist, contributing to the East Coast hip-hop scene and collaborating with various prominent figures in the industry.

Personal Life

Fat Joe has been married to his wife, Lorena, since 1995, and they have a daughter named Azariah. He is also a father to two sons from previous relationships. Despite the challenges of raising a child with autism and Down syndrome, he has openly discussed his experiences as a young single father. Beyond his music career, Fat Joe is committed to community work, including donating computers to his old school in the Bronx and supporting youth outreach projects. His friendships with notable figures in the music industry reflect his deep connections and influence within the hip hop community.