Joseph Antonio Cartagena, better known as Fat Joe, is an American rapper, actor, and successful entrepreneur. Hailing from Bronx, New York, he is a member of the music groups ‘Terror Squad’ and ‘D.I.T.C.’ In addition to his music career, Fat Joe is the executive chief of the entertainment company ‘Terror Squad Entertainment.’ He has released numerous studio albums and singles, with his album ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy’ being his most commercially successful. Known for his hit songs like ‘Lean Back,’ ‘What’s Luv?,’ ‘Make it Rain,’ and ‘All The Way Up,’ Fat Joe has also ventured into acting, appearing in movies such as ‘Happy Feet,’ ‘Scary Movie 3,’ and the Netflix series ‘She Gotta Have It.’ Despite facing controversies and serving a prison term for tax evasion, Fat Joe continues to make a significant impact in the music and entertainment industry.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Joseph Antonio Cartagena
- Age: 53 Years, 53 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Lorena Cartagena (div. 2012)
- Father: Ernesto Delgado
- Mother: Marie Cartagena
- Children: Azariah Cartagena, Joey Cartagena, Ryan Cartagena
- Born Country: United States
- Ancestry: Puerto Rican American, Cuban American
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
- Founder/Co-Founder: Terror Squad Entertainment
Childhood & Early Life
Fat Joe was born Joseph Antonio Cartagena on August 19, 1970, in South Bronx, New York City, to parents of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent. He grew up in public housing in a tough neighborhood and turned to burglary to help support his family. His older brother introduced him to music, and he was influenced by Latin and Zulu music. He found inspiration from his surroundings for writing lyrics.
Career
In the early 1990s, Fat Joe signed a contract with ‘Relativity Records’ as part of the group D.I.T.C. (Diggin In The Crates crew) and used the stage name ‘Fat Joe da Gangsta.’ He released his debut album, ‘Represent,’ in 1993, which included works from artists such as Diamond D., Lord Finesse, and The Beatnuts. The lead single from the album, ‘Flow Joe,’ reached the number one position on the ‘Billboard Hop Rap Singles’ chart. He continued to release albums throughout the years, collaborating with various artists and achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim.
Personal Life
Fat Joe has appeared in a few movies, including ‘Thicker than Water’ (1999), ‘Empire,’ and ‘Happy Feet’ (2006), among others. He has also ventured into other business endeavors, such as a fashion line called ‘FJ560,’ a barber shop, and a clothing store called ‘Fat Joe’s Halftime.’ After the death of rapper Big Pun, whom Fat Joe admired, he decided to focus on his own health and successfully lost 88 pounds.
Legal Issues
Fat Joe has had several legal issues throughout his career. In 1998, he was arrested for stealing a gold chain, and later that year, he and Big Pun were arrested on assault charges. He has also been a witness in murder cases. In 2013, he served a four-month prison sentence for tax evasion, pleading guilty to not paying income tax on more than $3 million between 2007 and 2010.
Awards & Achievements
Fat Joe has been nominated four times for Grammy Awards and once for MTV Video Music Awards. He won an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award in 2005 for the song ‘What’s Luv?’ and a Billboard Latin Music Award in 2006 for ‘I Don’t Care/Que Mas Da (Dance Remixes).’
Personal Life
Fat Joe was previously married to Lorena Cartagena, but the couple reportedly separated in 2012. They have three children together named Ryan, Joey, and Azaniah.