Hubbry Logo
Fat JoeFat JoeMain
Open search
Fat Joe
Community hub
Fat Joe
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Fat Joe
Fat Joe
Fat Joe
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper. He began recording as a member of hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in 1992, and pursued a solo career with the release of his debut studio album, Represent (1993) the following year. Cartegena formed the hip hop group Terror Squad and its namesake record label in the late 1990s, through which he has signed fellow New York artists including Big Pun, Remy Ma, Tony Sunshine, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, as well as then-unknown producers DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre.

Key Information

Represent was preceded by his debut single "Flow Joe", which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked atop the Hot Rap Songs chart.[1] The album was followed by Jealous One's Envy (1995), Don Cartagena (1998), and Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) (2001)—the latter received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and yielded the hit single, "What's Luv?" (featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti).[2][3] The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, while his 2004 single "Lean Back" (with Terror Squad) peaked atop the chart and remains his most commercially successful release. Cartagena has also released the top 40 singles "Make It Rain" (featuring Lil Wayne) in 2006, and "All the Way Up" (with Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Infared) a decade later.

Cartagena has appeared in several films, including Scary Movie 3 and Happy Feet, as well as Spike Lee's Netflix series She's Gotta Have It.

Early life

[edit]

Joseph Antonio Cartagena was born on August 19, 1970 in the Bronx, New York City, where he was raised by parents of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent.[4][5][6][7] Living in the Forest Houses, a public housing project in the Morrisania neighborhood, Cartagena began stealing at a young age to support his family.[8][9] He also admits that he was a bully in his childhood.[8] His older brother, Angel (d. 2024),[10] introduced him to hip hop music. At the time, Cartagena had been kicked out of his family's apartment following a fight with his father and began dealing drugs.[11]

Music career

[edit]

1992–1995: Early years, Represent and Jealous One's Envy

[edit]

Cartagena began performing music under the alias, Fat Joe da Gangsta, and became part of the rap group D.I.T.C., formed by producer Diamond D. After performing at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night even in 1991,[12] Cartagena was represented by music executive Chris Lighty of Violator and then, signed to Relativity Records in the early 1990s, recording material for his debut studio album and working with many artists whom he would later sign to his own label.

On July 27, 1993, his debut album Represent was released, featuring production from The Beatnuts, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, and others. Its lead single, "Flow Joe", peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. Other singles from the album included "Watch the Sound" and "This Shit Is Real".[4][13]

On October 24, 1995, Cartagena released his second studio album, Jealous One's Envy, which peaked at number 71 on the Billboard 200 and at number seven on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The album featured a guest appearance from KRS-One and production from Diamond D. The lead single was "Success", which failed to chart. His second single, "Envy" peaked at number eight on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.[citation needed]

One day while writing for the album at Chung King Studios, Cartagena happened to find that his rap idol and friend, LL Cool J, was in another room with Poke and Tone, known together as the production duo, the Trackmasters. They were working on the remix version of LL's single, "I Shot Ya". After being welcomed to contribute a verse, Cartagena appeared on the remix, along with Foxy Brown, Keith Murray, and Prodigy of Mobb Deep. The track is considered by Cartagena to be one of his career highlights.[14][15] A video, directed by Hype Williams, was shot for the remix.[16]

During the recording of Jealous One's Envy, Cartagena discovered fellow Latino rapper and New Yorker Big Pun, who was later featured on the song, "Watch Out". Cartagena later explained the rapper's influence on him: "Latinos before us who had the opportunity to do it just didn't know how to do it. They came in trying to do this black music, waving flags. [But] we're trying to kick in the doors for other Latinos and represent our people, and it shows."[17]

1996–1999: Signing with Atlantic, Don Cartagena and Terror Squad

[edit]
Fat Joe in 1999

In 1996, Cartagena left Relativity, after discovering that the label had underpromoted him. However, he is still featured on the label's compilation, Relativity Urban Assault on the track, "Firewater".

In 1997, Cartagena attempted to sign with Sean "Diddy" Combs' imprint, Bad Boy Records, but later signed with Atlantic Records after the label offered him his own music label, Terror Squad Entertainment.[18] Combs blessed Cartagena to join Atlantic after he denied him permission to launch Terror Squad under Bad Boy.[citation needed] Rapper Eminem sent Cartagena a demo for him to join his Terror Squad imprint under Atlantic, but Cartagena rejected it six times.[19] He executive produced and also was featured on Big Pun's 1998 debut album, Capital Punishment.

He subsequently began recording his third studio album, Don Cartagena, which was released on September 1, 1998. His first under Terror Squad and Atlantic through a joint venture with Mystic Entertainment Group and Atlantic's Big Beat Records, it debuted on the Billboard 200 at number seven and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart (it was prevented from topping the latter chart by The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill), eventually being certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) a month after its release for shipping 500,000 copies in the United States.[20] The album featured three singles with accompanying music videos, "Bet Ya Man Can't Triz", "John Blaze", and "Don Cartagena". Guest appearances included Nas, Puff Daddy, Big Pun, Raekwon, Jadakiss, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony members Krayzie Bone and Layzie Bone. On Don Cartagena, he debuted his own group, Terror Squad (1998-2006), consisting of Big Pun, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, Prospect, Armageddon, Tony Sunshine and later, Remy Ma.[21] Triple Seis claimed that he and Pun were ghostwriters for Don Cartagena, and asserts that Cartagena continues to hire ghostwriters.[22]

In 1999, he and Big Pun appeared on Jennifer Lopez's single, "Feelin' So Good", from her album, On the 6. Also that year, Terror Squad released a compilation album, Terror Squad: The Album. The compilation sold below commercial expectations.[citation needed]

2000-2005: Personal crisis, continued music career and "Lean Back"

[edit]

In 2000, Cartagena's friend and Terror Squad artist Big Pun died that February of a heart attack.[23] That same year, he lost his older sister and grandfather.[24] The aftermath of his family and Big Pun's deaths sent Cartagena into a clinical depression.[24] He began drinking heavily to cope with the pain. Around the same time, Armageddon, Triple Seis and Cuban Link have parted ways with Cartagena's Terror Squad imprint due to internal conflicts with him and Atlantic Records.[25] Cartagena began seeking therapy for his depression issues with the help of his wife, Lorena.[26]

Cartagena then released his fourth studio album, Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.), on December 4, 2001. A sequel to his 1995 album, Jealous One's Envy, the album featured guest appearances by Ashanti, Ja Rule, N.O.R.E., Busta Rhymes, Petey Pablo, M.O.P., Ludacris, R. Kelly, Buju Banton, and various artists from his Terror Squad label. The lead single, "We Thuggin'", featuring R. Kelly was a hit single, but would not reach the superior level of its follow-up single, the Irv Gotti-produced song, "What's Luv?", featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti, which was released in early 2002.[27] "What's Luv?" would chart at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Cartagena's second biggest commercial hit single in his career.[28] It was also included on the soundtrack to the 2002 dramedy film, Juwanna Mann.[citation needed] At the time of the album's release, Cartagena's management transition to the Squad Music, a management wing of Terror Squad Entertainment after parting ways with Mick Bentson and Chris Lighty's Violator company. Jealous Ones Still Envy is Cartagena's biggest selling album in his career to date, having been certified platinum by the RIAA in May 2002 for the shipment over a million copies.[20] During this period, Cartagena's wife, Lorena, became his stylist for the time being, also being credited for half-dressing her husband in a sleeveless jacket with his chest being nearly shown to the crowd while performing "What's Luv?" at MTV's annual Spring Break concert in 2002.[29]

However, despite the continuing success of "What's Luv?", his fifth studio album, Loyalty, released on November 12, 2002, was not as successful as Jealous Ones Still Envy.[30] It debuted at number 31 on the Billboard 200. Its first single, "Crush Tonight" featuring Ginuwine, was also a commercial disappointment, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100.[citation needed] Cartagena later appeared on Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz's single, "Play No Games", alongside Oobie and Trick Daddy.[citation needed] Tony Sunshine filled in for Ginuwine as the chorus performer for "Crush Tonight" when he and Cartagena performed the song on a 2003 episode of the Comedy Central program Chappelle's Show.[citation needed] Also in 2003, he was featured in the pop single "I Want You" by Mexican singer Thalía.

Throughout October 2003 and April 2004, Cartagena reunited with his group Terror Squad to record a second compilation album. He also setup a studio session with record producer Scott Storch, which would end up producing the song, "Lean Back". He began singing a melody for the beat to Storch, who later materialized the production.[31][32] Originally a Fat Joe solo track for the Terror Squad compilation, Remy Ma overheard the session and demanded that she appear on the second verse of the track upon recording it.[33] Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic called the song "a perfect club-ready duet between Joe and Remy Ma that boasts a trademark Scott Storch beat and a memorable singalong hook and dance-along step".[34] "Lean Back" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks[35] before being ousted from the top position by singer Ciara's single, "Goodies".[36] It was also certified gold by the RIAA in January 2005. However, the Terror Squad compilation, True Story, released on July 7, 2004, did not fare well commercially. It sold 90,000 units in its first week, though it was a commercial success on Billboard, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart respectively.[citation needed]

He then began recording material for Ivy Queen's debut English-language album, Real, in support of her goal to compete in the world of English-language hip hop music.[37][38][39] Cartagena portrayed himself and provided his own voice and likeness for the September 2004 video game, Def Jam: Fight For NY.[40] The video game also featured Cartagena's 2002 song "Take A Look At My Life" from Loyalty.

That November, Cartagena appeared on Ja Rule's single, "New York", alongside rapper and the Lox member, Jadakiss. This was what provoked a feud between Cartagena, Jadakiss and 50 Cent, due to 50's disapproval of the former two appearing on a Ja Rule song, and the fact that 50 Cent himself had a violent feud with the rapper since 1999.[41] Cartagena dissed 50 Cent on the track, "My Fofo", which later appeared on his sixth studio album, All or Nothing, which was released on June 14, 2005. Despite the inclusion of "My Fofo", All or Nothing spawned the singles, "So Much More" and "Get It Poppin" featuring Nelly, also with guest appearances from Eminem, Mase, Remy Ma, Mashonda (the ex-wife of producer Swizz Beatz), and R. Kelly; the album also included a remix of "Lean Back" as a bonus track.[42] Despite favorable reviews from critics, the album was yet another commercial failure for Cartagena, debuting at number six on the Billboard 200, with 106,000 copies sold in its first week, the lowest first-week sales for a Fat Joe album and the lowest-selling studio album in Cartagena's music career.

2006-2008: Departure from Atlantic Records, seventh and eighth studio albums

[edit]

In 2006, with the disappointment of the commercial and critical reception of All or Nothing, Cartagena parted ways with Atlantic Records and bought back the rights and trademark to his Terror Squad imprint.[43] In 2024, Cartagena repaid eighteen-year advances back to Atlantic and its parent company, Warner Music Group, after which he called the major music label industry a "Ponzi scheme".[44] As of April 2018, his music catalog for Atlantic Records is no longer under ownership of Warner Music Group, being divested in 2017 to RT Industries, a company founded by Razor & Tie founders.[45] However, Warner Music retains the digital distribution rights, now under its ADA division. This divestment was required as effect of a deal with IMPALA and the Merlin Network, related to Warner Music's acquisition of Parlophone Records from the now-defunct EMI.[45]

In early 2006, Cartagena hired Troy Carter as his new manager for his seventh studio album. He then appeared in a freestyle cipher segment for VH1's "Freestyle 59" competition in October 2006, prior to the VH1 Hip Hop Honors featuring New Jersey rapper Neuse.[46] Cartagena also featured on N.O.R.E.'s single, "Mas Maiz", which appeared on the latter's first Spanish-language album, N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe.[citation needed]

Fat Joe performing in Portugal in 2006

Me, Myself & I, released on November 14, 2006, is Cartagena's seventh studio album. It was also his first album, released under his new deal with Imperial Records, a division of Caroline Records, itself a subsidiary of the independent division of Virgin Records (now Virgin Music Group).[47][48][49] It featured the hit single "Make It Rain" featuring rapper Lil Wayne, followed by "No Drama (Clap and Revolve)". "Make It Rain", however, made a dominant placement in the new era of New York City's hip-hop scene, which was overshadowed by the birth of Atlanta-based trap music, which the song's production was based off of. The song peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100, went platinum (also in mastertone form) for selling a million copies the following year[50] and in 2008, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.[51]

The day of his seventh album's release, photos circulated online when he appeared on MTV's Total Request Live alongside rapper the Game, who coincidentally released his sophomore studio album, Doctor's Advocate, the same day. Both rappers bought copies of their albums together at a Virgin Megastores in New York City's Times Square.[citation needed] The budding friendship between Cartagena and the Game also infuriated their longtime rival, 50 Cent.[52][53]

In June 2007, Catholic priest Michael Pfleger targeted Cartagena as among several rappers he believed promoted misogyny in his billboard campaign, "Stop Listening to Trash", which was launched on June 18, throughout Chicago, where Pfleger preached.[54] Also that month, Cartagena was featured on DJ Khaled's single, "We Takin' Over", alongside Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Birdman, and Lil Wayne and the remix to Khaled's "I'm So Hood" with Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Ludacris, and Birdman. At the end of January 2008, Cartagena and his longtime accountant, Brian Dittrich, both denied rumors spreading on the internet that the rapper owed the IRS taxes; Cartagena was later convicted of federal tax charges in 2013.[55][56]

Cartagena's eighth solo studio album, The Elephant in the Room,[57] and released on March 11, 2008; its lead single was "I Won't Tell" featuring singer J. Holiday.[58] The album debuted at the number six on the Billboard 200 with 47,000 copies sold in its first week.[59] "Ain't Sayin' Nuthin'", featuring Plies, followed.

2009-2011: Jealous Ones Still Envy 2, new record deal, guest appearances and non-album singles

[edit]

Cartagena's ninth solo studio album, J.O.S.E. 2, was released on October 6, 2009, and sold 11,000 copies in its first week. It debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 73.[60][61] The project reprises the title of Cartagena's respective second and fourth studio albums, Jealous One's Envy (1995) and Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) (2001), and marked his third release since bringing his Terror Squad imprint to the Caroline/EMI family in 2006. The album featured guest appearances by Ron Browz, Fabolous, Lil' Kim, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, and Akon. Producers include Jim Jonsin, The Inkredibles, and frequent collaborator StreetRunner.[62] "One", featuring Akon, was the first single, with "Aloha" featuring Pleasure P and Rico Love following up.[63]

In January 2010, Cartagena announced that he was working on his tenth studio album, The Darkside Vol. 1. MTV News reported that he intended "all the material to be much harsher" than his previous albums. On March 28, 2010, Cartagena signed a record deal with E1 Music (now MNRK Music Group).[64][65] On that label, he reunited with music executives Alan Grunblatt and Steve Lobel, who previously worked with Cartagena while he was signed to Relativity Records.[66] The album was released on July 27, 2010, and sold approximately 12,000 copies in the first week and entered the Billboard 200 at number 27. Production comes from The Alchemist, Cool & Dre, Streetrunner, DJ Premier, Scoop DeVille, Just Blaze, Scram Jones, Raw Uncut and DJ Infamous with guest appearances by Busta Rhymes, Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, R. Kelly, Clipse, Cam'ron, Rico Love, Too $hort, TA, and Young Jeezy.[67] The first single from The Darkside Vol. 1 is "(Ha Ha) Slow Down", which features Young Jeezy and contains a sample of Soul II Soul's "Back to Life".[68] It was followed up by its second single, "If It Ain't About Money", which features Trey Songz.[69]

On April 7, 2011, Jamie Drastik released his second mixtape, Champagne and Cocaine, which included the song "One Hundred and Ten", featuring Cartagena.[70] Cartagena was also featured on the remix to DJ Khaled's song "Welcome to My Hood", which also features Ludacris, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Mavado, Birdman, Ace Hood, the Game, Jadakiss, Bun B, and Waka Flocka Flame. It is included as the final track on Khaled's fifth studio album We the Best Forever.[71]

Fat Joe in July 2005

In an interview with XXL Magazine on September 21, 2011, Cartagena stated the Darkside Vol. 2 would be his "first ever official mixtape" and would feature the Mark Henry-produced songs "Massacre on Madison" and "Drop a Body", both of which were released earlier in the year. He confirmed to have started working on his eleventh studio album.[72] Ultimately, the Darkside, Vol. 2 was released on Halloween 2011 (October 31). Only "Drop a Body" was included on the mixtape.[73][74] On October 19, 2011, a non-album single by Cartagena, "Another Round", was released on iTunes.[75] The single, produced by Cool and Dre and Young Lad, features R&B singer Chris Brown.[76]

2012–2016: Continued non-album singles and "All the Way Up"

[edit]

In August 2012, Cartagena continued another non-album single titled "Pride N Joy".[77] Controversial musician Kanye West had Cartagena re-record his verses "300 times" causing the single's release to see a delay until its release.[77] In September 2012, He was featured on Grammy Award winner Alejandro Sanz's album, La Música No Se Toca, on a track called "Down".[citation needed] A month later, he performed with LL Cool J, former rival 50 Cent, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott as part of a BET Hip Hop Awards tribute to their manager, Chris Lighty, who took his life on August 30 that year.[78]

On November 4, 2012, his third non-album single, "Yellow Tape" which features Lil Wayne, ASAP Rocky, and French Montana, was released.[79] Cartagena would then release another single, "Ballin'" on March 18, 2013. The song features Wiz Khalifa and Teyana Taylor.[80] His music career was put on hiatus after he was sentenced to federal prison for four months following his conviction for tax evasion that year.[81] His mixtape, The Darkside III, was released the day he began his prison sentence.[82]

In March 2016, Cartagena reunited with Remy Ma to release their collaborative single, "All the Way Up", featuring Infared and French Montana. The single peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first top 40 hit in nearly a decade. "All the Way Up" also spawned four remixes with Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, the Game, E-40, David Guetta, Glowinthedark, Jay Park, AK-69, Daboyway, SonaOne and Joe Flizzow of rap duo Too Phat, respectively.[83][84] In February 2021, the song was certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales and streams of over two million single-equivalent units.[citation needed]

2016-2020: Reunion with D.I.T.C., Plata O Plomo, Family Ties and other ventures

[edit]

Cartagena reunited with his former group, D.I.T.C., for their album, Sessions. The album, released in October 2016, was preceded by the lead single, "Rock Shyt".[85][86] He also revealed that he and Remy Ma were working on a collaborative album, Plata O Plomo, which was released on February 17, 2017 under Empire Distribution and RNG, a label launched by Cartagena and Andre "Dre" Lyon, one-half of the production duo Cool & Dre, who had previously produced music for Cartagena since 2001.[87] Plata O Plomo includes a guest appearance by Stephanie Mills and two follow-up singles, "Cookin'" and "Money Showers", the latter which features Ty Dolla Sign.[88] Earlier in January 2017, Cartagena signed with Jay-Z's company, Roc Nation, in an artist management deal.[89]

On August 2, 2017, Cartagena released "So Excited" with Dre, who co-produced the track with StreetRunner. The song features a sample of Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garrett's "Don't Look Any Further" (1984).[90] On July 24, 2018, he and Dre released "Attention" with Chris Brown.[91] The track appears on Cartagena and Dre's collaborative album, Family Ties, which was released on December 6, 2019.[92][93] The album also featured the promotional single, "Lord Above", featuring Eminem and Mary J. Blige. On this song, Eminem calls out Nick Cannon, alleging he had sexual relations with Cannon's then-wife Mariah Carey.[94]

In 2018, he created and hosted the Coca Vision podcast on Tidal, where he discusses music, friendships, and pop culture with various celebrity guests.[95][92][96] In 2022, following Block's acquisition of Tidal, Coca Vision ended.[97]

Cartagena then appeared on the We TV reality television series, Growing Up Hip Hop: New York, with his son, Ryan.[98][99]

In July 2020, Cartagena launched the Fat Joe Show on Revolt; the series did not premiere until August 11.[100] In December 2020, he appeared in the ComplexLand virtual event and talked about the best sneakers of the year.[101]

2021-2024: Non-album singles, Verzuz with Ja Rule, guest appearances and the World Changed on Me

[edit]

On January 21, 2021, Cartagena released the non-album single, "Sunshine (The Light)", containing a mashup between Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much" and an acapella version of Rihanna's "Kiss It Better" with a feature credited by Amorphous and DJ Khaled.[102] That same year, he and DJ Drama released a "Gangsta Grillz" exclusive mixtape titled What Would Big Do 2021.[103]

On September 15, 2021, Cartagena reunited with Ja Rule to engage in an online single battle via Verzuz.[104] Their Verzuz battle (curated by co-creators Timbaland and Swizz Beatz) ended when Jadakiss appeared and the three performed their 2004 single, "New York", which was what ignited Cartagena and Jadakiss' mutual feud with Ja Rule's nemesis, 50 Cent, who also reacted to the battle with praise for Cartagena.[105] Cartagena also made controversial comments toward former background singer, Lil' Mo, who previously collaborated with Ja Rule in the 2000s; she responded with scathing online statements.[106]

Throughout 2022, he appeared on two songs: "The Essence" alongside Flee Lord, Mephux and LordMobb[107] and "JOE CRACK", a track produced by Diamond D from his album, The Rear View.[108]

In 2024, Cartagena released another non-album single with Remy Ma, "Outta Control".[109] He then appeared on LL Cool J's single, "Saturday Night Special", alongside Rick Ross; the track appeared on LL's album, The FORCE.[110] In August, Starz announced Cartagena's talk show, Fat Joe Talks; the series premiered October 4[111] following the series finale of Power Book II: Ghost, whose executive producer, 50 Cent, was once again Cartagena's former rival.[112] That December, he released his long-awaited eleventh studio album, the World Changed on Me.[113] The album was dedicated to his older brother, Angel, who died the previous November.[10][114] The album included guest appearances by Remy Ma, Chris Rock, Dre, Karma Nova and DJ Khaled, along with two singles, "Paradise" with Anitta and "I Got You" with Babyface.[115][116]

2025-present: Joe and Jada

[edit]

On May 5, 2025, Cartagena reunited with Jadakiss to form a podcast in sponsorship with Roc Nation and Boost Mobile titled Joe and Jada, which they explore topics related to music, entrepreneurship and sports.[117] This was the recent reunion between the two rappers since 2021 and their first major collaboration of 2025 following their 20-year feud with 50 Cent.[118]

Business ventures

[edit]

In 2016, Cartagena opened up a sneaker store called Up NYC in Harlem.[119] The company has now expanded to 3 locations. In 2023, he partnered with It's a 10 Haircare to launch an at-home beard and hair coloring collection for men.[120]

Personal life

[edit]

On June 12, 2022, Cartagena sold his mansion in Miami for $3.25 million.[121]

Family

[edit]

Cartagena has been married to his wife, Lorena, since 1995. They met in 1993 at a Miami nightclub where he was performing after former Relativity executive Steve Lobel introduced Cartagena to her.[122] The couple welcomed their only child together, a daughter named Azariah, on May 12, 2006.

Cartagena has two sons from previous relationships: Joey, who was born when Cartagena was 19, and Ryan, who was born in the mid-90s.[123] His son, Joey, has autism and down syndrome; he has discussed raising him as a young single father.[124]

Cartagena's father,[125] mother,[126] sister,[26] brother[10] and grandfather[26] had died.

Friends

[edit]

Cartagena's list of friends include Kool DJ Red Alert, Funkmaster Flex[127] (who introduced him to Angie Martinez), LL Cool J,[128] N.O.R.E.,[129] Jennifer Lopez,[130] Jadakiss,[117] French Montana, Mary J. Blige,[131] Nas[132] and Ja Rule.[133]

Allies including Charlie Rock LD,[134] Kato,[135] Raul,[136] Cartagena's fellow D.I.T.C. cohort Big L,[137] Big Pun,[23] Chris Lighty,[138] David Stern,[citation needed] Nipsey Hussle,[139] DMX[140] and Irv Gotti[141] have died.

Community work

[edit]

In December 2016, Cartagena returned to his old school in the Bronx to donate computers for students with support from Microsoft.[142]

Fat Joe at the White House to discuss cannabis reform in March 2024

In 2008, he attended the grand opening of the Hip Hop Soda Shop in Miami which was a community outreach project set up by Ben Chavis for the youth to hang out and do things such as record music, use the computers and play on Xbox 360s.[143]

At a "School is Cool" assembly in Public School 5 in Jersey City, New Jersey on June 11, 2009, Cartagena was a speaker.[144]

On January 23, 2011, he appeared with Newark mayor Cory Booker and fitness expert Jeff Halevy at an event to promote the Newark branch of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative against childhood obesity.[145]

In March 2024, Cartagena attended a roundtable discussion with former U.S. vice president Kamala Harris at the White House to discuss cannabis policy reform.[146] On November 4, 2024, the day prior to election day, he spoke at a Harris presidential rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania.[147][148]

On August 8, 2024, to heavy backlash, Cartagena was awarded the key to the city of New York.[149]

Weight loss

[edit]

By 1996, he weighed 300 pounds (140 kg).[6] In 2005, ContactMusic.com[150] profiled Cartagena's weight loss efforts.

In 2011, he unveiled his latest weight loss efforts in the video for his song "Drop a Body"[151] after losing 88 pounds (40 kg) off his previous weight of 350 pounds (160 kg).[152] Furthermore, he follows a low-carb approach, eating sweet potatoes but not eating certain carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and white pasta.[153]

In 2022, Cartagena said that he would not change his stage name from Fat Joe despite his weight loss, because it would not be a good marketing move.[154][155]

In 2024, he revealed that he uses the GLP-1 agonist drug Ozempic to help maintain a healthy weight.[156]

[edit]

On September 8, 1998, Cartagena and Big Pun were arrested on assault charges for hitting a man with a baseball bat and stealing the man's gold chain on June 14 that year.[7] Cartagena was arrested again on May 12, 2002, for allegedly fighting with another man at B.B. King's Blues Club in Times Square, but the charges were dropped on January 10, 2003.[157]

In two murder cases, Cartagena has been named a witness:

  • His former bodyguard, Jose Mulero (also known as Sing Sing), was arrested on September 17, 2004, for the April 15, 1994, shooting death of 16-year-old Ernesto Rivera at a Bronx nightclub. Responding to a subpoena, Cartagena claimed to have heard the shooting and seen people fleeing the scene, but investigators argued that he was standing closer to Mulero, by a door.[158]
  • Miami Beach police also named Cartagena as a witness in a 2007 Memorial Day double murder outside David's Cafe II in South Beach. Jermaine "Wufgang" Chamberline of Miami Gardens was accused of shooting Lessli Paz and Joey Navarro to death on that morning; Cartagena and the two victims were sitting in a rented Cadillac Escalade parked outside the restaurant when a fight broke out between passengers and another man.[159]

In August 2014, Liza Rios, widow of Big Pun, filed a $2.3 million lawsuit against Cartagena and Steve Rifkind, founder of Loud Records, regarding unpaid royalties for two of the rapper's studio albums, Capital Punishment (1998) and Yeeeah Baby (2000). Music producer and disc jockey Jellybean Benitez was also named as a co-defendant, due to his involvement with Big Pun. Rios additionally stated through her attorney that she was not paid any royalties from Cartagena nor Rifkind since 2005.[160] On June 22, 2016, both parties settled out-of-court for undisclosed reasons.[160] Cartagena and Liza Rios are no longer on speaking terms, due to the severity of the lawsuit. In 2021, their dispute resurfaced. That March, Cartagena was absent from an event in the Bronx, with a street being renamed in Pun's honor. Cartagena admitted that his ongoing dispute with Pun's estate was what caused him not to attend the ceremony.[161] Then, in September, Liza Rios claimed Cartagena "robbed" Big Pun's estate of the royalties he was supposedly owed up until his death in 2000. Cartagena responded that Rios refused to approve of a Big Pun biographical film. Rapper N.O.R.E., who also hosted the podcast, Drink Champs, also defended Cartagena against Rios' allegation. Cartagena and Rios also argued over a Big Pun documentary that was released in 2002, with the former claiming that the latter had used half the money he paid her with the intent to settle the royalty dispute, but instead to finance the documentary, which included a camera footage of Rios being assaulted by Pun.[162] On December 22, 2024, Liza Rios stormed out of an interview on the Uppercut podcast when she was asked about Cartagena.[163][164]

In 2019, Cartagena, Remy Ma and French Montana were filed suit by rapper Fly Havana over songwriting royalties regarding their 2016 single, "All the Way Up".[165] On January 8, 2022, the lawsuit was dismissed.[166] In October 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reopened the plaintiff's claims, with a circuit panel stating in a 30-page opinion that the "lower court abused its discretion".[167] Cartagena's request to dismiss the lawsuit was rejected by a judge.[168]

On April 29, 2025, Cartagena filed a lawsuit against his former hype man, Terrance "T.A." Dixon, for defamation and extortion after the defendant made false accusations against him, regarding child sexual abuse or calling Cartagena a pedophile.[169][170] On June 19, 2025, Dixon filed a $20 million lawsuit with the complaint alleging Fat Joe engaged in sex acts with minors and repeatedly coerced Dixon into more than 4,000 sexual acts to maintain his standing within Cartagena's enterprise.[171]

Tax evasion

[edit]

In December 2012, Cartagena pleaded guilty to tax evasion for not paying income tax on over $3 million from 2007 to 2010. On June 24, 2013, he was sentenced to four months in prison for tax evasion.[81] He began the sentence on August 26, 2013, and was released on November 28, 2013.[172]

Feud with 50 Cent

[edit]

50 Cent ignited a feud with Cartagena when the latter collaborated with Ja Rule, a well-known rival of 50 Cent and G-Unit.[173][174] The feud took aim at him following his 2002 single, "What's Luv?", which featured Ja Rule. Cartagena continued his collaborations with Ja Rule on the latter's 2004 single, "New York" (which also featured Jadakiss), prompting 50 Cent to release a diss track aimed at both Cartagena and Jadakiss titled "Piggy Bank", a track on 50 Cent's sophomore studio album, The Massacre (2005).[175][176] Cartagena later responded with "My Fofo", a track from his sixth studio album, All or Nothing (2005), which released later that same year.[177]

Cartagena subsequently attacked 50's street credibility and called him a "coward" on a phone interview with DJ Kay Slay via Hot 97.[178] Tensions boiled over during the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards when Cartagena presented the award for Best Hip Hop Video, during which he told the audience "I feel so safe tonight with all this police protection courtesy of G-Unit".[179][180] 50 Cent later retaliated with a profanity-laden diatribe following his performance of the song, "So Seductive" with former G-Unit artist Tony Yayo, exclaiming "Fat Joe's a pussy man! Pussy boy, fuck boy, nigga what?!". The feud later affected Cartagena financially as he sought to secure a $20 million contract endorsing Air Jordan sneakers in early 2005; Michael Jordan himself later cancelled the contract following the VMA incident as he was in fear of conflict with 50 Cent or other affiliates.[181] Verbal disputes between Cartagena and 50 Cent continued during this time period: in September 2007, on the BET program Rap City, 50 Cent accused Cartagena of being cowardly for not willing to confront him, but Cartagena dismissed this claim as "nonsense".[182] Later, in January 2008, 50 Cent released another diss towards Cartagena, called "Southside Nigga (I'm Leaving)".[citation needed] On March 20, 2008, shortly after sales were revealed, regarding Cartagena's eighth album, The Elephant in the Room, 50 Cent released a video via YouTube, which features the "funeral" of Cartagena, which shows 50 Cent crying in the fake footage. 50 Cent then talks about Cartagena's record sales and states that he ended his career (contrary to popular belief and in similarity towards Ja Rule) and that his mixtape "blew out" Cartagena's album, referring to G-Unit's Elephant in the Sand (Volume II).[183]

Following this, little action was taken on either side as the feud seemed to calm down by 2011. Murder Inc. Records co-founder Irv Gotti (1970-2025) later expressed anger at Cartagena following his proposal to quell their longstanding feud with G-Unit in 2010.[184] In 2012, 50 Cent approached Cartagena in talks of ending the feud following the two agreeing to perform at a memorial ceremony for deceased music executive, Chris Lighty, who also served as a manager and mentor for both artists.[185] The feud was finally squashed when Cartagena and 50 Cent performed at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards in Lighty's honor.[78] Despite the prior history between the two, they became close friends and business associates shortly thereafter despite Cartagena's lengthy connections with Ja Rule.[186][187]

DJ Kay Slay mixed a track titled "Free Again", featuring both Cartagena and 50 Cent, unbeknownst to both rappers. The song was released in 2014.[188] Ten years later, in 2024, 50 Cent admitted regret for starting the feud with Cartagena.[189]

[edit]

In the early 2000s, Cartagena started feuding with rapper Cuban Link after the former allegedly shelved the latter's planned debut studio album, 24K, which was set to be released on Atlantic Records and Terror Squad Entertainment. This caused Cuban to leave Terror Squad and go solo; he also alleged that Cartagena had him blackballed from the industry which forced Cuban to go underground.[190] In May 2001, Cartagena got into an altercation with rapper SunKiss at a release party for Angie Martinez's debut studio album, Up Close and Personal. Cuban tried to stop the fight but it resulted in him getting his face cut which left long-lasting scars on his face.[citation needed]

LGBT beliefs and support

[edit]

During an interview with Vlad TV, Cartagena stated that he believes that people in the LGBTQ community should not hide their sexuality and should stand by who they are. He mentioned that it is possible that he has done songs with gay rappers and that there are likely several gay people besides rappers in the hip hop industry who are in the closet, describing it as a "Gay Mafia".[191]

His comments came after he was asked to comment on radio personality Mister Cee (1966-2024) being arrested for public lewdness with a transgender sex worker.[192]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Fat Joe discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1994 I Like It Like That Biker Inmate
1999 Urban Menace Terror Video
Whiteboyz Don Flip Crew #2
Thicker Than Water Lonzo
2001 Blazin' Big Jay
Prison Song Big Pete
2002 Empire Tito Severe
2003 Scary Movie 3 Himself
2006 Happy Feet Seymour (voice)
2009 Breathe Eddie Cortes Short
2011 The Cookout 2 Bookie
Narx Big Ed
2015 Supermodel Xavier
2016 Checkmate Freddie "Flash" Morales
2017 Lady Rider Freddie "Flash" Morales
2018 Night School Bobby
2020 Fearless DJ (voice)
2022 Hustle Himself
2024 This Is Me... Now: A Love Story Therapist

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Chappelle's Show Himself Episode: "Great Moments In Hookup History & Ask A Black Dude"
Intimate Portrait Himself Episode: "Ashanti"
2004 MTV Cribs Himself Episode: "21 November 2004"
2005 Unique Whips Himself Episode: "Lincolns, Strippers and Bentleys, Oh My"
The Apprentice Himself Episode: "Bling It On"
It's Showtime at the Apollo Himself Episode: "Fat Joe"
Top of the Pops Himself Episode: "Episode #42.18 & #42.21"
Diary Himself Episode: "Fat Joe and Friends"
The Andy Milonakis Show Himself Episode: "Episode #1.6"
2006 Driven Himself Episode: "LL Cool J"
Fuse Celebrity Playlist Himself Episode: "Fat Joe"
2008 SBC Blue Room Himself Episode: "Fat Joe"
The Greatest Himself Episode: "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs"
2016 Inside the Label Himself Episode: "Terror Squad Entertainment"
Live from the Streets Himself Episode: "MIA, feat. Rara Kuyu, Fat Joe, DJ Brace and TonTon"
2017 Unsung Himself Episode: "Fat Joe"
Celebrity Sweat Himself Episode: "Episode #3.2"
So Cosmo Himself Episode: "Vol. 1, No. 4: Fun Fearless Money"
2017–18 Hip Hop Squares Himself Recurring Guest: Season 3 & 5
2017–19 She's Gotta Have It Winny Win Winford Recurring Cast
2018 Remy & Papoose: Meet the Mackies Himself Episode: ""Dadchelor Party"
2019 Hip-Hop Evolution Himself Recurring Cast: Season 3
Rhythm + Flow Himself/Guest Judge Episode: "New York Auditions"
Growing Up Hip Hop: New York Himself Recurring Cast
2021–22 The Wendy Williams Show Himself/Guest Co-Host Recurring Guest Co-Host: Season 14
2022 30 for 30 Himself Episode: "The Greatest Mixtape Ever"
Origins of Hip Hop Himself Recurring Guest
The Captain Himself Recurring Guest
Murder Inc Records Docu Himself Recurring Guest
2022–24 BET Hip Hop Awards Himself/Host Main Host
2023 Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World Himself Main Guest
Leguizamo Does America Himself Episode: "New York"
Celebrity Game Face Himself/Contestant Episode: "Music Hitmakers Edition"
Hip Hop Treasures Himself Recurring Guest
2024 Celebrity Family Feud Himself/Contestant Episode: "Episode #11.6"
Fat Joe Talks Himself/Host Main Host
2025 Hell's Kitchen Himself Episode: "The Heat is Coming to Hell's Kitchen"
Godfather of Harlem Slim Lou Episode: "The Pawn Goes First"

Music videos

[edit]
Year Song Artist
1994 "Heaven & Hell" Raekwon featuring Ghostface Killah
"Suckas Need Bodyguards" Gang Starr
"Put It On" Big L featuring Kid Capri
1995 "Danger" Blahzay Blahzay
"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" KRS-One
1996 "Actual Facts" Lord Finesse featuring Grand Puba, Large Professor & Sadat X
1997 "I'm Not a Player" Big Pun
1998 "Still Not a Player" Big Pun featuring Joe
1999 "Notorious B.I.G." The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy & Lil' Kim
2000 "It's So Hard" Big Pun featuring Donell Jones
"Still Telling Lies" Cuban Link
2001 "Feelin' on Yo Booty" R. Kelly
"Fight Music" D12
2002 "Full Mode" N.O.R.E.
2003 "Where the Hood At?" DMX
2005 "Nasty Girl" The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge & Avery Storm
2006 "Smack That" Akon featuring Eminem
2007 "Speedin'" Rick Ross featuring R. Kelly
"Get Buck in Here" DJ Felli Fel featuring Diddy, Akon, Ludacris & Lil Jon
"100 Million" Birdman featuring Young Jeezy, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
2008 "The Boss" Rick Ross featuring T-Pain
"Cash Flow" Ace Hood featuring T-Pain and Rick Ross
"Krazy" Pitbull featuring Lil Jon
"Throw Them Staxxx" Benisour featuring Billy Blue & Clete
2010 "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" Rick Ross featuring Styles P
2011 "Hustle Hard (Remix)" Rick Ross featuring Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
2012 "Amen" Meek Mill featuring Drake
2023 "Fever" Nas

Video Games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2004 Def Jam Fight For NY Crack Voice role and likeness
2006 Def Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover Crack Voice role and likeness
2007 Def Jam: Icon Himself Voice role and likeness

Documentary

[edit]
Year Title Notes
2006 Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the Cops [194]

Commercials

[edit]
Year Title Brand Role Notes
2024 "Dunkin’ ‘The DunKings’ ft Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Tom Brady, Jack Harlow, Jennifer Lopez, & Fat Joe" Dunkin' Brands Himself Super Bowl commercial[195][196]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
2005 What's Luv? Top Soundtrack Song of the Year Won

Billboard Latin Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
2006 I Don't Care/Que Mas Da (Dance Remixes) Latin Dance Club Play Track of the Year Won

Grammy Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
2003 "What's Luv?" (featuring Ashanti) Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Nominated
2005 "Lean Back" (Terror Squad) Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Nominated
2008 "Make It Rain" (featuring Lil Wayne) Nominated
2017[197] "All the Way Up" (with Remy Ma featuring French Montana & Infared) Best Rap Performance Nominated
Best Rap Song Nominated

iHeartRadio Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
2017 "All the Way Up" (with Remy Ma featuring French Montana & Infared) Hip-Hop Song of the Year Nominated

BET Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
2005 Lean Back Viewer's Choice Nominated
2017 Fat Joe & Remy Ma Best Group Nominated

MTV Video Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
2002 What's Luv? Best Hip-Hop Video Nominated

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fat Joe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), known professionally as Fat Joe, is an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur raised in the neighborhood of . He emerged in the early as a member of the hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates before launching a solo career with his debut album Represent in 1993, establishing himself as a prominent figure in East Coast rap through gritty lyricism focused on street life and bravado. Fat Joe founded the record label and collective Terror Squad, which propelled artists like and to success, and achieved commercial breakthroughs with platinum-certified albums such as Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) in 2001, featuring hits like "What's Luv?" with Ashanti. His career spans over a dozen studio albums and collaborations yielding millions in sales, though he has not received major industry awards like Grammys. In 2013, Fat Joe was sentenced to four months in after pleading guilty to for failing to pay over $1 million in taxes on more than $3 million of income from 2007 and 2008.

Early Life

Upbringing and Family Background

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, professionally known as Fat Joe, was born on August 19, 1970, in borough of to parents of Puerto Rican and heritage. His mother, Marie del Carmen Cartagena, was born in to Puerto Rican parents, while his father, Ernesto Delgado, was . The family maintained a multicultural household reflective of their roots, with Cartagena's light features—including blonde hair and green eyes—stemming from this mixed ancestry. Cartagena was raised in the South Bronx, a neighborhood marked by poverty, crime, and the emergence of hip-hop culture in the 1970s and 1980s. As an overweight child in a predominantly Black community, he faced challenges fitting in, initially identifying strongly with Black culture due to the surrounding environment and hip-hop's origins in the Bronx, despite his Latino heritage. His upbringing involved navigating these cultural dynamics, with family ties providing a foundation amid the urban hardships of the area.

Entry into Hip-Hop Culture

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, known professionally as Fat Joe, was born on August 19, 1970, in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, where he grew up in the Forest Houses Projects amid the emergence of hip-hop culture in the late 1970s and 1980s. As a youth, he immersed himself in the foundational elements of hip-hop, including witnessing block parties and street performances that birthed the genre, with neighbors such as Diamond D, Showbiz, and Lord Finesse—key figures who later formed the Diggin' in the Crates (D.I.T.C.) crew—fostering an environment rich in musical and cultural influences. Fat Joe's initial entry into hip-hop involved active participation in and , reflecting the genre's street-level origins. He joined the TATS Crew, a prominent graffiti collective formed in 1980, and adopted the tag "Crack" for his pieces, painting murals and contributing to the visual artistry that defined early hip-hop aesthetics before transitioning toward . He has recounted observing and engaging with Latino breakdancers in the scene, which emphasized physical expression and competition as core hip-hop pillars. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Fat Joe shifted focus to MCing, leveraging connections to affiliate with the D.I.T.C. crew, an underground collective known for its crate-digging production and raw lyricism. This period marked his formal integration into hip-hop's rap component, setting the stage for recordings that highlighted his Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage alongside gritty street narratives, though his debut single "" would not arrive until 1993.

Music Career

1992–1995: Debut Album and Underground Roots

In 1992, Fat Joe, then styling himself as Fat Joe da Gangsta, entered New York's underground hip-hop circuit through his affiliation with the Diggin' in the Crates (D.I.T.C.) collective, a group of producers and MCs including Diamond D, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz who emphasized boom-bap beats and street-level authenticity. He contributed verses to tracks on Diamond D's debut album Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop, such as "Best Kept Secret," which highlighted his booming delivery and Bronx-centric rhymes amid the crew's independent vinyl releases on labels like Fat Beats. This period positioned him as a gritty representative of Latino rappers in an East Coast scene dominated by raw, non-commercial sounds, predating broader mainstream exposure. Fat Joe signed with independent label Relativity Records and released his debut album Represent on July 27, 1993, featuring 13 tracks produced primarily by D.I.T.C. members and The Beatnuts, with themes centered on South Bronx hardships, gang affiliations, and unpolished bravado. The lead single "Flow Joe," produced by Lord Finesse, showcased his commanding flow over a looped sample, achieving number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Rap Singles chart by late 1993, which propelled underground radio play and mixtape circulation. The album peaked at number 46 on the chart, earning a 3.5-out-of-5-mic review from The Source for its unfiltered depiction of urban survival, though it sold modestly compared to emerging commercial acts. By 1995, Fat Joe followed with his sophomore effort on the same label, incorporating denser storytelling and features from peers like , which reinforced his status in the pre-major-label New York rap ecosystem through limited but influential circulation in cyphers and indie circuits.

1996–1999: Major Label Transition and Terror Squad Formation

In 1996, Fat Joe departed Relativity Records, the independent label that had released his debut album Represent (1993) and follow-up (1995), amid frustrations with limited commercial reach for Latino rappers in a predominantly Black-dominated industry. He transitioned to , signing a deal that provided major-label backing through for broader distribution and marketing support. This move marked a strategic shift from underground credibility to mainstream viability, leveraging his street narratives and collaborations within the Diggin' in the Crates (D.I.T.C.) collective. Fat Joe's third studio album, , released in 1998 under Atlantic, solidified this major-label pivot, featuring production from and guest appearances from emerging associates like , foreshadowing deeper ties to his . The album's release highlighted his growing role as a tastemaker, with tracks emphasizing loyalty and Bronx grit, though it faced mixed reception for diluting his raw early sound in pursuit of crossover appeal. Concurrently, he founded Terror Squad Productions as an Atlantic imprint in 1997, creating a platform to nurture affiliated artists from his immediate circle. The Terror Squad collective coalesced around 1998, drawing core members including , , Triple Seis, Prospect, and , rooted in shared origins and a code of unyielding street allegiance that Fat Joe described as a "lifestyle" extending beyond . This formation amplified Fat Joe's influence, positioning the group as a counter to East Coast rap's fragmentation post-Biggie-Tupac era, with early debuts on building momentum. The squad's self-titled debut album followed in 1999, distributed via Atlantic/Terror Squad, capturing their raw ensemble dynamic but underscoring internal tensions over leadership and profit-sharing that would later surface.

2000–2005: Breakthrough Hits and Personal Setbacks

Fat Joe's fourth studio album, Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.), was released on December 4, 2001, through Terror Squad and , debuting at number 21 on the chart with 57,000 copies sold in its first week. The album featured collaborations with artists including Ashanti, , and , and was certified platinum by the RIAA on May 22, 2002, for shipments exceeding one million units. Key singles included "We Thuggin'" featuring , which peaked at number two on the Hot Rap Songs chart, and "What's Luv?" with and Ashanti, reaching number six on the and earning multi-platinum certification. In 2002, Fat Joe released , which entered the at number 31 but achieved lower commercial success compared to its predecessor. The Terror Squad collective, led by Fat Joe, issued their second album in 2004, propelled by the lead single "Lean Back" featuring , which topped the for three weeks and the chart, marking a significant breakthrough for the group. The track's success, driven by its catchy production and dance-associated choreography, helped debut at number seven on the . Fat Joe's sixth album, All or Nothing, followed on June 14, 2005, peaking at number six on the and featuring the single "Get It Poppin'" with , which reached number nine on the Hot 100. Despite these hits, the period included personal challenges, notably the death of longtime collaborator from a heart attack on February 7, 2000, which disrupted Terror Squad dynamics and left an emotional void in Fat Joe's career. Financial mismanagement from earlier successes contributed to ongoing monetary strains, as Fat Joe later attributed lavish spending to depleting earnings from prior albums. Additionally, a public feud with escalated in 2005, involving diss tracks and confrontations that Fat Joe claimed cost him millions in potential endorsements.

2006–2008: Label Disputes and Album Releases

In mid-2006, Fat Joe departed from Atlantic Records following the underwhelming commercial performance of his previous album, All or Nothing (2005). This transition marked a shift away from his long-standing major label affiliation, amid rumors earlier that year of potential dropping from the roster, which Atlantic had initially denied. He subsequently secured a new distribution deal through his imprint Terror Squad Entertainment with Imperial Records—a urban-focused unit under Caroline Distribution and affiliated with Virgin Records/EMI—for his upcoming projects. Fat Joe's seventh studio album, Me, Myself & I, was released on November 14, 2006, under the new arrangement with Terror Squad, Virgin, and Imperial. The project featured collaborations with artists including on "The Profit" and The Game on "Breathe and Stop," with production emphasizing street-oriented hip-hop themes. The , "Make It Rain," achieved notable chart success, peaking at number 13 on the and driving visibility for the album despite mixed regarding its formulaic approach. By 2008, Fat Joe renewed the distribution partnership with Imperial Records and Terror Squad for his eighth studio album, The Elephant in the Room, released on March 11 through Terror Squad, Virgin, and Imperial. Produced primarily by Scott Storch and Cool & Dre, the album included tracks like "The Crackhouse" featuring Lil Wayne and "Ain't Sayin' Nothin'" with Dre and Plies, focusing on gritty narratives reflective of his Bronx roots. This release represented a continuation of his independent-leaning strategy post-Atlantic, though Fat Joe later reflected on persistent financial obligations from prior label advances, including those from the Atlantic era, highlighting systemic recoupment challenges in major label contracts.

2009–2011: Comeback Efforts and Collaborations

In 2009, Fat Joe released his ninth studio , Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2), on , serving as a to his 2001 platinum-certified Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) and an attempt to recapture commercial momentum after underwhelming sales from prior projects. The album featured collaborations with artists including and on "Winding on Me," on "One," and on "," aiming to leverage high-profile guests for broader appeal. It debuted at number 73 on the chart, selling approximately 12,000 copies in its first week, reflecting modest reception amid a shifting hip-hop landscape dominated by newer acts. Following J.O.S.E. 2, Fat Joe shifted toward a grittier sound with The Darkside Vol. 1, released on July 27, 2010, under Terror Squad Entertainment and E1 Music, positioning it as a return to his street-oriented roots after mainstream crossover attempts. The project included features from Cam'ron and Clipse on "Kilo," Lil Wayne on "Heavenly Father," and DJ Khaled on "30 Rounds," emphasizing raw lyricism over pop sensibilities to reassert his presence in hardcore rap circles. Though specific sales figures were limited, the album received mixed reviews for its aggressive tone but failed to achieve significant chart traction, underscoring ongoing challenges in sustaining peak-era relevance. Throughout 2010 and 2011, Fat Joe bolstered his visibility through guest appearances, such as on the remix of DJ Khaled's "Welcome to My Hood," alongside Ludacris, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, and others, which helped maintain industry connections amid label transitions. These efforts, including a December 2009 on-air reconciliation with former Terror Squad affiliate Remy Ma, signaled attempts to revive group dynamics and collaborative networks from his earlier successes, though new solo breakthroughs remained elusive.

2012–2016: Viral Singles and Continued Relevance

In 2012, Fat Joe released the single "" featuring , which debuted on and peaked at number 80 on the Hot 100. The track, produced with a sample from Whitney Houston's "," garnered attention through its directed by Colin Tilley and released on August 27, contributing to Fat Joe's ongoing presence in hip-hop despite the absence of a full studio . From 2013 to 2015, Fat Joe focused on sporadic non-album singles and collaborations, including "Ballin'" featuring and on March 18, 2013, amid personal legal challenges that temporarily disrupted his output. These releases maintained his visibility in the genre through features on tracks by artists like and , but lacked the commercial breakthrough of prior hits, reflecting a transitional phase without major label-backed projects. The period culminated in 2016 with "All the Way Up," a collaboration with featuring and Infared, which emerged as a viral street anthem and climbed to number 27 on the Hot 100. The song's remix featuring propelled it to number 9 on the chart, driven by strong (peaking at number 15 on Hip-Hop/R&B ) and club rotation that amplified its cultural impact. This success reaffirmed Fat Joe's relevance, bridging his Terror Squad roots with contemporary trap influences and setting the stage for renewed momentum.

2017–2023: Independent Projects and Reunions

In February 2017, Fat Joe collaborated with fellow Terror Squad alum on the joint album , released via his RNG imprint and distributed by . The project, building on their prior hit single "All the Way Up" from 2016, featured guests including , , and The D.E.Y., and debuted at number 44 on the chart. This release marked a reunion effort emphasizing their shared history in the Terror Squad collective, with production handling street-oriented tracks that peaked modestly on rap charts but sustained Fat Joe's visibility through independent channels. Around the same period, Fat Joe rejoined his early group Diggin' in the Crates (D.I.T.C.) for select projects, contributing to singles like "New Wave" in late 2016, produced by Showbiz and featuring A.G. and O.C., as part of the crew's Sessions album rollout. This involvement extended into compilation efforts, including remixes on D.I.T.C.'s The Remix Project in 2019, which revisited classic material with updated production, underscoring Fat Joe's roots in underground New York hip-hop circles amid his shift toward self-managed releases. Such reunions highlighted causal continuity from his 1990s origins, prioritizing group legacy over solo dominance in an era of fragmented streaming economics. By 2019, Fat Joe pursued further independent output with , a collaborative album with producer Dre, released December 6 via RNG and . Featuring high-profile guests like on "Heaven & Hell," , , and , the 11-track set focused on reflective street narratives and hooks tailored for radio play, with tracks like "Projects" and "Drive" emphasizing endurance in hip-hop. In subsequent interviews, Fat Joe noted that independent distribution via allowed him to sell 250,000 to 300,000 units per project while retaining substantial profits, contrasting major-label constraints from earlier career phases. From 2020 to 2023, Fat Joe's musical efforts leaned toward sporadic singles and features rather than full albums, including "Paradise" with Anitta and in 2020, maintaining momentum through targeted collaborations on Empire-backed tracks. This phase reflected a strategic pivot to independent sustainability, with live performances and guest spots—such as tributes to alongside —reinforcing reunions without new group albums, amid his growing focus on media ventures. The approach yielded , as Empire's model enabled direct revenue from modest sales volumes in a streaming-dominated market.

2024–Present: Industry Commentary and New Media Ventures

In 2024, Fat Joe launched "Fat Joe Talks," an interview series on where he hosts conversations with pop culture figures and newsmakers, premiering on and featuring guests such as . The show, which Fat Joe executive produces, emphasizes intimate discussions on untold stories from entertainment and beyond. Expanding into podcasting, Fat Joe co-launched "Joe and Jada" with in May 2025, a twice-weekly program produced in association with , focusing on behind-the-scenes anecdotes from their hip-hop careers and interviews with artists like and . The podcast highlights their long-standing friendship and industry insights, with episodes addressing topics from classic rap battles to contemporary artist dynamics. Fat Joe has been outspoken about the hip-hop industry's challenges, declaring in a December on Math Hoffa's My Expert Opinion that marked "the worst year ever in hip-hop history" due to scandals and reputational risks making it "the worst time to be a ." He attributed this to external pressures rather than musical quality, amid events like legal issues involving figures such as . In the same interview, Fat Joe criticized the Foundational Black Americans (FBA) movement for what he described as exclusionary rhetoric denying Puerto Rican contributions to hip-hop's Bronx origins, labeling some adherents as "broke racists" who attack non- Americans online—a statement that ignited backlash for its language and perceived dismissal of descendant-of-slaves advocacy. He countered by asserting that hip-hop legends he knows are " & Puerto Rican," emphasizing collaborative over rigid ethnic gatekeeping. By January 2025, Fat Joe expressed bewilderment at hip-hop's evolving subgenres, telling Vibe that the current landscape involves "some weird sh*t," reflecting his view of stylistic shifts diverging from traditional forms. These comments underscore his broader critique of an industry he sees as darkened by internal divisions and external scrutiny.

Business Ventures

Record Label and Production

Fat Joe established Terror Squad Productions in the mid-1990s as an imprint under his distribution deal with , enabling him to sign and develop artists from hip-hop scene. The label, later rebranded as , focused on East Coast rap acts and served as a vehicle for Fat Joe's role as an on multiple projects. Key early signings included , whose 1998 debut album Capital Punishment—released via Terror Squad and —debuted at number one on the and sold over 500,000 copies in its first week, marking a commercial breakthrough for the imprint. Subsequent roster expansions brought in artists such as , Prospect, Triple Seis, Armageddon, Tony Sunshine, , and , who began his career DJing for the collective before transitioning to production and artist roles. The label's 1999 self-titled compilation album, executive produced by Fat Joe and distributed through Atlantic, featured contributions from these members and peaked at number 7 on the 200. Terror Squad's signature hit "" (2004), featuring Fat Joe and with production by , reached number one on the , propelling Remy Ma's solo career and generating over 205 million views by 2025. In terms of hands-on production, Fat Joe primarily contributed as an rather than a beatmaker, overseeing tracks and albums for Terror Squad affiliates while collaborating with external producers like and . His involvement extended to independent releases post-2006, after parting ways with Atlantic; for instance, his album Me, Myself & I was issued via Terror Squad with distribution through Imperial Records and Virgin. By the , the label's activity diminished, though Fat Joe maintained its legacy by mentoring emerging talent and crediting it with launching careers amid industry challenges like recoupment disputes with major distributors.

Other Entrepreneurial Efforts

In 1996, Fat Joe established , a hip-hop apparel store located at the intersection of and 150th Street in , featuring graffiti murals and serving as a hub for local . The venture reflected his commitment to his roots amid rising music fame, though specific operational details and longevity remain limited in . In , he launched Up NYC, a sneaker retail store in focused on high-end footwear and apparel, which expanded to three locations by 2022 and incorporated elements like an in-store classroom for education. The business has contributed to neighborhood economic activity, including hosting distributions for initiatives such as drives. Fat Joe entered the personal care sector in January 2024 by investing in Rewind It 10, a men's haircare product line targeting hair regrowth and skincare, which he promoted during appearances discussing his broader business portfolio. He has also pursued apparel collaborations, including a 2023 limited-edition Night Castle clothing capsule with White Castle, where proceeds partially supported youth programs. These efforts underscore diversification beyond music into retail and consumer goods, often tied to branding from his hip-hop persona.

Media Career

Film Roles

Fat Joe entered the film industry with minor roles in late-1990s independent features, such as Don Flip Crew #2 in the comedy (1999) and the character Terror in the action-horror Urban Menace (1999). He followed with supporting parts like Lonzo in Thicker Than Water (1999) and Big Jay in the hip-hop comedy Blazin' (2001). More substantial dramatic roles came in the early 2000s, including Big Pete, a veteran prisoner, in the coming-of-age film Prison Song (2001), and Tito Severe, a Dominican Republic-born drug enforcer, in the crime thriller Empire (2002). Fat Joe played himself in a cameo appearance in the spoof comedy Scary Movie 3 (2003). His voice acting credits include Seymour, an easygoing elephant seal, in the animated family film Happy Feet (2006). Later live-action roles encompass Big Ed in the action film Narx (2014), Bobby in the comedy Night School (2018), an unspecified part in the sports drama Hustle (2022), and Therapist in the semi-autobiographical musical This Is Me... Now: A Love Story (2024). These appearances often leveraged his rapper persona for authenticity in urban or comedic contexts, though critics noted limited range beyond typecasting.

Television and Hosting Appearances

Fat Joe began expanding into television hosting in 2020 with the launch of The Fat Joe Show on TV, which premiered on August 11, 2020, airing Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET and featuring interviews with artists, political figures, and other guests discussing topics such as , sports, and politics. The series emphasized unfiltered conversations, with episodes including discussions with on generational differences and parenting, as well as and Royce da 5'9" on hip-hop and industry dynamics. He subsequently hosted the BET Hip-Hop Awards in 2022 and 2023, returning as host and co-executive producer for the 2024 ceremony, which aired on October 20, 2024. These appearances leveraged his hip-hop credentials to spotlight emerging and established artists through performances and awards presentations. In 2024, Fat Joe premiered Fat Joe Talks on Starz on October 4, 2024, as his first weekly talk show on the network, consisting of 30-minute episodes where he interviews pop culture influencers, including Method Man, Buju Banton, Babyface, and T.I. He also executive produces the series, which focuses on provocative discussions drawn from his experiences in music and entertainment. Beyond dedicated hosting roles, Fat Joe has made guest-hosting appearances, including episodes of and co-hosting segments on . These efforts reflect his transition from performer to media personality, emphasizing authentic dialogues over scripted formats.

Video Games and Commercials

Fat Joe provided his likeness and for the character Crack, a playable fighter based on himself, in the 2004 fighting Def Jam: Fight for NY, developed by AKI Corporation and published by EA Games for , , and . He reprised the role in the 2006 handheld sequel Def Jam: Fight for NY: The Takeover for . The character also appears in Def Jam Icon (2007), the third entry in the series blending hip-hop artists with wrestling-style combat. These appearances integrated Fat Joe's persona into gameplay as a formidable boss opponent known for aggressive moves, contributing to the games' cultural appeal among hip-hop fans. In commercials and endorsements, Fat Joe has promoted brands including Boost Mobile, Bacardi, New Era, and Jordan Brand through campaigns tied to his music career. He featured in a 2018 Nike and Foot Locker advertisement evoking 1990s hip-hop culture, appearing in a New York City taxi-themed video. In 2023, he participated in AT&T's "Dream in Black: Black Excellence" TV spot alongside artists like Rapsody and King Combs, highlighting achievements in Black culture. That year, he narrated a Super Bowl LVII public service announcement for the Power to the Patients initiative, advocating for affordable healthcare reform. Fat Joe lent his voice to the United States Tennis Association's "Spectacular Awaits" marketing campaign for the 2024 U.S. Open. In 2024, he made a cameo in Dunkin''s "The DunKings" Super Bowl commercial with Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Tom Brady, and Jack Harlow, promoting the brand's iced coffee and donuts.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Fat Joe has been married to Lorena Cartagena since 1995, after being introduced through his former manager Steve Lobel in the early 1990s. The couple, who maintain a relatively private personal life, share one child together and have weathered publicized rumors in 2012, which did not lead to divorce. Cartagena has three children from multiple relationships. His eldest son, Joey Cartagena (born circa 1990), was diagnosed with shortly after birth and later autism; Fat Joe, then 19 years old, became a single father after Joey's mother abandoned the child upon learning of the diagnoses, a decision the rapper has publicly described as leaving him to raise his son alone without familial support initially. He has emphasized his unwavering commitment to Joey, stating in interviews that he refused to institutionalize or give up on him despite early challenges and lack of guidance. His second son, Ryan Cartagena (born circa 1995), comes from another prior relationship, with details about Ryan's mother limited in public accounts beyond mentions in Fat Joe's 2022 memoir The Book of Jose. With Lorena, the couple welcomed daughter Cartagena on May 12, 2006. Fat Joe has occasionally shared family moments on , highlighting his role as a dedicated father across his children's varying needs.

Health Transformation and Weight Loss

In 2023, Fat Joe disclosed that he had lost over 200 pounds from his peak weight of 470 pounds, attributing the transformation to a combination of dietary changes, exercise, and . His efforts began in earnest around 2002 amid struggles with depression, which had contributed to his , prompting initial attempts at fitness routines including running in sweat-inducing suits and dietary adjustments. By 2025, he reported a total loss of approximately 250 pounds over a decade, emphasizing sustained lifestyle modifications rather than quick fixes. Central to his approach was a , where he eliminated or minimized bread, pasta, and rice, viewing the body as a "computer" responsive to input changes. He incorporated regular exercise, though specifics varied, and avoided bariatric procedures like gastric bypass during the initial phases, qualifying only later for potential skin removal surgeries due to excess tissue post-loss. In recent years, Fat Joe credited semaglutide-based medication Ozempic—prescribed for his —with accelerating the process by curbing and promoting , likening its effects to "gastric bypass without the bypass" while pairing it with nutritional focus. The weight loss yielded significant health improvements, including better management of and a reversal of depression symptoms, with Fat Joe stating it enabled him to "save his own life" and embrace positivity. Despite the success, he faced physical aftermaths like loose skin, which he addressed through medical consultations, underscoring the realism of long-term bodily adaptation. This transformation, documented in interviews from 2023 onward, highlighted his shift from self-described near-fatal to a healthier frame around 220 pounds.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena in the , has directed much of his philanthropic activity toward youth education and community support in his hometown borough, often emphasizing back-to-school initiatives and holiday assistance. In September 2023, he donated over $100,000 worth of new clothing, including sweatsuits, tracksuits, t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers, to students at The Eagle Academy, I.S. 219, and P.S. 146 Edward Collins in the . This effort aimed to equip underprivileged children for the school year, reflecting his recurring focus on alleviating immediate needs in high-poverty areas. In October 2018, Fat Joe partnered with Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to launch the Public School Sneaker Initiative, which rewarded high-achieving students at four public schools with custom based on metrics like academic performance, attendance, and engagement. The program sought to incentivize positive behavior and academic success among youth in underserved communities. In November 2023, he visited a branch of the , sponsored by restaurateur , to promote literacy and encourage teenagers to utilize library resources. Annually, Fat Joe has organized Thanksgiving food drives in , distributing turkeys and meals to families in need; in November 2022 and November 2023, these efforts partnered with local entities like Krasdale Foods to ensure holiday provisions for residents. Extending beyond New York, in September 2025, he collaborated with the Paint 4 organization to donate 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to Harlem students, supporting educational access in another urban community. On the international front, Fat Joe initiated the Fat Joe & Friends Relief for fund in May 2024 amid political unrest, raising resources through Spotfund to provide essentials like portable mattresses, pillows, blankets, and diapers via the Haitian nonprofit (FFTP), which operates warehouses and employs nearly 400 locals. He has also advocated for price transparency, releasing a in February 2023 and joining protests in April 2023 against opaque billing practices, collaborating with nonprofits to highlight financial burdens on patients. His contributions earned him the Key to in August 2024 from Mayor , recognizing his lifelong commitment to Bronx and broader . These activities underscore a pattern of direct, tangible aid rooted in his upbringing, prioritizing empirical needs over broad institutional channels.

Tax Evasion Conviction

In 2012, Joseph Antonio Cartagena, known professionally as Fat Joe, faced federal charges for failing to file returns on earnings exceeding $3 million from live performances and music royalties in 2007 and 2008, specifically more than $1 million in each year. On December 20, 2012, he pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of to two felony counts of , admitting he owed approximately $700,000 in unpaid taxes to the IRS. Cartagena's guilty plea stemmed from deliberate non-filing despite substantial income, with prosecutors noting his use of a address to potentially evade tax obligations, though he maintained residences in both states. On June 24, 2013, U.S. District M. Cavanaugh sentenced him to four months in , a $15,000 fine, and three years of supervised release, emphasizing the need for deterrence in high-income tax compliance cases. He surrendered to authorities on August 26, 2013, at the Federal Detention Center in , Florida, to begin his term, which was reduced for good behavior, leading to his release on November 29, 2013—nearly a month early. Following his conviction, Cartagena publicly acknowledged the lapse as a consequence of poor amid his music demands, vowing improved fiscal responsibility thereafter.

Feuds with Rappers and Associates

Fat Joe's most prominent feud in hip-hop occurred with 50 Cent, escalating in 2005 due to Fat Joe's public support for Ja Rule amid 50 Cent's ongoing rivalry with the latter. On February 2005, during a call-in to New York radio station Hot 97, Fat Joe labeled 50 Cent a "coward" and accused him of steroid use, prompting 50 Cent to target Fat Joe in diss tracks including "Piggy Bank" from The Massacre album and "My FoFo." Fat Joe retaliated with his own responses, but the conflict persisted for years, involving street-level tensions and public disses; Fat Joe later claimed it directly led to the cancellation of multimillion-dollar sneaker endorsement deals with brands like Reebok and Air Jordan, attributing the losses to industry pressure from 50 Cent's influence. The two reconciled publicly in the early 2020s, with 50 Cent reflecting in a July 2024 Hollywood Reporter interview that he had "wasted too much time" on the beef alongside others like Cam'ron. Fat Joe also maintained a protracted dispute with , rooted in late-1990s rivalries between Fat Joe's Terror Squad crew and Jay-Z's , including street clashes and perceived slights such as a no-show by Jay-Z's team at a event. The tension surfaced in Fat Joe's 2004 track "," where he referenced abandoning support for Jay-Z during the latter's beef with , stating, "Kay keep tellin' me to stay 'round / But Joey Crack can't relate to y'all / 'Cause y'all be doin' shit that n***as hate." Fat Joe attributed part of his lost sneaker deal to this animosity, claiming Jay-Z's industry clout influenced the decision around 2005. The feud subsided by 2016, culminating in Jay-Z's feature on the remix of Fat Joe's "All the Way Up" in 2017, after which Fat Joe reached out despite lingering issues. Among associates, Fat Joe experienced fallout with former Terror Squad signee , whom he had mentored and signed in the early 2000s; their rift reportedly stemmed from business disputes and lack of support during her 2008 imprisonment for , leading to a "long-standing " that included public shade. By 2023, they reconciled, with Fat Joe stating on Angie Martinez's show that Remy "never had the time she got if I was in her life," implying his absence may have exacerbated her legal troubles, and they collaborated again on projects like the 2016 album . Tensions with Papoose, connected through Remy Ma (Papoose's wife until their 2024 separation), involved multiple physical altercations, including a 2007 hotel room scuffle in New York and another in North Carolina around 2023 where Papoose reportedly punched Fat Joe amid rumors of infidelity involving Remy. Despite these incidents, Fat Joe positioned himself as a mediator in Remy and Papoose's 2024 public divorce drama, expressing closeness to both while declining deeper involvement, stating, "They won't listen to me."

2025 Lawsuit Allegations

In June 2025, Terrance "T.A." Dixon, a former hype man for rapper Fat Joe (Joseph Cartagena), filed a $20 million federal lawsuit in New York accusing Cartagena of coercive labor exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation, psychological coercion, and sex trafficking under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The suit alleges that over more than a decade, Cartagena forced Dixon into approximately 4,000 sex acts with women, including minors as young as 16, arranged for orgies and Cartagena's personal gratification, and used threats of physical harm and career sabotage to ensure compliance. Dixon claims he received no compensation for his hype man role despite promises, and that Cartagena defrauded him of earnings from tours and endorsements. The lawsuit follows a countersuit filed by Cartagena against Dixon in April 2025, alleging and unauthorized use of Cartagena's likeness after their professional relationship ended amid disputes. Cartagena has vehemently denied Dixon's accusations, describing them on as "disgusting lies" fabricated for financial gain and vowing to pursue legal action against both Dixon and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn. Blackburn, who represented Dixon, faced separate legal scrutiny when indicted on October 20, 2025, in New York for assault after allegedly striking a process server with his vehicle outside a ; he was arrested on June 25, 2025, in connection with the incident but released on bond. This development, combined with Blackburn's history of controversial cases, has raised questions about the lawsuit's credibility among observers, though no resolution has been reported as of October 2025. The case remains ongoing, with no criminal charges filed against Cartagena and the civil allegations unproven in court.

Public Criticisms of Racial and Social Movements

In June 2020, amid widespread protests following the death of George Floyd, Fat Joe expressed skepticism toward aspects of the movement's framing of police interactions, stating on that individuals facing brutality should examine their own behavior rather than solely blaming or external racial factors. He argued that personal accountability plays a role in such encounters, a view that contrasted with dominant narratives emphasizing systemic and drew immediate criticism from activists who accused him of victim-blaming. More pointedly, in a December 20, 2024, appearance on Math Hoffa's "My Expert Opinion" podcast, Fat Joe lambasted the Foundational Americans (FBA) movement—a group advocating exclusively for reparations and of descendants of U.S. slaves—as comprising "broke racists" who weaponize to attack non- Americans, including Latinos, over cultural contributions like hip-hop's origins. He contended that hip-hop emerged from collaborative and Puerto Rican efforts in during the 1970s, citing pioneers like DJ Charlie Chase and Grandmaster Flash's multicultural crews, and rejected FBA's exclusionary stance that diminishes Latino roles in the genre's development. This critique highlighted his broader frustration with intra-community divisions, where FBA adherents, in his view, prioritize racial gatekeeping over shared historical realities, prompting backlash from FBA supporters who labeled his remarks divisive and self-serving. Fat Joe's positions reflect his experiences as a Puerto Rican-Cuban American raised in the , where he claims to have faced from some Black individuals despite cultural affinities, informing his resistance to movements he perceives as overly tribalistic or economically unproductive. He has maintained that such groups hinder unity by fixating on grievances without fostering , echoing his earlier calls for personal responsibility in social issues over collective blame. These statements, while polarizing, underscore ongoing debates within hip-hop and minority communities about inclusivity versus identity-specific advocacy.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Role in Latino Hip-Hop Representation

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, known professionally as Fat Joe, born to a Puerto Rican father and Cuban mother in the , New York, on August 19, 1970, positioned himself as a key figure in bringing Latino perspectives to mainstream hip-hop during the . His debut album Represent, released July 27, 1993, via Relativity Records, showcased street life with tracks emphasizing his cultural roots, such as references to Latino gang affiliations and neighborhood dynamics, helping to differentiate him from predominantly African American-led narratives in East Coast rap at the time. The "" reached number 82 on the , providing early visibility for a Latino rapper in a genre where such representation remained limited before the surge in the mid-2000s. Fat Joe's formation of the Terror Squad collective in the mid-1990s amplified Latino voices within hip-hop, particularly through his mentorship and signing of fellow native (Christopher Lee Rios), a Puerto Rican-Dominican rapper. Under Fat Joe's Terror Squad Productions and , released on April 28, 1998, which became the first album by a solo Latino rapper to achieve platinum certification by the RIAA, selling over one million copies and peaking at number 5 on the 200. Fat Joe facilitated Pun's deal negotiations and featured prominently on tracks like "Twinz (Deep Cover '98)," fostering a crew that included other Latino artists such as and Triple Seis, thereby creating a platform for bilingual flows and cultural fusion in underground and commercial rap circles. This effort contributed to a broader Latino presence in New York hip-hop, echoing earlier influences like Puerto Rican b-boys in crews such as the Rock Steady Crew, though Terror Squad's output emphasized lyrical prowess over dance elements. Throughout his career, Fat Joe has advocated for recognition of Latino involvement in hip-hop's development, asserting in a interview that "Latinos have played a foundational role in the movement" and describing the as "a and Latino originally." He highlighted figures from the Bronx's multicultural scene in posts celebrating Latino pioneers, positioning himself as a bridge between early Latino participants and later successes. However, such statements, including claims of equal Black-Latino co-creation during a 2022 Live, have faced backlash for minimizing hip-hop's primary roots in African American cultural expressions like toasting and traditions, with critics arguing they overlook demographic and originator evidence from the 1970s Bronx parties led by (Jamaican) and (African American with Bronx Latino crew involvement). Despite the debate, Fat Joe's sustained commercial output and collaborations—spanning over a dozen solo albums and hits like the Terror Squad's diamond-certified "" in 2004—demonstrated viability for Latino-led acts, influencing subsequent artists in blending lyricism with hip-hop production.

Influence on Genre Fusion and Commercial Success

Fat Joe's integration of Latin musical elements into hip-hop helped pioneer genre fusion, particularly by merging Bronx street rap with and salsa influences during the early 2000s crossover era. Through his Terror Squad collective, he promoted tracks that layered Spanish-language hooks and dembow rhythms over traditional boom-bap beats, as seen in collaborations like the 2005 "Reggaeton Latino" remix with , , and LDA, which adapted hip-hop verses to reggaeton's percolating percussion for urban radio play. This approach expanded hip-hop's sonic palette, influencing subsequent artists to experiment with and hybrid flows, though critics noted it sometimes prioritized market appeal over stylistic innovation. His 2019 single "Yes," featuring and , further exemplified this fusion by incorporating salsa horns and perreo energy into a trap-rap structure, peaking at number 24 on the and garnering over 100 million streams on within its first year. Fat Joe has credited such efforts with bridging hip-hop's foundational Black and Latino roots to global audiences, arguing in interviews that these blends reflect hip-hop's original multicultural genesis in . Commercially, these fusions drove Fat Joe's breakthrough, with his 2001 album Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) certified platinum by the RIAA for over one million U.S. shipments, fueled by singles like "We Thuggin'" that mixed gritty narratives with accessible hooks appealing to diverse demographics. The 2004 Terror Squad anthem "Lean Back" amplified this success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over 500,000 digital units in its initial weeks, establishing a template for group-led, rhythm-driven hits that prioritized club and radio dominance over lyrical density. While later albums saw diminishing returns—Loyalty (2002) reaching gold status but subsequent releases charting lower—these early fusion-driven ventures cemented his role in commercializing Latino-infused hip-hop, contributing to over 10 million combined album and single units sold by the mid-2000s.

Critical Reception and Industry Respect Debates

Fat Joe's critical reception has varied across his discography, with early underground efforts earning praise for authenticity amid technical critiques, while commercial-era albums often highlighted street-oriented toughness over lyrical innovation. His 1993 debut Represent drew mixed responses for its raw energy but was faulted for an awkward, feeble flow that hindered impact. By 1995, Jealous Ones Still Envy received retrospective acclaim as a pivotal New York rap album, emphasizing his heavyweight delivery and vivid street narratives produced by and others. Later projects like 2001's J.O.S.E. included standout tracks such as the self-produced "Dedication," lauded for its heartfelt nod to hip-hop roots. In the , reception stabilized around consistent, battle-hardened hip-hop. The (2010) garnered 83% positive user ratings on , reflecting approval for its New York beats and confrontational style. Plata o (2017), featuring , achieved 75% positive critic scores, praised for gritty collaborations but critiqued for formulaic execution. His 2025 release The World Changed On Me was characterized as a dependable source of in-your-face rhymes, yielding head-nodders despite blunt, occasionally clumsy wordplay. Industry respect debates frequently contrast Fat Joe's commercial longevity—bolstered by hits like "What's Luv?" (2002, peaking at No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100) and "Lean Back" (2004, No. 1)—with perceptions of middling lyrical depth. Peers and online discourse often describe him as reliably average, never delivering transcendent verses but avoiding outright duds, with early D.I.T.C.-affiliated work elevating his underground cred. Critics argue his stature derives more from Big Pun's Terror Squad association than independent artistry, with some claiming limited organic support from Black hip-hop audiences absent Pun's influence. These debates intensified post-2020, fueled by allegations of disloyalty in feuds and business practices, including claims of exploiting Big Pun's estate after his 2000 death, which eroded goodwill among purists prioritizing authenticity over sales. In a 2021 VladTV interview, asserted diminishing respect, citing Fat Joe's history of conflicts and perceived as alienating figures. Counterarguments frame him as a resilient Latino pioneer sustaining relevance through hustle, though forums highlight loyalty lapses—like endorsing rivals amid beefs—as undermining elite status. Such tensions underscore hip-hop's causal emphasis on proven street cred and uncompromised bars, where Fat Joe's plaques (over 10 million units sold) clash with skepticism over his battle-tested aura.

Accolades

Major Award Wins and Nominations

Fat Joe has earned five Grammy Award nominations without a win. In 2017, he was nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for "All the Way Up" featuring , , and Infrared. Additional nominations include Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2008 for "Make It Rain" with and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2003 for "What's Luv?" with Ashanti and . He secured wins at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, recognizing songwriting achievements. In 2017, "All the Way Up" (with , , , and Infrared) received honors for top rap song performance. Earlier, in 2005, he won for top rap song contributions. At the , Fat Joe won Latin Dance Club Play Track of the Year in 2006 for the dance remixes of "I Don't Care/Que Mas Da." In hip-hop-specific accolades, "All the Way Up" earned him 2016 wins for Best Collabo, Duo or Group and Track of the Year at the . He also received a 2002 MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best Hip-Hop Video for "What's Luv?" and a 2017 Music Award nomination.
AwardYearCategoryWorkResult
2017Best Rap Performance"All the Way Up"Nomination
2017Best Rap Song"All the Way Up"Nomination
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul2017Top Rap Song"All the Way Up"Win
Latin Music2006Latin Dance Club Play Track of the Year"I Don't Care/Que Mas Da (Dance Remixes)"Win
2016Best Collabo, Duo or Group"All the Way Up"Win

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0196117/bio/
  2. https://uaagency.com/hip-hop-rb/fat-joe/
  3. https://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/fat_joe/biography.html
  4. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/783543-fat-joe-still-hasnt-made-money-from-platinum-album-two-decades-ago-hip-hop-news
  5. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/4166
  6. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-pleads-guilty-to-tax-evasion-1481290/
  7. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rapper-fat-joe-sentenced-to-four-months-in-prison-for-tax-evasion/
  8. https://www.distractify.com/p/fat-joe-parents
  9. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/fat-joe-13627.php
  10. https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/fat-joe-opens-about-his-racial-identity-talks-growing-black-neighborhood
  11. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rapper-fat-joe-mental-health-growing-up-in-south-bronx-new-memoir-the-book-of-jose/
  12. https://www.closedsessions.com/original-content-1/fatjoe
  13. https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1129630172
  14. http://hiphopgoldenage.com/artists/fat-joe/
  15. https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/fat-joe-on-his-iconic-hip-hop-legacy-49228491
  16. https://www.theroot.com/fat-joe-is-here-to-remind-you-how-latino-rappers-change-1791134281
  17. https://www.hiphopscriptures.com/fat-joe
  18. https://www.latinousa.org/2018/10/03/fatjoe/
  19. https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-07-27-july-27-in-hip-hop-history-fat-joe-drops-his-debut-album-represent/
  20. https://oldtothenew.wordpress.com/2018/07/27/you-gotta-flow-joe-25th-anniversary-of-fat-joes-debut-album-represent/
  21. https://medium.com/cuepoint/still-diggin-an-oral-history-of-d-i-t-c-b91d44360a8e
  22. https://albumism.com/features/fat-joe-debut-album-represent-album-anniversary
  23. https://www.mymagic949.com/lsp/artist/bio/fat-joe/
  24. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/1963
  25. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/fat-joe-jealous-ones-envy/
  26. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/10/nyregion/fat-joe-hip-hop-celebrity-faithful-to-old-neighborhood.html
  27. https://pennylibertygbow.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/fat-joe/
  28. https://www.rt-industries.com/fat-joe
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jx2gAc4qg
  30. https://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/fat-joe
  31. https://wikipedia.nucleos.com/viewer/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2024-01/A/Jealous_Ones_Still_Envy_%28J.O.S.E.%29
  32. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/14880
  33. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/fat-joe-ft-ashanti-whats-luv/
  34. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lean-back-gets-comfy-at-no-1-66853/
  35. https://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/terror-squad
  36. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-02-07/151619/fat-joe-remembers-big-pun-22-years-after-death
  37. https://www.grunge.com/245022/the-real-reason-fat-joe-lost-all-his-money/
  38. https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-claims-his-50-cent-beef-cost-him-millions/
  39. https://www.facebook.com/undergroundhiphopmixtapes/posts/-the-reconciliation-of-50-cent-and-fat-joe-once-fierce-rivals-in-one-of-hip-hops/1419478399027980/
  40. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2006/07/27/fat-joe-leaves-atlantic-new-album-oct-17
  41. https://allhiphop.com/news/fat-joe-stays-with-atlantic-records/
  42. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-teams-with-imperial-virgin-for-new-album-57383/
  43. https://djbooth.net/features/fat-joe-returns/
  44. https://genius.com/albums/Fat-joe/Me-myself-i
  45. https://mvremix.com/urban_blogs/2008/03/21/fat-joe-elephant-in-the-room-press-release/
  46. https://genius.com/albums/Fat-joe/The-elephant-in-the-room
  47. https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-label-ponzi-scheme/
  48. https://genius.com/albums/Fat-joe/Jealous-ones-still-envy-j-o-s-e-2
  49. https://open.spotify.com/album/41RgRceomTJu2GR6snJkLe
  50. https://acharts.co/album/51144
  51. https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-darkside-vol-1/1765764162
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/2391184-Fat-Joe-The-Darkside-Vol-1
  53. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-darkside-vol-1-mw0001994217
  54. https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/qbf066/rap-reunions/62c9ib
  55. https://music.apple.com/us/album/another-round-feat-chris-brown-single/1585414807
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj0rO7P6TH0
  57. https://rapandhiphop.fandom.com/wiki/Fat_Joe
  58. https://www.billboard.com/pro/jay-z-top-10-hot-rb-hip-hop-songs-all-the-way-up/
  59. https://www.thefader.com/2016/05/11/fat-joe-remy-ma-all-the-way-up-the-real
  60. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2016-05-09/14961/infared-speaks-on-how-fat-joe-remy-mas-all-the-way-up-came-together
  61. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-remy-ma-plata-o-plomo-album-7633098/
  62. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGLeu9ktB7I/
  63. https://www.discogs.com/master/1169384-Fat-Joe-Remy-Ma-Plata-O-Plomo
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EHkjTBZUPQ
  65. https://genius.com/albums/Ditc/The-remix-project
  66. https://music.apple.com/us/album/family-ties/1489552672
  67. https://genius.com/albums/Fat-joe-and-dre/Family-ties
  68. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/fat-joe/150627775
  69. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC1slV1uu0w/?hl=en
  70. https://aboveaveragehiphop.com/fat-joe-on-going-indie-you-cant-look-like-you-fell-off/
  71. https://starztca.starz.com/announcements/fat-joe-talks-greenlight-release
  72. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32897800/
  73. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joe-and-jada/id1812462068
  74. https://www.hot97.com/news/jadakiss-fat-joe-announces-joe-jada-podcast/
  75. https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2024/12/19/fat-joe-celebrity-worst-time/
  76. https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-2024-worst-year-hip-hop-history
  77. https://rollingout.com/2024/12/23/fat-joes-remarks-on-black-empowerment/
  78. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/fat-joe-sparks-debate-calling-000128865.html
  79. https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/fat-joe-confused-current-state-hip-hop-1234978708/
  80. https://www.vice.com/en/article/fat-joe-thinks-2024-has-been-a-horrible-year-for-hip-hop/
  81. https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/fat-joe-kenya-barris-book-of-jose-series-starz-1235949549/
  82. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-splits-atlantic-preps-new-album-57706/
  83. https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2016/02/08/fat-joe-how-he-manages-up-and-coming-artists/
  84. https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-female-rappers-all-time/
  85. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-standup-show-nyc-1234578089/
  86. https://www.musicconnection.com/legal-beat-fat-joe-asks-enormous-questions-of-major-label-accounting/
  87. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/697081-fat-joe-net-worth
  88. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/fat-joe-expanding-nyc-store-202019096.html
  89. https://www.bxtimes.com/rapper-fat-joe-thanksgiving/
  90. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jabariyoung/2024/03/13/fat-joe-once-lost-a-2-million-check-heres-what-he-learned/
  91. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/white-castle-and-fat-joe-collaborate-to-unveil-night-castle-clothing-capsule-with-portion-of-proceeds-to-benefit-renaissance-youth-center-301949976.html
  92. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/fat_joe
  93. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/whiteboyz
  94. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/fat-joe/credits/3000423340/
  95. https://www.the-numbers.com/person/72370401-Fat-Joe
  96. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0196117/
  97. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366548/
  98. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/this_is_me_now_a_love_story
  99. https://www.ranker.com/list/best-fat-joe-movies-list-of-fat-joe-films/reference
  100. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/revolt-tv-the-fat-joe-show-announcement-9432208/
  101. https://www.revolt.tv/show/the-fat-joe-show
  102. https://www.revolt.tv/video/2020-12-04/105056/remy-ma-and-fat-joe-talk-music-social-media-and-more-the-fat-joe-show
  103. https://www.revolt.tv/video/2020-10-09/105096/big-sean-and-royce-da-59-talk-detroit-kanye-joe-budden-slaughterhouse-and-more-the-fat-joe-show
  104. https://deadline.com/2024/07/rapper-fat-joe-host-interview-series-starz-1236007520/
  105. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FRnnlvEt9Y
  106. https://rollingout.com/2025/08/26/fat-joe-transforms-hip-hop-legacy/
  107. https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-host-provocative-show-starz/
  108. https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2024/10/hip-hop-legend-fat-joe-host-of-new-series-wants-to-be-like-oprah.html
  109. https://www.giantbomb.com/fat-joe/3005-4778/games/
  110. https://def-jam-wrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Fat_Joe
  111. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paTGNKoEw8Y
  112. https://www.princemarketinggroup.com/gallery/fat-joe/
  113. https://www.adweek.com/creativity/fat-joe-nike-and-foot-locker-rediscover-90s-hip-hop-in-a-new-york-cab/
  114. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5Sdx/at-and-t-inc-dream-in-black-black-excellence-featuring-fat-joe-rapsody-king-combs
  115. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ede6FDFrO0Y
  116. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-2024-us-open-campaign-1235693470/
  117. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gGTJyQFkuY
  118. https://people.com/who-is-lorena-cartagena-fat-joe-wife-8410959
  119. https://newsone.com/1815605/fat-joe-lorena-cartagena-split-divorce/
  120. https://magicbaltimore.com/3253412/rapper-fat-joe-and-wife-divorcing/
  121. https://people.com/all-about-fat-joe-kids-8770606
  122. https://www.today.com/parents/celebrity/fat-joe-son-down-syndrome-rcna175903
  123. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13973945/fat-joe-son-mother-abandoned-birth.html
  124. https://www.menshealth.com/health/a44391076/fat-joe/
  125. https://nypost.com/2023/07/17/how-fat-joe-lost-200-pounds-amid-battle-with-depression/
  126. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/fat-joe-talks-transformative-250-172539719.html
  127. https://www.businessinsider.com/fat-joe-200-pound-weight-loss-470-depression-2023-7
  128. https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-10-16-fat-joe-reveals-the-secret-behind-his-drastic-weight-loss/
  129. https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/miami-com-news/article277635633.html
  130. https://www.xxlmag.com/fat-joe-ozempic/
  131. https://www.pinkvilla.com/health/weight-loss/fat-joe-weight-loss-1355630
  132. https://people.com/fat-joe-reveals-200-pound-weight-loss-details-battle-with-depression-7561551
  133. https://www.drmeegangruber.com/blog/fat-joes-weight-loss-journey-a-balanced-approach-with-ozempic-and-lifestyle-changes
  134. https://bleumag.com/music/fat-joes-giving-back-to-the-community/
  135. https://abc7ny.com/post/fat-joe-clothing-back-to-school-students/13809096/
  136. https://theindustrycosign.com/lifestyle-fat-joe-100k-bronx-students/
  137. https://bronxboropres.nyc.gov/2018/10/11/bp-diaz-fat-joe-launch-public-school-sneaker-initiative/
  138. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmdgqxTeb5U
  139. https://www.nypl.org/press/grammy-nominated-hip-hop-legend-fat-joe-and-celeb-chef-melba-wilson-promote-literacy-bronx
  140. https://bronx.news12.com/fat-joe-gives-back-to-bronx-families-for-thanksgiving
  141. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/fat-joe-gives-turkeys-bronx-182820030.html
  142. https://993thebuzz.iheart.com/content/2025-09-02-fat-joe-donate-500-backpacks-school-supplies-to-kids-in-harlem/
  143. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOJn7v3jwdI/
  144. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-haiti-relief-fund-1235671623/
  145. https://www.spotfund.com/story/8a391256-e23b-4148-a57f-eccae726fd19
  146. https://power1051.iheart.com/content/2023-04-24-fat-joe-recruits-an-all-star-squad-to-protest-against-shady-hospital-bills/
  147. https://www.survivornet.com/articles/rapper-fat-joe-health-care-price-transparency/
  148. https://www.923thevibe.com/fat-joe-honored-with-key-to-nyc-and-recognized-for-philanthropy-and-advocacy/article_21b9a582-6033-11ef-aa3d-7ba1099b6f10.html
  149. https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/fat-joe-degree-metathon-interview-1234659883/
  150. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rapper-fat-joe-pleads-guilty-to-tax-evasion/
  151. https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/24/fat-joe-sentenced-to-prison-for-failing-to-pay-taxes/
  152. https://www.eonline.com/news/373285/fat-joe-pleads-guilty-to-tax-evasion
  153. https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nj/Press/files/Cartagena%2C%2520Joseph%2520Sentencing%2520News%2520Release.html
  154. https://www.bet.com/article/3mi0b3/fat-joe-sentenced-to-four-months-in-prison-for-tax-evasion
  155. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-sentenced-to-prison-for-tax-evasion-244528/
  156. https://www.fox8live.com/story/23259903/rapper-fat-joe-reports-to-prison-in-tax-case/
  157. https://www.miaminewtimes.com/uncategorized/a-thanksgiving-miracle-fat-joe-released-early-from-miami-jail-6560975/
  158. https://globalgrind.com/1895998/50-cent-fat-joe-beef-history-diss-songs-fight-arguments-photos-details/
  159. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-jay-z-50-cent-feud-sneaker-deals-1236062849/
  160. https://people.com/50-cent-wasted-too-much-time-beefing-fat-joe-camron-8686998
  161. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2016-05-25/15549/for-the-city-a-look-inside-fat-joe-jay-zs-fuzzy-history
  162. https://www.facebook.com/officialangiemartinez/posts/what-really-happened-between-fat-joe-and-jay-z-at-rucker-/1242014273956547/
  163. https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-jay-z-beef-reebok-deal/
  164. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/205050-fat-joe-details-what-led-to-long-standing-beef-with-jay-z-news
  165. https://www.facebook.com/officialangiemartinez/videos/fat-joe-asked-jay-zs-all-the-way-up-remix-despite-beef/1033259452008712/
  166. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJQHYO6pgP8
  167. https://www.facebook.com/officialangiemartinez/videos/fat-joe-remy-ma-open-up-about-ending-their-feud/901219967737498/
  168. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeFfCys7caM
  169. https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxtara-mahadevan/fat-joe-remy-ma-papoose-cheating-allegations
  170. https://hiphopdx.com/news/papoose-responds-fat-joe-remy-ma-relationship-drama/
  171. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fat-joes-former-hype-man-alleges-was-forced-4000-sex-acts-rapper-rcna214065
  172. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/fat-joe-accused-sex-trafficking-fraud-new-lawsuit/story?id=123033991
  173. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-06-20/fat-joe-hypeman-rico-lawsuit-statutory-rape-allegations
  174. https://variety.com/2025/music/news/fat-joe-sued-former-hypeman-t-a-dixon-1236436310/
  175. https://globalnews.ca/news/11251388/fat-joe-accused-sex-with-minors-lawsuit-terrance-dixon/
  176. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-06-26/fat-joe-lawsuit-sex-minors-disgusting-lies-reaction
  177. https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-06-26-fat-joe-breaks-his-silence-after-ex-hypeman-sued-him-for-20-million/
  178. https://www.tmz.com/2025/10/20/lawyer-suing-fat-joe-indicted-on-assault-chargess/
  179. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fat-joes-attorney-hype-man-arrested-assault-rcna215066
  180. https://www.billboard.com/pro/fat-joe-hypeman-lawyer-arrested-hit-person-car/
  181. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/06/20/fat-joe-terrence-dixon-lawsuit/84284003007/
  182. https://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-black-lives-matter-protests-problematic-responses-2020-6
  183. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fat-joe-sparks-backlash-after-calling-foundational-black-americans-broke-racists-video/ar-AA1wmVsf
  184. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/871182-fat-joe-rips-foundational-black-americans-broke-hip-hop-news
  185. https://www.facebook.com/TheSourceMagazine/posts/on-july-27-1993-bronx-rapper-fat-joe-made-his-official-debut-with-the-release-of/1131275268856841/
  186. https://www.xxlmag.com/today-in-hip-hop-big-pun-releases-capital-punishment/
  187. https://www.facebook.com/frshouthiphop/posts/27-years-ago-big-pun-dropped-his-debut-album-capital-punishmentit-featured-still/1315114123314377/
  188. https://blackwestchester.com/big-pun-legacy-of-a-latino-lyricist/
  189. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2019-03-07/96825/tale-of-the-tape-big-puns-glamour-life-ft-fat-joe-cuban-link-triple-seis-and-armageddon
  190. https://remezcla.com/features/music/fat-joe-latinos-hip-hop-history/
  191. https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2022/08/latinos-have-played-a-critical-role-in-hip-hop-history/
  192. https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-dragged-twitter-latinos-blacks-created-hip-hop/
  193. https://medium.com/counterarts/fat-joe-embrace-the-truth-latinos-did-not-partly-create-hip-hop-4d8e39ec16db
  194. https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-09-18-10-latin-rappers-whove-impacted-hip-hop-and-the-music-industry-forever/
  195. https://latina.com/hip-hops-50th-the-latinos-who-shaped-the-genre/
  196. https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/fat-joe-reggaeton-hip-hop-latin-music-week-1235788035/
  197. https://remezcla.com/lists/music/hip-hop-reggaeton-collabs/
  198. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/734537-fat-joe-best-selling-album
  199. https://www.today.com/popculture/success-allows-fat-joe-just-lean-back-wbna7201549
  200. https://timeisillmatic.me/2017/04/13/fat-joe-da-gangsta-represent-july-271993/
  201. https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-darkside-vol-1/fat-joe
  202. https://www.metacritic.com/music/plata-o-plomo/fat-joe/critic-reviews
  203. https://www.rapreviews.com/2025/02/fat-joe-the-world-changed-on-me/
  204. https://www.reddit.com/r/hiphop101/comments/15xhv0r/so_how_yall_feel_about_fat_joe/
  205. https://www.facebook.com/groups/beatsrhymeslounge/posts/28219996270982102/
  206. https://publicitymedianews.com/unveiling-fat-joe-a-critique-of-exploitation-and-deceit-in-hip-hop/
  207. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnqEHp7hjw0
  208. https://www.facebook.com/groups/beatsrhymeslounge/posts/28184343947880668/
  209. https://www.grammy.com/artists/fat-joe/16675
  210. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0196117/awards/
  211. https://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/fat_joe/awards.html
  212. http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-f/fatjoe.htm
  213. https://www.ascap.com/news-events/awards/2017/rs-awards
  214. https://www.wokv.com/entertainment/top-five-songs-fat-joe-is-featured/4PECTA46QFAGFJ6V76WFCN6624/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.