Fat Joe is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer born on August 19, 1970. He started his music career in 1992 with the hip-hop group Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.). He went solo in 1993 with his debut album Represent.
In the late 1990s, He founded the hip-hop group Terror Squad and its record label signing artists like Big Pun, Remy Ma, and Cuban Link as well as producers DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre.
His debut single “Flow Joe” hit the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart. His album “Jealous One’s Envy” and subsequent albums including “Don Cartagena” and “Jealous One’s Still Envy” saw notable success. The latter went platinum and featured the hit single “What’s Luv?” with Ja Rule and Ashanti which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
His 2004 single “Lean Back” with Terror Squad topped the charts and is his biggest hit. He also scored top 40 singles with “Make It Rain” in 2006 and “Up” in 2016.
Fat Joe has acted in films like “Scary Movie 3” and “Happy Feet” and appeared in Spike Lee’s Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It.” In 2018, he launched the Coca Vision podcast on Tidal where he chats about music, friendships, and pop culture with celebrities.
| Full Name | Joseph Antonio Cartagena |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | The Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Occupation | Rapper, Record Producer |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Spouse | Lorena Cartagena |
| Children | Joey Cartagena,Ryan Cartagena,Azariah Cartagena |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
Fat Joe’s Early Life
Fat Joe whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena grew up in the Bronx New York City. His parents were of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent. Living in the Forest Houses a public housing project in the South Bronx Fat Joe started stealing as a kid to help his family.
He also admits he was a bully during his childhood. His brother was the one who first introduced him to hip-hop music.
Fat Joe’s Career
Fat Joe known as Fat Joe da Gangsta and a member of the rap group D.I.T.C. began his career with Relativity Records in the early ’90s. His debut album Represent featured tracks from well-known producers like The Beatnuts and Diamond D. The single “Flow Joe” topped the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.
In 1995, Fat Joe’s second album “Jealous One’s Envy” reached No. 71 on the Billboard 200 and No. 7 on Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. It included a collaboration with KRS-One and was notable for the single “Envy” which hit No. 8 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. During this time he also got a chance to work with his idol LL Cool J on a remix that became a career highlight.
Discovering rapper Big Pun during the making of “Jealous One’s Envy” led to a significant collaboration. Fat Joe praised Big Pun’s impact on representing Latinos in hip-hop.
In 1997, He signed with Atlantic Records and launched his label Terror Squad Productions. His third album “Don Cartagena” was a success reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. It featured collaborations with Nas, Puff Daddy, and others. Fat Joe also formed the Terror Squad group which included Big Pun and later Remy Ma.
Fat Joe’s 2001 album “Jealous Ones Still Envy” (J.O.S.E.) was his most commercially successful going Platinum. It featured hits like “We Thuggin'” and “What’s Luv?” with Ashanti. In 2003, he appeared on Thalía’s “I Want You” and performed on Chappelle’s Show.
Despite facing challenges Fat Joe had a big hit in 2004 with “Lean Back” by Terror Squad. His 2005 album “All or Nothing” included the diss track “My Fofo” aimed at 50 Cent leading to a high-profile feud.
In 2006, He released “Me Myself & I” with the hit single “Make It Rain.” The following year he faced criticism from Catholic priest Michael Pfleger and continued his feud with 50 Cent. His 2008 album The Elephant in the Room featured “I Won’t Tell” and debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Fat Joe’s 2009 album “Jealous Ones Still Envy 2” included collaborations with artists like Akon and Lil Wayne. His 2010 album “The Darkside Vol. 1” saw him working with a variety of producers and featured singles like “(Ha Ha) Slow Down.”
In 2011, Fat Joe released singles “Another Round” and “Yellow Tape” and continued collaborating with artists like Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa. His joint album with Remy Ma, “Plata O Plomo” featured the hit “All the Way Up.”
Fat Joe’s recent work includes the singles “So Excited” and “Attention” with Chris Brown and his 2019 album “Family Ties” with Dre. He also participated in ComplexLand’s virtual event in December 2020.
What is Fat Joe’s Net Worth?
Fat Joe has an estimated net worth of $4 Million, according toCelebrity Net Worth. The main source of Fat Joe’s net worth primarily comes from his successful career in music and entertainment.
He gained fame as a rapper and has released several hit albums and singles. In addition to his music career, he has made money through his work as a producer, actor, and entrepreneur.
Fat Joe also earns income from his involvement in various business ventures and endorsem*nts. His financial success is largely built on his achievements in the music industry and his ability to diversify his income streams.
Fat Joe’s Personal Life
Fat Joe has been married to Lorena Cartagena since 1995. They have one daughter Azariah born on May 12, 2006. Joe also has two sons from previous relationships: Joey born when Joe was 19 and Ryan born in the mid-90s. Joey has autism and Joe has openly talked about the challenges of raising him at a young age.
Fat Joe actively supports his community. He has donated computers to his old school in the Bronx. In 2008, he attended the opening of the Hip Hop Soda Shop in Miami a space for youth to engage in activities like recording music and gaming.
He spoke at a “School is Cool” event in Jersey City on June 11, 2009. On January 23, 2011, he joined Newark Mayor Cory Booker and fitness expert Jeff Halevy in supporting Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign against childhood obesity.
In March 2024, He participated in a White House roundtable with Vice President Kamala Harris to talk about cannabis policy reform.
In 1996 Fat Joe weighed 300 pounds. By 2005 he was working on losing weight. In 2011, he showcased his weight loss in the music video for “Drop a Body” having shed 88 pounds from his previous weight of 350 pounds. He follows a low-carb diet avoiding foods like white bread and pasta but including sweet potatoes.
Despite his weight loss, Fat Joe chose not to change his stage name believing it wouldn’t be beneficial for his brand.
Fat Joe’s Legal Troubles
On September 8, 1998, Fat Joe and Big Pun were arrested for assaulting a man with a baseball bat and stealing his gold chain on June 14 of that year. Fat Joe faced another arrest on May 12, 2002, for a fight at B.B. King’s Blues Club in Times Square but the charges were dropped on January 10, 2003.
Fat Joe has also been named as a witness in two murder cases. On September 17, 2004, he was called to testify about the 1994 shooting death of Ernesto Rivera at a Bronx nightclub. Fat Joe claimed he saw the shooting and people running away but investigators suggested he was closer to the shooter his former bodyguard Jose Mulero.
In another case, He was a witness to a double murder on Memorial Day 2007 outside David’s Cafe II in South Beach. Jermaine Wufgang Chamberline was accused of killing Lessli Paz and Joey Navarro. Fat Joe and the victims were in a rented Cadillac Escalade when a fight broke out.
In December 2012, Fat Joe admitted to not paying taxes on over $3 million earned between 2007 and 2010. He was sentenced to four months in prison on June 24, 2013, starting his sentence on August 26, 2013, and was released on November 28, 2013.
Fat Joe Height, Weight, and Body Measurements
Fat Joe stands at a solid 6 feet (183 cm) tall, giving him a strong and commanding presence. He weighs approximately 250 pounds (113 kg), which complements his robust and muscular build.
His chest measures around 48 inches (122 cm), showcasing his well-defined upper body and strength. His waist is about 36 inches (91 cm), contributing to his powerful, athletic silhouette. His biceps are around 18 inches (46 cm) in circumference, reflecting his commitment to maintaining a fit physique.
Fat Joe typically wears a US size XL shirt and has a shoe size of US 12 (EU 45). These measurements highlight his larger frame and versatile style, fitting for his dynamic career and public appearances.
