Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), best known as Fat Joe, is an American rapper. He started recording as a member of the hip-hop group Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.). With a career spanning three decades, he has made an indelible mark on the music landscape, not only as a rapper but also as a successful businessman and influencer. This article explores his life, career, relationships, and the impact he continues to make in 2024.
Fat Joe Biography
Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena on August 19, 1970, in the Bronx, New York City, Fat Joe was raised by parents was raised by his parents, Marie Cartagena and Ernesto Delgado. His mother is of Cuban descent, while his father is Puerto Rican. He Raised in the Forest Houses, a public housing project in the South Bronx neighborhood of Morrisania, he started stealing at a young age to help support his family. He also acknowledges that he was a bully during his childhood. His brother was the one who introduced him to hip-hop music.
| Real Name | Joseph Antonio Cartagena |
| Celebrity Name: | Fat Joe |
| Birth Place: | New York City, United States |
| Date Of Birth: | 19 August 1970 |
| Age: | 53 years old |
| Height: | In Centimetres – 185 cm In Feet and Inches – 6’1” |
| Weight: | In Kilograms – 80 kg In Pounds – 176 lbs |
| Eye Color: | Brown |
| Hair Color: | Bald |
| Parents Name: | Father – Ernesto Delgado Mother – Marie Cartagena |
| Siblings: | Yes |
| School: | Morris High School |
| Nationality: | American |
| Zodiac Sign: | Leo |
| Gender: | Male |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Wife/Spouse Name: | Lorena Cartagena |
| Kids/Children Name: | Ryan Cartagena, Azariah Cartagena, Joey Cartagena |
| Profession: | Rapper, actor |
Fat Joe Career
Fat Joe started his music journey as a member of the hip hop group Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) before launching a solo career and establishing his own label, Terror Squad. He signed artists like Big Pun, Remy Ma, Tony Sunshine, Cuban Link, Armageddon, Prospect, Triple Seis, and DJ Khaled to the label, while also discovering producers Cool & Dre.
In 1993, Fat Joe released his debut solo album, *Represent*, which featured the single “Flow Joe,” reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. His most commercially successful album to date, *Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.)* (2001), was certified platinum by the RIAA and silver internationally by the BPI, while also making it into the top 100 on multiple music charts.
He is widely recognized for hit songs like “Lean Back” with Terror Squad, “What’s Luv?” featuring Ashanti & Ja Rule, “Make It Rain” featuring Lil Wayne, and “All the Way Up” with Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Dre.
Fat Joe has also made appearances in several films, including *Scary Movie 3* and *Happy Feet*, as well as in Spike Lee’s Netflix series *She’s Gotta Have It*.
In 2018, he began hosting a podcast on Tidal called *Coca Vision*, where he discusses music, friendships, and pop culture with some of the industry’s most captivating voices. He has an upcoming album titled *Family Ties* set for release in late 2019.
Fat Joe Personal life
Fat Joe has been married to Lorena Cartagena since 1995. The couple first met in the early ’90s, and Joe has often described their connection as “love at first sight.” They share three children: Joey and Ryan, Joe’s sons from previous relationships, and their daughter, Azariah, who was born in 2006. Lorena has praised Joe’s dedication as a father, highlighting his strong involvement with their children and his unwavering commitment to family values.
Fat Joe Net worth 2024
Fat Joe’s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be between $4-6 million, according to various sources. The American rapper, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, has accumulated this wealth mainly through his thriving music career, which has spanned over three decades.
Key details about Fat Joe’s net worth:
- He earns an estimated annual salary of $0.6 million.
- His monthly income is approximately $40,000+.
- In 2012, his assets included a $470,000 Rolls Royce Phantom and a Ferrari 360 Modena valued at up to $182,000.
- He has made investments in real estate, including a custom-built $1.2 million home in Florida.
- Fat Joe has also ventured into entrepreneurship, owning sneaker stores in New York City.
Sources –
Fat Joe Assets
Home: In 2000, Joe paid $115,000 for an acre of land in Plantation, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale. He then spent $1.2 million to custom build a 5,300-square-foot mansion. In 2010, he offered the mansion for sale for $2 million, which was purchased by Instagram personality Malú Trevejo. She later listed it at $3.25 million.
Car collection: Fat Joe has one or two cars. He has a Toyota Corolla and a Range Rover. Aside from those two, he also has a Chevrolet, which he prefers. Fat Joe drives the car himself and frequently takes rides around town.
Fat Joe Legal Issues
Fat Joe has been faced with a lot of legal troubles throughout his career. At least twice, Fat Joe has been charged with assault. He has also been called as a witness in two different murder trials. The man on trial was Fat Joe’s bodyguard. In a different murder trial, Fat Joe was sitting in a car with two men who were fatally shot, and he was later called as a witness.
In 2012, Fat Joe admitted to tax evasion. From 2007 to 2010, Fat Joe did not pay any taxes on his $3 million salary. As a result, he was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment.
LGBT beliefs and support
In an interview with Vlad TV, Joe expressed his belief that gay individuals should not hide their sexuality and should embrace who they are. He suggested that he might have collaborated with gay rappers and that there are likely many gay people in the hip-hop industry who haven’t come out yet, referring to it as a “Gay Mafia.”
These remarks were made after he was asked to share his thoughts on radio personality Mister Cee’s arrest for public lewdness with a transgender sex worker.
Fat Joe Notable Awards and Nominations
Fat Joe has earned a range of awards and nominations over his career, underscoring his influence in the music industry.
Grammy Awards:
- 2017: Nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for “All the Way Up” (featuring Remy Ma and French Montana).
- 2008: Nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Make It Rain” (with Lil’ Wayne).
- 2005: Nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Lean Back” (with Terror Squad).
- 2003: Nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “What’s Luv?” (featuring Ashanti).
Teen Choice Awards:
- 2005: Nominated for Choice Summer Song for “Get It Poppin'” (with Nelly).
- 2002: Nominated for Music – Choice Hook Up and Music – Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Track for “What’s Luv?” (featuring Ashanti).
MTV Video Music Awards:
- 2002: Nominated for Best Hip-Hop Video for “What’s Luv?” (featuring Ashanti and Ja Rule).
Soul Train Awards:
- 1999: Nominated for The Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video for “Still Not a Player” (with Big Pun).
MOBO Awards:
- 2002: Nominated for Best Single for “What’s Luv?”
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