Fat Joe

Fat Joe: Bronx rapper, Terror Squad founder, and hitmaker of 'Lean Back' and 'What's Luv?'

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 1991, and pursued a solo career with the release of his debut studio album, Represent (1993) the following year. Cartagena 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.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Joseph Antonio Cartagena

Born

19 August 1970

Also known as

Fat Joe da Gangsta, Joey Crack

Birthplace

New York City, U.S.

Occupation

Rapper
songwriter
actor
record executive

Years active

1991–present

Genre

East Coast hip-hop
gangsta rap
hardcore hip-hop

Discography

Fat Joe discography

Lore & Background

Represent was preceded by his debut single 'Flow Joe', which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked atop the Hot Rap Songs chart. 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). 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.

Reader's Guide

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.

Did You Know?

Fat Joe's debut single 'Flow Joe' peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.
He discovered fellow Latino rapper Big Pun during the recording of Jealous One's Envy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Fat Joe?

Born Joseph Antonio Cartagena on August 19, 1970, he is a legendary rapper hailing from New York City's Bronx borough. His career began with a local crew before he became a solo star who shaped the sound of East Coast hip-hop.

What role does he play in the industry?

He operates as both a performer and an executive producer, famously building the Terror Squad collective into a major industry force. Under his leadership, the label signed influential artists like Big Pun and Remy Ma who achieved massive commercial success.

What are his biggest hits?

Among his most recognizable tracks are What's Luv? and Lean Back, which became massive radio staples worldwide. These songs cemented his reputation as a hitmaker capable of creating enduring melodies alongside hard-hitting verses.