Early Life and Education of Fat Joe: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Fat Joe. From birth to education, explore key events.

Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is an American rapper who rose to prominence as a member of the hip-hop collective Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in the early 1990s. He launched his solo career with the album "Represent" in 1993. He is also the founder of Terror Squad, a hip-hop group and record label that fostered the careers of artists like Big Pun and Remy Ma, and producers such as DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 19, 1970: Joseph Cartagena's Birth

On August 19, 1970, Joseph Antonio Cartagena, known as Fat Joe, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Meeting Lorena

In 1993, Fat Joe met his wife, Lorena, at a Miami nightclub.

1995: Marriage to Lorena

Fat Joe has been married to his wife, Lorena, since 1995.

2000: Personal Losses and Struggles

In 2000, Fat Joe faced the death of his friend Big Pun, his sister, and his grandfather, leading to clinical depression. Additionally, Armageddon, Triple Seis, and Cuban Link left Terror Squad due to internal conflicts.

January 10, 2003: Charges dropped

On January 10, 2003, the charges against Fat Joe from the May 12, 2002 arrest were dropped.

May 12, 2006: Birth of Daughter Azariah

On May 12, 2006, Fat Joe and his wife Lorena welcomed their daughter, Azariah.

June 11, 2009: Speaker at "School is Cool" assembly

On June 11, 2009, Fat Joe was a speaker at a "School is Cool" assembly at Public School 5 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

January 23, 2011: Appearance at Let's Move! event

On January 23, 2011, Fat Joe, along with Newark mayor Cory Booker and fitness expert Jeff Halevy, appeared at an event promoting the Newark branch of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative against childhood obesity.

2011: Weight loss revealed in "Drop a Body" video

In 2011, Fat Joe showcased his weight loss efforts in the music video for his song "Drop a Body", revealing he had lost 88 pounds (40 kg).

Loading Video...

November 28, 2013: Released from prison

On November 28, 2013, Fat Joe was released from prison after serving four months for tax evasion.

2013: Conviction on Federal Tax Charges

In 2013, Fat Joe was convicted on federal tax charges.

2016: Opening of Up NYC Sneaker Store

In 2016, Fat Joe opened a sneaker store called Up NYC in Harlem.

2017: Music Catalog Divested

In 2017, Fat Joe's music catalog for Atlantic Records was divested to RT Industries, though Warner Music retained digital distribution rights.

April 2018: Music Catalog Divested to RT Industries

As of April 2018, Fat Joe's music catalog for Atlantic Records was no longer under ownership of Warner Music Group, being divested in 2017 to RT Industries.

June 12, 2022: Sale of Miami Mansion

On June 12, 2022, Fat Joe sold his mansion in Miami for $3.25 million.

2022: Decision to keep stage name

In 2022, Fat Joe stated he would keep his stage name despite losing weight, citing marketing reasons.

March 2024: Roundtable discussion with Kamala Harris

In March 2024, Fat Joe participated in a roundtable discussion with former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, focusing on cannabis policy reform.