Fat Joe 

About

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, known to the world as Fat Joe, was a pioneering force in hip-hop whose career began in the early 1990s as a member of the influential Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.). He launched his solo trajectory with his debut studio album, Represent, in 1993, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in rap. Fat Joe passed away in 2024. Beyond his own prolific output, he became a visionary entrepreneur and mentor, founding both the hip-hop group Terror Squad and its accompanying record label in the late 1990s. Through these ventures, he championed fellow New York artists and helped launch the careers of now-legendary figures including Big Pun, Remy Ma, and producers DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre, cementing his role as a tastemaker and community builder.

Over a career spanning multiple decades, Fat Joe created an impressive discography that included eleven studio albums and numerous collaborations, establishing himself as a consistent and respected presence in hip-hop. His notable works included albums like Jealous One's Envy (1995), Don Cartagena (1998), and the J.O.S.E. series, each showcasing his evolution as an artist. Fat Joe's legacy extends far beyond his own recordings; his influence as a label executive and mentor helped shape the trajectory of New York hip-hop and introduced the world to some of rap's most significant talents. His dedication to uplifting his community and nurturing emerging artists left an indelible mark on the genre.