Fat Joe

Joe Cartagena, aka Fat Joe, is a half Puerto-Rican, half Cuban Latino hip-hop artist who was born in the South Bronx area of New York.  Joe reportedly learned the “ways of the street” and began listening to rap music from the influence of an older brother (18).  

Cartagena secured a recording contract with the Relativity lab in the early 90s under the name “Fat Joe,” and released the full length album Represent in 1993.  Two years after this release, Joe issued Jealous One’s Envy, and collaborated with other rap artists, appearing on many hip-hop hits.  By the late 90s, Joe had even opened his own clothing store and barber shop. He also created a fashion line and appearing on Playgirl as man of the month in May 1993.  Joe recently released an album in July 2005, All or Nothing, and is featured in the music of rap artists such as Ja Rule (19).