Before Fat Joe and his wife, Lorena Cartagena, came together, the rapper already had his eldest son, Joey, from a previous relationship. Joey was reportedly born in 1990, making Fat Joe just 19 years old when he became a father. But what is the real relationship between Fat Joe and his two sons? Let's explore this deeper.
Fat Joe: A Father's Journey
Joseph Cartagena, better known as Fat Joe, has always been open about his role as a father. He never considered giving up on Joey, even during challenging times. He's my junior, Fat Joe once wrote, emphasizing the bond they share. Despite becoming a father at such a young age, Fat Joe took on the responsibility with determination. Over the years, he faced numerous obstacles—making and losing millions, enduring legal troubles, and overcoming personal hardships—but through it all, his commitment to his family remained unwavering.
In an Instagram post dated August 18, 2016, Fat Joe reflected on his life journey. Born to a Cuban father and Puerto Rican mother in the Bronx, NY, he described himself as a LION who survived being shot over twenty times, stabbed eight times, and navigating the highs and lows of fame. Among his proudest achievements is raising an autistic son with the help of his parents and ensuring that his second son graduated college, despite not finishing high school himself. Fat Joe also expressed his dedication to guiding his daughter in a positive direction. His reflections reveal a man shaped by struggle but strengthened by resilience.
A Candid Look at Challenges
Fat Joe has openly discussed the challenges of raising Joey, who lives with Down syndrome and autism. In one poignant moment, he shared how Joey's mother felt overwhelmed and ultimately decided she couldn't handle the responsibility. His mother was like, 'Yo, I can't do this,' Fat Joe revealed. This left him to navigate parenthood largely on his own, supported by his own parents. Through these trials, Fat Joe developed an unconditional love for his son, which he frequently highlights in interviews and social media posts.
In a rare, candid photo taken at home and posted to Instagram, Fat Joe—real name Joseph Antonio Cartagena—can be seen sharing a tender moment with Joey. The image underscores their strong bond and serves as a reminder of Fat Joe's enduring commitment to his family. On World Autism Awareness Day, the rapper celebrated by sharing a heartwarming photo of him and Joey, drawing attention to the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with disabilities.
Family Ties Beyond Joey
Beyond Joey, Fat Joe is also a father to daughter Azariah, 17, whom he shares with wife Lorena Cartagena, and son Ryan, 27, from another relationship. Each child represents a different chapter in his life, yet they are all united under Fat Joe's protective care. While each relationship comes with its own set of dynamics, Fat Joe approaches them with the same level of devotion and respect.
The world often sees Fat Joe as a larger-than-life figure in the music industry, but beneath the spotlight lies a man deeply committed to his family. Whether it's celebrating milestones or addressing struggles head-on, Fat Joe ensures his children know they are loved unconditionally. As he continues to inspire others through his art and actions, his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and familial bonds.
Legacy and Reflection
Looking back on his life, Fat Joe acknowledges the difficulties he faced but credits those experiences for shaping who he is today. From surviving violent encounters to rebuilding his career after setbacks, he believes tough times don't last, but tough people do. By judging people based on their battles and struggles, he gains insight into their true character—a lesson he hopes to pass down to his children.
As Fat Joe moves forward, his legacy extends beyond music. It includes being a devoted father who champions inclusivity and understanding, especially for individuals with disabilities. His journey reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, love and resilience can overcome anything.
