Fat Joe

Fat Joe – American singer and rapper

Fat Joe’s real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena. The celebrity was born on 19 August 1970 in New York. He has Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage. Thanks to his brother, Joseph became interested in music when he was very young.

Joe’s career began in the early 90’s as part of the rap band D.I.T.C. The young man performed under the pseudonym Fat Joe da Gangsta. Later the last two words were dropped. Back then, Joe signed a contract with Relativity Records. In 1993, he recorded his debut studio LP, Represent.

Popularity came to Joseph with the release of the single "Flow Joe", which topped Billboard Hot Rap Singles Chart. Critics also gave positive reviews to such songs as "This Shit is Real" and "Watch the Sound". Both were featured in the debut LP. Many fans tried to book Fat Joe for private events and birthdays, but he was busy recording new albums.

Joe’s second studio LP was Jealous One’s Envy. In 1995, it reached the 71st spot on Billboard 200 and the 7th position on Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart. The lead single “Envy” settled on the 8th spot of Hot Rap Tracks and reached the 76th position of Billboard Hot 100. Two more songs from the LP, "I Shot Ya" and "Watch Out", earned positive reviews from the critics.

In 1998, Joe released his third album, Don Cartagena. The LP was very successful, reaching the 7th spot on Billboard 200 and the 2nd position on Top R & B / Hip Hop Chart. It earned a gold certification from RIAA. The most popular songs from the album were "Don Cartagena" and "Bet Ya Man Can't Triz". When recording the LP, Joe asked for the assistance of such rappers as Jadakiss, Big Pun, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Diddy, Nas, and Raekwon.

In 2001, Fat Joe recorded his fourth album, Jealous Ones Still Envy (also known as J.O.S.E.). Many songs featured in the album were created together with other artists, such as Petey Pablo, R. Kelly, Ja Rule, M.O.P., and Buju Banton. The hit song "What's Luv" came in second on Billboard Hot 100.

In 2002, Joe and Ashanti presented a single “What’s Luv”. It topped the Hot Rap Songs chart. In 2003, Joseph worked with a Mexican singer Thalia to record a hit "I Want You".

Fat Joe’s sixth album appeared in 2005. He called it All or Nothing. The songs "So Much More", "Get It Poppin" and "My Fofo" were aimed against the rising rap star 50 Cent. The two artists had an argument over an opportunity to work with Ja Rule. As a reply, 50 Cent recorded a single “Piggy Bank”. The album featured regular songs as well. They were recorded together with such famous artists as Nelly, Mase, Eminem, Madonna, and R. Kelly.

The 7th LP came out in 2007. Me, Myself & I was recorded together with Virgin Records. It featured such hits as "Make It Rain" and "No Drama". The LP reached the 2nd spot on Top Rap Albums Chart.

In 2008, the rapper presented his 8th solo LP, The Elephant in the Room. It was recorded under Imperial Records. Tracks from the LP climbed to high spots on the charts.

Fat Joe recorded his ninth studio album in 2009. J.O.S.E. 2 reached the 73rd spot on Billboard 200. More than 11,000 copies were sold in the first week after the release.

In 2010, Joe released The Darkside Vol. 1. It sold 12,000 copies in the first week and reached the 27th spot on Billboard 200. In one of the interviews, Joe said that he plans to record The Darkside Vol. 2 and finish his solo career. However, it seems as if the rapper has changed his mind.

In 2011 n 2013, the artist recorded several singles for The Darkside Vol. 2. However, the LP never came out.

In 2016, Fat Joe rejoined D.I.T.C. to help them record their studio album, Sessions.

The rapper continues writing music. He is currently recording a new LP, Family Ties, the release date of which is yet to be announced.