5 Surprising Secrets Fat Joe Revealed About His Family Life And 3 Children In 2024/2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few figures are as enduring and influential as Fat Joe, but as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the focus has shifted from his platinum plaques to his deeply personal family life. The Bronx native, known to the world as "Joey Crack," has recently pulled back the curtain on his private world, sharing candid and emotional revelations about his three children and his decades-long marriage to his wife, Lorena Cartagena, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of the Cartagena family dynasty. His memoir, *The Book of Jose*, and subsequent high-profile interviews have painted a picture of a devoted husband and a fiercely protective father whose greatest challenges and triumphs have occurred far away from the stage lights, particularly concerning his son Joey Cartagena and the complexities of raising a child with special needs.

Fat Joe: The Man Behind the Mic

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, universally known by his stage name Fat Joe, is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born on August 19, 1970, in the South Bronx, New York, he grew up in a sprawling Puerto Rican and Cuban family.

His career began in the early 1990s as a member of the legendary Diggin' in the Crates Crew (DITC Crew) before he founded his own collective, Terror Squad. Through the years, he has delivered countless hits, including "Lean Back," "What's Luv?," and "Make It Rain," cementing his legacy alongside icons like his late friend and collaborator, Big Pun.

Fat Joe's Biography Profile:

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• Full Name: Joseph Antonio Cartagena
• Nicknames: Fat Joe, Joey Crack, Fat Joe da Gangsta
• Date of Birth: August 19, 1970
• Age (2024): 54
• Birthplace: South Bronx, New York City, New York
• Ethnicity: Puerto Rican and Cuban descent
• Spouse: Lorena Cartagena (m. 1995)
• Children: Joey Cartagena, Ryan Cartagena, Azariah Cartagena (3)
• Group/Label: Terror Squad Entertainment
• Estimated Net Worth (2024): $4 Million

The Unfiltered Truth About Fatherhood and Special Needs

One of the most profound and recent revelations from Fat Joe centers on his eldest son, Joey Cartagena. While the rapper’s public image is one of bravado and confidence, his private life as a father to a special needs child reveals deep vulnerability and unwavering commitment.

The Emotional Journey of Joey Cartagena

Joey Cartagena, now 33, was born with Down syndrome and was later diagnosed with autism. Fat Joe has spoken openly about the immense challenges this presented, especially the heartbreaking moment when Joey's biological mother abandoned him after learning of his diagnosis. This left Joe, a young man at the time, to take on the role of a single father.

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He has consistently referred to Joey as his greatest blessing, emphasizing that his son’s condition taught him patience, unconditional love, and the true meaning of strength. In recent interviews, Fat Joe has passionately advocated for special needs awareness, using his platform to discuss the lack of support and resources available for families.

The Role of Ryan and Azariah Cartagena

Fat Joe is a father to three unique children, each with their own story:

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• Joey Cartagena: His eldest, whose life journey has been the greatest source of inspiration and emotional growth for the rapper.
• Ryan Cartagena: Born in 1995 from a previous relationship, Ryan is the most private of the three, maintaining a low profile away from the media spotlight.
• Azariah Cartagena: Born in 2006, she is Fat Joe and Lorena’s only biological child together. Azariah is often seen with her father at high-profile events, including the 2024 US Open, and has become a young fixture on his social media, showcasing her father’s pride in her vibrant personality and love for current hip-hop artists like Lil Baby and Gunna.

The rapper has stressed the importance of his whole family unit in supporting Joey, demonstrating that the Terror Squad boss is a family man first and foremost.

Lorena Cartagena: The Anchor of a Hip-Hop Dynasty

In a genre notorious for short-lived relationships, Fat Joe’s marriage to Lorena Cartagena stands as a testament to longevity and commitment. The couple married in 1995, and their relationship has weathered the storms of fame, legal issues, and the pressures of the music industry for nearly three decades.

A Partnership That Endures

Lorena, often referred to as the "anchor" of the family, has been credited by Joe with providing the stability he needed to transition from the streets to a global icon. Their marriage, which briefly faced turmoil in 2012, has since been a pillar of strength, a fact Fat Joe proudly discusses in his memoir, *The Book of Jose*.

She took on the role of mother to both Joey and Ryan, creating a blended family environment that is rare in the celebrity world. Joe’s commitment to Lorena is a recurring theme in his recent public appearances, where he often highlights her support as crucial to his personal evolution, including his significant weight loss journey.

The Legacy of Loyalty and Loss

The rapper has also used his platform to speak about the broader definition of family, emphasizing loyalty and friendship, which are core themes of the Terror Squad collective. However, 2024 brought significant personal heartbreak with the recent loss of both his mother and father, a difficult period that further highlighted the importance of his immediate family unit—Lorena, Joey, Ryan, and Azariah—for support.

Fat Joe’s willingness to share these intimate details—from the challenges of raising a son with Down syndrome and autism to the enduring power of his marriage—has redefined his public persona. He is no longer just "Joey Crack," the hard-hitting rapper; he is a dedicated father and husband whose life is a compelling narrative of resilience, love, and the profound responsibilities of family. This transparency has cemented his legacy not only in hip-hop but as a powerful voice for fatherhood and special needs advocacy in the modern era.