Known For
Pioneering Latino representation in hip-hop and building Terror Squad into a multi-platinum label that shaped East Coast rap for three decades.
About
Fat Joe (Joseph Antonio Cartagena) established himself as a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop through his 1993 debut and the chart-dominating Terror Squad collective, which produced platinum records and launched the careers of artists like Big Pun and Remy Ma. His 2024 album The World Changed On Me—his first solo project in 15 years—marked a significant return following a hiatus, featuring collaborations with contemporary artists while showcasing his enduring relevance in rap. Beyond recording, he founded Terror Squad Entertainment in 1997, an independent label that signed DJ Khaled and continues developing emerging talent. His business portfolio includes UP NYC sneaker retail operations and entertainment ventures that extend his influence beyond music into lifestyle branding. As a five-time Grammy nominee and MTV Video Music Award nominee, Fat Joe has maintained cultural prominence through strategic collaborations, media appearances, and a recently published memoir The Book of Jose.