Fat Joe’s 3 Children: A Look at Joey, Ryan, and Azariah
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Fat Joe, known for his iconic rap career, goes by Joseph Antonio Cartagena on stage, though to his three children, he is simply known as “dad.” The rapper entered fatherhood in 1990 with the birth of his son, Joey. Facing the challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome and autism after Joey’s biological mother left, Fat Joe was grateful for the assistance of his own parents in caring for his son. Several years later, he welcomed his second son, Ryan, in 1995 from a previous relationship. That same year, he married Lorena Cartagena, and in 2006, they joyfully announced the birth of their daughter, Azariah.
Expressing his deep appreciation for his children, Fat Joe often speaks about his journey as a father. In a heartfelt Father’s Day message on Instagram in 2021, he shared, “I’m so blessed to be a father to three amazing children. Every man has a different circumstance, but the most important part of fatherhood is showing up.” This sentiment embodies the commitment and love he has for his sons and daughter.
Joey Cartagena, now 34, was born on December 15, 1990, when Fat Joe was just 19 years old. Reflecting on Joey’s arrival, the rapper admitted to HipHopDX in 2022 that becoming a father at such a young age was a daunting experience. The challenges deepened when Joey was born with Down syndrome, leading his biological mother to consider putting him up for adoption. Yet, Fat Joe’s unwavering love and support, along with the assistance of his family, allowed him to raise Joey with compassion and care.
In an interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast in October 2024, Fat Joe affectionately described Joey, who is also diagnosed with autism, as his “biggest blessing.” Despite the hurdles of raising a child with special needs, Fat Joe highlighted Joey’s constant joy and contentment, referring to him as “the Don of the family.” Proudly acknowledging Joey’s inspiring presence in their lives, the rapper expressed his admiration for his son’s unwavering happiness and resilience.
Fat Joe’s second son, Ryan Cartagena, was born on January 19, 1995. While the identity of Ryan’s mother remains undisclosed, Fat Joe mentioned her in his 2022 memoir, The Book of Jose, revealing that she has been actively involved in Ryan’s life. Over the years, Ryan has shared glimpses of his bond with his mother on social media, indicating a close relationship. Transitioning from primarily living with his mother to residing with his father and stepmother in Miami, Ryan has grown into a young man known for his academic achievements and occasional rebellious streak, as noted by Fat Joe.
Despite his flourishing career in the music industry, Fat Joe has been vocal about his desire for his children to pursue education and different career paths, steering them away from following his footsteps in rap. Emphasizing the value of higher education, the rapper envisions a future where his children excel in professions like medicine or law, urging them to chase their boldest dreams. Though Ryan harbors a passion for hip-hop, his father has encouraged him to explore other avenues while supporting his musical aspirations.
Fat Joe welcomed his only daughter, Azariah Cartagena, on May 4, 2006, with his wife, Lorena. The couple’s vacation in Jamaica resulted in Azariah, lovingly referred to as “Azzy,” who brought a renewed sense of joy and love to their family. The rapper described the experience of having a daughter as unparalleled, highlighting Azariah’s endearing nature and the playful dynamic she shares with her older brothers. Fondly recalling her influence in their home, he praised Azariah for her assertiveness and charm.
In a notable transition from rap to media hosting, Fat Joe launched The Fat Joe Show on Instagram Live, where he engaged with notable guests in various fields. The inspiration behind this shift, his daughter Azariah, suggested the idea during their time together at home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Embracing the opportunity to connect with his audience and bond with his family, Fat Joe embraced this new venture with Azariah serving as the executive producer, adding a touch of family collaboration to his career evolution.
As Azariah marked her 18th birthday in May 2024, Fat Joe celebrated the occasion with a touching Instagram post, expressing his profound love and pride for his daughter. Reflecting on the swift passage of time and the joy she brings to their lives, he commended Azariah for her thoughtfulness and affectionate nature. The rapper’s journey as a father to Joey, Ryan, and Azariah underscores the significance of love, support, and unwavering commitment in shaping a resilient and harmonious family bond.