Fat Joe

Joseph Antonio Cartagena was born on August 19, 1970 in the Bronx, New York City, where he was raised by parents of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/fat-joe-mn0000177122/biography|title=Fat Joe – Biography|last=Prato|first=Greg|year=2010|publisher=Allmusic}}{{cite news|last=Goodman|first=Abbey|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/f/fat_joe/news_feature_051002/index.jhtml|title=Fat Joe: Bigger Than Ever|publisher=MTV News|date=May 10, 2002|access-date=June 6, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021222095656/http://www.mtv.com/bands/f/fat_joe/news_feature_051002/index.jhtml|archive-date=December 22, 2002}} Living in the Forest Houses, a public housing project in the Morrisania neighborhood, Cartagena began stealing at a young age to support his family.{{cite news|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/1998-09-14/entertainment/18079175_1_fat-joe-cuban-link-hip-hop|title=Latin Rappin's Time Has Come|last=Farber|first=Jim|date=November 14, 1998|work=New York Daily News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403123250/http://articles.nydailynews.com/1998-09-14/entertainment/18079175_1_fat-joe-cuban-link-hip-hop|archive-date=April 3, 2012|access-date=June 27, 2024|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/09/which-nyc-housing-projects-have-produced-the-most-famous-people/|title=Which NYC Housing Projects Have Produced the Most Famous People?Forest Houses|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=October 9, 2019}} He also admits that he was a bully in his childhood. His older brother, Angel (d. 2024),{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Mourns The Loss Of His Brother: ‘I Love You With All My Heart' |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-12-02-fat-joe-mourns-the-loss-of-his-brother-i-love-you-with-all-my-heart/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=iHeart |language=en}} introduced him to hip hop music. At the time, Cartagena had been kicked out of his family's apartment following a fight with his father and began dealing drugs.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Elliott |date=2022-11-17 |title=Fat Joe Reflects on His Time With Big Pun, Losing the Grammy to Chance the Rapper and His Lost Jay-Z Collab |url=https://www.gq.com/story/fat-joe-book-of-jose-interview |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}

Cartagena began performing music under the alias, Fat Joe da Gangsta, and became part of the rap group D.I.T.C., formed by producer Diamond D. After performing at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night even in 1991,{{Cite news |last=Givhan |first=Robin |date=2024-12-06 |title=Apollo Theater is the first venue celebrated by Kennedy Center Honors - The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2024/12/06/apollo-theater-kennedy-center-honors-harlem/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318182202/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2024/12/06/apollo-theater-kennedy-center-honors-harlem/ |archive-date=2025-03-18 |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=The Washington Post}} Cartagena was represented by music executive Chris Lighty of Violator and then, signed to Relativity Records in the early 1990s, recording material for his debut studio album and working with many artists whom he would later sign to his own label.

On July 27, 1993, his debut album Represent was released, featuring production from The Beatnuts, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, and others. Its lead single, "Flow Joe", peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. Other singles from the album included "Watch the Sound" and "This Shit Is Real".{{Cite web |last=Pedroche |first=Ben |date=2023-07-22 |title=Rediscover Fat Joe’s Debut Album ‘Represent’ (1993) {{!}} Tribute |url=https://albumism.com/features/fat-joe-debut-album-represent-album-anniversary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601035519/https://albumism.com/features/fat-joe-debut-album-represent-album-anniversary |archive-date=2025-06-01 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Albumism |language=en-US}}

On October 24, 1995, Cartagena released his second studio album, Jealous One's Envy, which peaked at number 71 on the Billboard 200 and at number seven on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The album featured a guest appearance from KRS-One and production from Diamond D. The lead single was "Success", which failed to chart. His second single, "Envy" peaked at number eight on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

One day while writing for the album at Chung King Studios, Cartagena happened to find that his rap idol and friend, LL Cool J, was in another room with Poke and Tone, known together as the production duo, the Trackmasters. They were working on the remix version of LL's single, "I Shot Ya". After being welcomed to contribute a verse, Cartagena appeared on the remix, along with Foxy Brown, Keith Murray, and Prodigy of Mobb Deep. The track is considered by Cartagena to be one of his career highlights.{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2011/12/interview-fat-joe-25-best-songs/ll-cool-j-f-fat-joe-keith-murray-prodigy-foxy-brown-i-shot-ya-remix-1996|website=www.complex.com|title=Fat Joe Breaks Down His 25 Most Essential Songs|author=Daniel Isenberg|date=December 7, 2011|quote=That sh-- was the craziest collabo. LL Cool J was my idol. He was working in the next room with the Trackmasters. This is when I was doing my second album. And Tone from the Trackmasters came to my session, and heard my second album with 'Fat Joe's In Town' and all that. And he was like, 'Oh sh--, you're killin' it. I'm doing this remix for LL, you wanna jump on that?'}}{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/07/trackmasters-tells-all-the-stories-behind-their-classic-records-part-1/ll-cool-j-fat-joe-foxy-brown-keith-murray-prodigy|title=Trackmasters Tell All: The Stories Behind Their Classic Records (Part 1)|website=www.complex.com|first=Insanul|last=Ahmed|date=July 19, 2012|quote=Chris Lighty was managing Fat Joe at the time. Joe really wanted to be on an event record and that would have been the staple for him. He was like, 'Yo, lemme just go on. I promise you the rhymes are gonna be amazing.' So we were like, 'Okay.' So he got on the record.}} A video, directed by Hype Williams, was shot for the remix.{{Cite web |last=Elibert |first=Mark |date=2019-08-26 |title=The 20 Best Hype Williams-Directed Music Videos |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/the-20-best-hype-williams-directed-music-videos-8528219/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

During the recording of Jealous One's Envy, Cartagena discovered fellow Latino rapper and New Yorker Big Pun, who was later featured on the song, "Watch Out". Cartagena later explained the rapper's influence on him: "Latinos before us who had the opportunity to do it just didn't know how to do it. They came in trying to do this black music, waving flags. [But] we're trying to kick in the doors for other Latinos and represent our people, and it shows."{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/05/28/the-skinny-on-fat-joe/|title=The skinny on Fat Joe|work=The Chicago Tribune|date=May 28, 2003|access-date=June 27, 2024|last=DiPasquale|first=Cara|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926040550/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-05-28/news/0305290041_1_fat-joe-joe-cartagena-latino-rapper|archive-date=September 26, 2012|url-status=live}}

File:Fat joe-06-mika.jpg

In 1996, Cartagena left Relativity, after discovering that the label had underpromoted him. However, he is still featured on the label's compilation, Relativity Urban Assault on the track, "Firewater".

In 1997, Cartagena attempted to sign with Sean "Diddy" Combs' imprint, Bad Boy Records, but later signed with Atlantic Records after the label offered him his own music label, Terror Squad Entertainment.{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=Liz |date=2024-04-04 |title=Rapper Fat Joe Speaks Out Against Record Labels: 'It Ain't 50/50' |url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/102073/20240404/rapper-fat-joe-speaks-out-against-record-labels-aint-50.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223034112/https://www.musictimes.com/articles/102073/20240404/rapper-fat-joe-speaks-out-against-record-labels-aint-50.htm |archive-date=2024-12-23 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Music Times |language=en-US}} Combs blessed Cartagena to join Atlantic after he denied him permission to launch Terror Squad under Bad Boy.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} Rapper Eminem sent Cartagena a demo for him to join his Terror Squad imprint under Atlantic, but Cartagena rejected it six times.{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |date=2015-09-08 |title=Fat Joe Passed On Signing Eminem Six Times |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/460581-fat-joe-passed-on-signing-eminem-six-times-news |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} He executive produced and also was featured on Big Pun's 1998 debut album, Capital Punishment.

He subsequently began recording his third studio album, Don Cartagena, which was released on September 1, 1998. His first under Terror Squad and Atlantic through a joint venture with Mystic Entertainment Group and Atlantic's Big Beat Records, it debuted on the Billboard 200 at number seven and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart (it was prevented from topping the latter chart by The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill), eventually being certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) a month after its release for shipping 500,000 copies in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Fat%20Joe&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=SOLO&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=on&before=on&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1993&endYear=2007&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25|title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – March 09, 2015|work=riaa.com|access-date=March 9, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151842/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Fat%20Joe&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=SOLO&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=on&before=on&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1993&endYear=2007&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25|archive-date=September 24, 2015}} The album featured three singles with accompanying music videos, "Bet Ya Man Can't Triz", "John Blaze", and "Don Cartagena". Guest appearances included Nas, Puff Daddy, Big Pun, Raekwon, Jadakiss, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony members Krayzie Bone and Layzie Bone. On Don Cartagena, he debuted his own group, Terror Squad (1998-2006), consisting of Big Pun, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, Prospect, Armageddon, Tony Sunshine and later, Remy Ma.Birchmeier, Jason. [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p366641|pure_url=yes}} Terror Squad biography] at Allmusic Triple Seis claimed that he and Pun were ghostwriters for Don Cartagena, and asserts that Cartagena continues to hire ghostwriters.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/87104.php|title=Triple Seis – Third Times a Charm – Interview|last=Fleury|first=Serge|date=November 1, 2009|website=NobodySmiling.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107004505/http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/87104.php|archive-date=January 7, 2007 |access-date=May 25, 2016}}

In 1999, he and Big Pun appeared on Jennifer Lopez's single, "Feelin' So Good", from her album, On the 6. Also that year, Terror Squad released a compilation album, Terror Squad: The Album. The compilation sold below commercial expectations.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In 2000, Cartagena's friend and Terror Squad artist Big Pun died that February of a heart attack.{{Cite web |last=Saint-Vil |first=Sweenie |title=Fat Joe remembers Big Pun 22 years after his death |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-02-07/151619/fat-joe-remembers-big-pun-22-years-after-death |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=REVOLT}} That same year, he lost his older sister and grandfather.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe on His Battle With Depression: 'The Minute I Feel... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/fat-joe-depression-weight-loss |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} The aftermath of his family and Big Pun's deaths sent Cartagena into a clinical depression. He began drinking heavily to cope with the pain. Around the same time, Armageddon, Triple Seis and Cuban Link have parted ways with Cartagena's Terror Squad imprint due to internal conflicts with him and Atlantic Records.{{Cite web |last=Shabazz |first=Sherron |date=2014-06-02 |title=Cuban Link Says The Fat Joe Conflict Will Never Be Resolved |url=https://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.2420/title.cuban-link-says-the-fat-joe-conflict-will-never-be-resolved |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} Cartagena began seeking therapy for his depression issues with the help of his wife, Lorena.{{Cite news |last=Marr |first=Madeline |date=2024-07-31 |title=Fat Joe talks to Jay Shetty about depression |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/miami-com-news/article290580604.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601051327/https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/miami-com-news/article290580604.html |archive-date=2025-06-01 |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=Miami Herald}}

Cartagena then released his fourth studio album, Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.), on December 4, 2001. A sequel to his 1995 album, Jealous One's Envy, the album featured guest appearances by Ashanti, Ja Rule, N.O.R.E., Busta Rhymes, Petey Pablo, M.O.P., Ludacris, R. Kelly, Buju Banton, and various artists from his Terror Squad label. The lead single, "We Thuggin'", featuring R. Kelly was a hit single, but would not reach the superior level of its follow-up single, the Irv Gotti-produced song, "What's Luv?", featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti, which was released in early 2002.{{Cite web |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=2020-05-16 |title=Fat Joe Reveals Something Ashanti Never Knew About ‘What’s Luv?’ |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-ja-rule-ashanti-whats-luv-jlo-9379291/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} "What's Luv?" would chart at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Cartagena's second biggest commercial hit single in his career.{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Riley |date=2020-05-26 |title=How Fat Joe's ‘What's Luv?’ Almost Became The 3rd J. Lo Song To Feature Uncredited Ashanti Vocals |url=https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.4516/title.how-fat-joes-whats-luv-almost-became-the-3rd-j-lo-song-to-feature-uncredited-ashanti-vocals |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} It was also included on the soundtrack to the 2002 dramedy film, Juwanna Mann.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} At the time of the album's release, Cartagena's management transition to the Squad Music, a management wing of Terror Squad Entertainment after parting ways with Mick Bentson and Chris Lighty's Violator company. Jealous Ones Still Envy is Cartagena's biggest selling album in his career to date, having been certified platinum by the RIAA in May 2002 for the shipment over a million copies. During this period, Cartagena's wife, Lorena, became his stylist for the time being, also being credited for half-dressing her husband in a sleeveless jacket with his chest being nearly shown to the crowd while performing "What's Luv?" at MTV's annual Spring Break concert in 2002.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWQCGtT--CE |title=Fat Joe feat. Ashanti - What's Love Live (2002 MTV Spring Break) |date=2009-09-02 |last=Gerd |type=Video |access-date=2025-06-01 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/ZWQCGtT--CE |archive-date=2025-06-01 |via=YouTube}}

However, despite the continuing success of "What's Luv?", his fifth studio album, Loyalty, released on November 12, 2002, was not as successful as Jealous Ones Still Envy.{{Cite web |date=2005-03-16 |title=Success allows Fat Joe to just 'Lean Back' |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/success-allows-fat-joe-just-lean-back-wbna7201549 |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}} It debuted at number 31 on the Billboard 200. Its first single, "Crush Tonight" featuring Ginuwine, was also a commercial disappointment, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} Cartagena later appeared on Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz's single, "Play No Games", alongside Oobie and Trick Daddy.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} Tony Sunshine filled in for Ginuwine as the chorus performer for "Crush Tonight" when he and Cartagena performed the song on a 2003 episode of the Comedy Central program Chappelle's Show.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} Also in 2003, he was featured in the pop single "I Want You" by Mexican singer Thalía.

Throughout October 2003 and April 2004, Cartagena reunited with his group Terror Squad to record a second compilation album. He also setup a studio session with record producer Scott Storch, which would end up producing the song, "Lean Back". He began singing a melody for the beat to Storch, who later materialized the production.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Joe |date=2022-10-05 |title=Fat Joe Explains Origins Of Iconic ‘Lean Back’ Dance: ‘We Knew That Thing Was Outta Here’ |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.73959/title.fat-joe-lean-back-dance-origins |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=15 Classic Scott Storch Songs Every Music Fan Should Be T... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/c-vernon-coleman/scott-storch-best-songs-beats |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} Originally a Fat Joe solo track for the Terror Squad compilation, Remy Ma overheard the session and demanded that she appear on the second verse of the track upon recording it.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-09 |title=The Number Ones: Terror Squad’s “Lean Back” |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2207694/the-number-ones-terror-squads-lean-back/columns/the-number-ones/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Stereogum |language=en}} Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic called the song "a perfect club-ready duet between Joe and Remy Ma that boasts a trademark Scott Storch beat and a memorable singalong hook and dance-along step".{{cite web|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|title="True Story" – Overview|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r703323|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=Allmusic|year=2004|access-date=November 10, 2007}} "Lean Back" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Billboard |date=2004-08-19 |title=‘Lean Back’ Gets Comfy At No. 1 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lean-back-gets-comfy-at-no-1-66853/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} before being ousted from the top position by singer Ciara's single, "Goodies".{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Billboard |date=2004-09-02 |title=Ciara’s ‘Goodies’ Climbs To No. 1 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ciaras-goodies-climbs-to-no-1-66659/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} It was also certified gold by the RIAA in January 2005. However, the Terror Squad compilation, True Story, released on July 7, 2004, did not fare well commercially. It sold 90,000 units in its first week, though it was a commercial success on Billboard, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart respectively.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

He then began recording material for Ivy Queen's debut English-language album, Real, in support of her goal to compete in the world of English-language hip hop music.{{cite web|url=http://www.caracol.com.co/noticias/actualidad/ivy-queen-se-lanza-a-conquistar-el-mercado----ingles/20031111/nota/154264.aspx |title=Ivy Queen se lanza a conquistar el mercado inglés |language=es |work=Caracol Radio |publisher=Caracol S.A |date=November 11, 2003 |access-date=December 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105152851/http://www.caracol.com.co/noticias/actualidad/ivy-queen-se-lanza-a-conquistar-el-mercado----ingles/20031111/nota/154264.aspx |archive-date=November 5, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nysun.com/arts/fats-chance/15383/|title=Fat's Chance|work=The New York Sun|author=Edlund, Martin|date=June 14, 2005|access-date=June 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228025355/http://www.nysun.com/article/15383|archive-date=December 28, 2007|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=101EBBC4113DC10B&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F108BB08D810F52BB |title=It's Reggae, It's Rap, And It's Muy Caliente|work=San Jose Mercury News |author=Pacio, Nerissa |date=April 8, 2005 |page=1E|access-date=June 27, 2024|via=Newsbank}} Cartagena portrayed himself and provided his own voice and likeness for the September 2004 video game, Def Jam: Fight For NY.{{Cite web |title=Celebrating Def Jam: Fight For NY's 20th Anniversary: Why the PS2 Classic Deserved Better |url=https://www.theculturecrypt.com/posts/why-def-jam-fight-for-ny-deserved-better |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=The Culture Crypt |language=en-US}} The video game also featured Cartagena's 2002 song "Take A Look At My Life" from Loyalty.

That November, Cartagena appeared on Ja Rule's single, "New York", alongside rapper and the Lox member, Jadakiss. This was what provoked a feud between Cartagena, Jadakiss and 50 Cent, due to 50's disapproval of the former two appearing on a Ja Rule song, and the fact that 50 Cent himself had a violent feud with the rapper since 1999.{{Cite web |last=Bustard |first=Andy |date=2023-02-10 |title=50 Cent Admits He Was 'Buggin' For Dragging Fat Joe Into Ja Rule Feud |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/50-cent-fat-joe-beef-regret-ja-rule-feud |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} Cartagena dissed 50 Cent on the track, "My Fofo", which later appeared on his sixth studio album, All or Nothing, which was released on June 14, 2005. Despite the inclusion of "My Fofo", All or Nothing spawned the singles, "So Much More" and "Get It Poppin" featuring Nelly, also with guest appearances from Eminem, Mase, Remy Ma, Mashonda (the ex-wife of producer Swizz Beatz), and R. Kelly; the album also included a remix of "Lean Back" as a bonus track.{{Cite news |last=Warminsky |first=Joe |date=2005-06-29 |title=Fat Joe's 'All Or Nothing': Lightweight |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2005/06/29/fat-joes-all-or-nothing-lightweight/e435d72a-fdd5-4a84-906e-563427c2c96e/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Despite favorable reviews from critics, the album was yet another commercial failure for Cartagena, debuting at number six on the Billboard 200, with 106,000 copies sold in its first week, the lowest first-week sales for a Fat Joe album and the lowest-selling studio album in Cartagena's music career.

In 2006, with the disappointment of the commercial and critical reception of All or Nothing, Cartagena parted ways with Atlantic Records and bought back the rights and trademark to his Terror Squad imprint.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Billboard |date=2006-07-27 |title=Fat Joe Splits Atlantic, Preps New Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-splits-atlantic-preps-new-album-57706/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} In 2024, Cartagena repaid eighteen-year advances back to Atlantic and its parent company, Warner Music Group, after which he called the major music label industry a "Ponzi scheme".{{Cite web |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=2023-05-04 |title=Fat Joe: ‘The Major Label System Is A Ponzi Scheme’ |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-label-ponzi-scheme |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} As of April 2018, his music catalog for Atlantic Records is no longer under ownership of Warner Music Group, being divested in 2017 to RT Industries, a company founded by Razor & Tie founders.{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Rhian |date=April 17, 2018 |title=Independent label RT Industries launches with divestments from Warner |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/independent-label-rt-industries-launches-with-divestments-from-warner |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809111749/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/independent-label-rt-industries-launches-with-divestments-from-warner/ |archive-date=2020-08-09 |access-date=2025-06-01 |publisher=Music Business Worldwide}} However, Warner Music retains the digital distribution rights, now under its ADA division. This divestment was required as effect of a deal with IMPALA and the Merlin Network, related to Warner Music's acquisition of Parlophone Records from the now-defunct EMI.

In early 2006, Cartagena hired Troy Carter as his new manager for his seventh studio album. He then appeared in a freestyle cipher segment for VH1's "Freestyle 59" competition in October 2006, prior to the VH1 Hip Hop Honors featuring New Jersey rapper Neuse.{{cite press release|title="VH1 Hip Hop Honors" Red Carpet Pre-Show to Air Exclusively on VH1's Broadband Channel with Hosts Salt, Pepa, and Spinderella|url=http://www.vh1.com/press/press_releases/2006_release/hhh_100306.jhtml|publisher=VH1|date=October 3, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211095939/http://www.vh1.com/press/press_releases/2006_release/hhh_100306.jhtml|archive-date=February 11, 2009}} Cartagena also featured on N.O.R.E.'s single, "Mas Maiz", which appeared on the latter's first Spanish-language album, N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}File:Fat Joe in Portugal.jpg

Me, Myself & I, released on November 14, 2006, is Cartagena's seventh studio album. It was also his first album, released under his new deal with Imperial Records, a division of Caroline Records, itself a subsidiary of the independent division of Virgin Records (now Virgin Music Group).{{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|title=Fat Joe Teams With Imperial, Virgin For New Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57383/fat-joe-teams-with-imperial-virgin-for-new-album|magazine=Billboard|date=August 31, 2006|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706005336/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003084965|archive-date=July 6, 2007|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |date=2006-12-08 |title=FAT JOE "Me, Myself & I" Terror Squad |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2006/12/08/fat-joe-me-myself-38/42bc10e7-5c04-4211-8765-78b3e3184585/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite web |last=Press |first=Olivia Munoz The Associated |title=Fat Joe returns to grittier roots with new CD “Me, Myself and I” |url=https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2006/11/17/fat-joe-returns-to-grittier-roots-with-new-cd-me-myself-and-i/27693057007/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=The Tuscaloosa News |language=en-US}} It featured the hit single "Make It Rain" featuring rapper Lil Wayne, followed by "No Drama (Clap and Revolve)". "Make It Rain", however, made a dominant placement in the new era of New York City's hip-hop scene, which was overshadowed by the birth of Atlanta-based trap music, which the song's production was based off of. The song peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100, went platinum (also in mastertone form) for selling a million copies the following year{{Cite web |last=Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) |first=Grouchy Greg |date=2007-06-28 |title=Fat Joe's 'Make It Rain' Sells A Million Ringtones |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/fat-joes-make-it-rain-sells-a-million-ringtones/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=AllHipHop |language=en-US}} and in 2008, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Rain |date=2024-07-11 |title=Fat Joe Essential Songs |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/823820-fat-joe-essential-songs |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}

The day of his seventh album's release, photos circulated online when he appeared on MTV's Total Request Live alongside rapper the Game, who coincidentally released his sophomore studio album, Doctor's Advocate, the same day. Both rappers bought copies of their albums together at a Virgin Megastores in New York City's Times Square.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025|reason=Though Getty Images is a legitimate source for photos, it does not mean that it should be used to confirm statement as per WP:TRIVIAL and WP:RELIABLE.}} The budding friendship between Cartagena and the Game also infuriated their longtime rival, 50 Cent.{{Cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2022-04-09 |title=The Game Denies 50 Cent Is Responsible For His Career: 'At That Time In L.A, I Was It' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.69424/title.the-game-denies-50-cent-is-responsible-for-his-career-at-that-time-in-l-a-i-was-it |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=A History of 50 Cent Beefing With G-Unit Members |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/50-cent-beefing-g-unit-members-history-timeline |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}}

In June 2007, Catholic priest Michael Pfleger targeted Cartagena as among several rappers he believed promoted misogyny in his billboard campaign, "Stop Listening to Trash", which was launched on June 18, throughout Chicago, where Pfleger preached.{{cite web |last=Petipas |first=Jolene |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202123430/http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/11901 |archive-date=February 2, 2008 |title="Stop Listening To Trash", Church Calls Out Rappers In New Campaign |url=http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/11901 |work=SOHH.com |date=June 20, 2007 |access-date=June 6, 2020 |url-status=dead}} Also that month, Cartagena was featured on DJ Khaled's single, "We Takin' Over", alongside Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Birdman, and Lil Wayne and the remix to Khaled's "I'm So Hood" with Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Ludacris, and Birdman. At the end of January 2008, Cartagena and his longtime accountant, Brian Dittrich, both denied rumors spreading on the internet that the rapper owed the IRS taxes; Cartagena was later convicted of federal tax charges in 2013.{{cite web|last=Saint-Louis|first=Tai|title=Fat Joe & Accountant Deny IRS Troubles|url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2008/01/31/19222767.aspx|work=AllHipHop.com|date=January 31, 2008|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201181902/http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2008/01/31/19222767.aspx|archive-date=February 1, 2008|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=2015-03-18 |title=District of New Jersey {{!}} Rapper Fat Joe Sentenced To Four Months In Prison For Failing To File Income Tax Returns On Over $3.3 In Taxable Income {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/rapper-fat-joe-sentenced-four-months-prison-failing-file-income-tax-returns-over-33 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}

Cartagena's eighth solo studio album, The Elephant in the Room,{{cite press release |title=EMI Music's Imperial Records and Terror Squad Entertainment Re-Up Distribution Deal To Release Fat Joe's Eight Album, The Elephant in the Room |url=http://www.imperialrecords.com/fat-joe.html |publisher=Imperial Records |date=September 18, 2007 |access-date=April 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430143224/http://imperialrecords.com/fat-joe.html |archive-date=April 30, 2008}} and released on March 11, 2008; its lead single was "I Won't Tell" featuring singer J. Holiday.{{cite magazine|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|title=Fat Joe Goes Gangster On 'Elephant'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046809/fat-joe-goes-gangster-on-elephant|magazine=Billboard|date=January 16, 2008|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916044708/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046809/fat-joe-goes-gangster-on-elephant|archive-date=September 16, 2014|url-status=dead}} The album debuted at the number six on the Billboard 200 with 47,000 copies sold in its first week.{{cite news|last=Sisario|first=Ben|title=Rick Ross Scores a Second No. 1|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/arts/20arts-RICKROSSSCOR_BRF.html|work=The New York Times|date=March 20, 2008|access-date=June 6, 2020}} "Ain't Sayin' Nuthin'", featuring Plies, followed.

Cartagena's ninth solo studio album, J.O.S.E. 2, was released on October 6, 2009, and sold 11,000 copies in its first week. It debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 73.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10000/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-10-18-2009|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/18/2009|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|date=October 21, 2009|publisher=HipHopDX|access-date=November 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030222523/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10000/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-10-18-2009|archive-date=October 30, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/news/interviews/60rappers/2009/05/60_rappers_in_60_days_fat_joe/|title=60 RAPPERS IN 60 DAYS: Fat Joe|last=Kenner|first=Rob|date=May 26, 2009|work=Vibe|access-date=May 26, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620175648/http://www.vibe.com/news/interviews/60rappers/2009/05/60_rappers_in_60_days_fat_joe/|archive-date=June 20, 2009}} The project reprises the title of Cartagena's respective second and fourth studio albums, Jealous One's Envy (1995) and Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) (2001), and marked his third release since bringing his Terror Squad imprint to the Caroline/EMI family in 2006. The album featured guest appearances by Ron Browz, Fabolous, Lil' Kim, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, and Akon. Producers include Jim Jonsin, The Inkredibles, and frequent collaborator StreetRunner.{{cite press release|title=Fat Joe Readies New Album: Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 Out April 7 |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fat-joe-readies-new-album-jealous-ones-still-envy-2-out-april-7-65784602.html|publisher=EMI Music|date=February 26, 2009|access-date=October 26, 2015}} "One", featuring Akon, was the first single, with "Aloha" featuring Pleasure P and Rico Love following up.{{Cite web |last=Devin |title=Video: Fat Joe f/ Pleasure P - 'Aloha' |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2009/09/15/video-fat-joe-f-pleasure-p-aloha |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Rap-Up}}

In January 2010, Cartagena announced that he was working on his tenth studio album, The Darkside Vol. 1. MTV News reported that he intended "all the material to be much harsher" than his previous albums. On March 28, 2010, Cartagena signed a record deal with E1 Music (now MNRK Music Group).{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10911/title.fat-joe-heads-to-e1-readies-the-dark-side|title=Fat Joe Heads To E1, Readies "The Dark Side"|last=Paine|first=Jake|date=March 29, 2010|work=HipHopDX|publisher=Cheri Media Group|access-date=March 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331045838/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10911/title.fat-joe-heads-to-e1-readies-the-dark-side|archive-date=March 31, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sohh.com/2010/03/fat_joe_signs_w_e1_music_preps_dark_side.html|title=Fat Joe Signs W/ E1 Music, Preps "Dark Side" For Summer Release|last=Harper|first=Rosario|date=March 29, 2010|work=SOHH|publisher=4CONTROL Media, Inc.|access-date=March 30, 2010|archive-date=March 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331161416/http://www.sohh.com/2010/03/fat_joe_signs_w_e1_music_preps_dark_side.html|url-status=dead}} On that label, he reunited with music executives Alan Grunblatt and Steve Lobel, who previously worked with Cartagena while he was signed to Relativity Records.{{Cite web |date=2010-03-29 |title=Fat Joe Signs With E1 Music |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/fat-joe-signs-with-e1-music/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} The album was released on July 27, 2010, and sold approximately 12,000 copies in the first week and entered the Billboard 200 at number 27. Production comes from The Alchemist, Cool & Dre, Streetrunner, DJ Premier, Scoop DeVille, Just Blaze, Scram Jones, Raw Uncut and DJ Infamous with guest appearances by Busta Rhymes, Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, R. Kelly, Clipse, Cam'ron, Rico Love, Too $hort, TA, and Young Jeezy.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629276/20100107/index.jhtml|title=Fat Joe Is Ready To Head To The Darkside With Young Jeezy|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=January 8, 2010|work=Mixtape Daily|publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203161528/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629276/20100107/index.jhtml|archive-date=February 3, 2010|url-status=dead}} The first single from The Darkside Vol. 1 is "(Ha Ha) Slow Down", which features Young Jeezy and contains a sample of Soul II Soul's "Back to Life".{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe f. Young Jeezy, “Ha Ha (Slow Down Son)” MP3 |url=https://www.thefader.com/2010/02/05/fat-joe-f-young-jeezy-ha-ha-slow-down-son-mp3 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=The FADER |language=en}} It was followed up by its second single, "If It Ain't About Money", which features Trey Songz.{{Cite web |last=Lilah |first=Rose |date=2010-05-24 |title=If It Ain't About Money |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/523170-fat-joe-if-it-ain-t-about-money-song |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}

On April 7, 2011, Jamie Drastik released his second mixtape, Champagne and Cocaine, which included the song "One Hundred and Ten", featuring Cartagena.{{cite web |date=April 7, 2011 |title=Jamie Drastik - Champagne And Cocaine |url=https://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/13605/jamie_drastik_champagne_and_cocaine.html |access-date=July 23, 2023 |work=livemixtapes.com}} Cartagena was also featured on the remix to DJ Khaled's song "Welcome to My Hood", which also features Ludacris, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Mavado, Birdman, Ace Hood, the Game, Jadakiss, Bun B, and Waka Flocka Flame. It is included as the final track on Khaled's fifth studio album We the Best Forever.{{Cite web |title=DJ Khaled f. Ludacris, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Mavado, Twista, Birdman, Ace Hood, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Bun B, Game & Waka Flocka, “Welcome To My Hood (Remix)” MP3 |url=https://www.thefader.com/2011/03/15/dj-khaled-f-ludacris-t-pain-busta-rhymes-mavado-twista-birdman-ace-hood-fat-joe-jadakiss-bun-b-game-waka-flocka-welcome-to-my-hood-remix-mp3 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=The FADER |language=en}}

File:FatJoeJul05.jpg

In an interview with XXL Magazine on September 21, 2011, Cartagena stated the Darkside Vol. 2 would be his "first ever official mixtape" and would feature the Mark Henry-produced songs "Massacre on Madison" and "Drop a Body", both of which were released earlier in the year. He confirmed to have started working on his eleventh studio album.{{Cite web |last=jessejesse |date=2011-09-21 |title=Fat Joe Reveals Details on The Darkside, Vol. 2 Mixtape, New Album |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/fat-joe-reveals-details-on-the-darkside-vol-2-mixtape-new-album/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} Ultimately, the Darkside, Vol. 2 was released on Halloween 2011 (October 31). Only "Drop a Body" was included on the mixtape.{{Cite web |title=Mixtape: Fat Joe "The Darkside" Volume 2 |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/complex/mixtape-fat-joe-the-darkside-volume-2 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2011-11-08 |title=Fat Joe, The Darkside Vol. 2 |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/fat-joe-the-darkside-vol-2/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} On October 19, 2011, a non-album single by Cartagena, "Another Round", was released on iTunes.{{cite web |date=October 19, 2011 |title=iTunes – Music – Another Round (feat. Chris Brown) – Single by Fat Joe |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/another-round-feat.-chris/id474257045?ls=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022205228/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/another-round-feat.-chris/id474257045?ls=1 |archive-date=October 22, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2012 |publisher=iTunes}} The single, produced by Cool and Dre and Young Lad, features R&B singer Chris Brown.{{cite web |date=September 21, 2011 |title=Fat Joe Reveals Details on The Darkside, Vol. 2 Mixtape, New Album |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/09/fat-joe-reveals-details-on-the-darkside-vol-2-mixtape-new-album/ |access-date=May 12, 2012 |publisher=Xxlmag.Com}}

In August 2012, Cartagena continued another non-album single titled "Pride N Joy".{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe: Ye Made Him Record "Pride N Joy" Verse 300 Times |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/treyalston/fat-joe-ye-verse-300-times |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} Controversial musician Kanye West had Cartagena re-record his verses "300 times" causing the single's release to see a delay until its release. In September 2012, He was featured on Grammy Award winner Alejandro Sanz's album, La Música No Se Toca, on a track called "Down".{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} A month later, he performed with LL Cool J, former rival 50 Cent, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott as part of a BET Hip Hop Awards tribute to their manager, Chris Lighty, who took his life on August 30 that year.{{Cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Erika |date=2012-10-10 |title=BET Hip-Hop Awards 2012: Chris Lighty Tribute, Cyphers & Winners |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bet-hip-hop-awards-2012-chris-lighty-tribute-cyphers-winners-474730/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

On November 4, 2012, his third non-album single, "Yellow Tape" which features Lil Wayne, ASAP Rocky, and French Montana, was released.{{Cite web |date=2012-11-05 |title=Fat Joe – “Yellow Tape” Video (Feat. Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky & French Montana) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1192062/fat-joe-yellow-tape-video-feat-lil-wayne-aap-rocky-french-montana/news/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Stereogum |language=en}} Cartagena would then release another single, "Ballin'" on March 18, 2013. The song features Wiz Khalifa and Teyana Taylor.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Releases His New Single "Ballin'" Featuring Wiz K... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/daniel-isenberg/fat-joe-releases-his-new-single-ballin-featuring-wiz-khalifa-and-teyana-taylor |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} His music career was put on hiatus after he was sentenced to federal prison for four months following his conviction for tax evasion that year. His mixtape, The Darkside III, was released the day he began his prison sentence.{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Trent |date=2013-08-25 |title=Fat Joe Teams Up with Action Bronson on 'Your Honor' |url=https://thedrop.fm/fat-joe-teams-up-with-action-bronson-on-your-honor/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=TheDrop.fm |language=en}}

In March 2016, Cartagena reunited with Remy Ma to release their collaborative single, "All the Way Up", featuring Infared and French Montana. The single peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first top 40 hit in nearly a decade. "All the Way Up" also spawned four remixes with Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, the Game, E-40, David Guetta, Glowinthedark, Jay Park, AK-69, Daboyway, SonaOne and Joe Flizzow of rap duo Too Phat, respectively.{{Cite web |last=Platon |first=Adelle |date=2016-05-25 |title=Fat Joe Says He Wanted to ‘Keep It New York’ by Recruiting Jay Z for ‘All the Way Up’ Remix: Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-jay-z-all-the-way-up-remix-7385043/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Trevor |date=2016-06-22 |title=All The Way Up (Westside Remix) |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/585032-fat-joe-and-remy-ma-all-the-way-up-westside-remix-feat-snoop-dogg-the-game-e-40-and-french-montana-new-song |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} In February 2021, the song was certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales and streams of over two million single-equivalent units.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

Cartagena reunited with his former group, D.I.T.C., for their album, Sessions. The album, released in October 2016, was preceded by the lead single, "Rock Shyt".{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2016/09/d-i-t-c-sessions-lp-rock-shyt-fat-joe-lord-finesse-diamond-d/|title=D.I.T.C. Announce 'Sessions' Album, Drop "Rock Shyt" Featuring Fat Joe, Lord Finesse and Diamond D – XXL|work=xxlmag.com|date=September 30, 2016 |access-date=March 1, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://hiphop-n-more.com/2016/10/new-music-d-i-t-c-rock-shyt-feat-fat-joe-lord-finesse-diamond-d/ |title=New Music: D.I.T.C. – 'Rock Shyt' (Feat. Fat Joe, Lord Finesse & Diamond D) | HipHop-N-More |access-date=October 4, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005212357/http://hiphop-n-more.com/2016/10/new-music-d-i-t-c-rock-shyt-feat-fat-joe-lord-finesse-diamond-d/ |archive-date=October 5, 2016}} He also revealed that he and Remy Ma were working on a collaborative album, Plata O Plomo, which was released on February 17, 2017 under Empire Distribution and RNG, a label launched by Cartagena and Andre "Dre" Lyon, one-half of the production duo Cool & Dre, who had previously produced music for Cartagena since 2001.{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |date=2017-02-16 |title=Plata O Plomo |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/51782-fat-joe-and-remy-ma-plata-o-plomo-new-mixtape |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} Plata O Plomo includes a guest appearance by Stephanie Mills and two follow-up singles, "Cookin'" and "Money Showers", the latter which features Ty Dolla Sign.{{Cite web |last=Andres |title=Video: Fat Joe & Remy Ma feat. Ty Dolla $ign - 'Money Showers' |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2017/01/12/video-fat-joe-remy-ma-ty-dolla-sign-money-showers |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Rap-Up}} Earlier in January 2017, Cartagena signed with Jay-Z's company, Roc Nation, in an artist management deal.{{Cite web |last=Platon |first=Adelle |date=2017-01-18 |title=Fat Joe Signs Management Deal With Roc Nation |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-management-deal-roc-nation-7661613/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

On August 2, 2017, Cartagena released "So Excited" with Dre, who co-produced the track with StreetRunner. The song features a sample of Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garrett's "Don't Look Any Further" (1984).{{Cite web |last=Penrose |first=Nerisha |date=2017-08-10 |title=Fat Joe Calls His New Record ‘So Excited’ a ‘Summer Banger’ |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-interview-so-excited-new-video-7890132/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} On July 24, 2018, he and Dre released "Attention" with Chris Brown.{{Cite web |last=Lamarre |first=Carl |date=2018-07-23 |title=Fat Joe & Dre Refuse to Give Second Chances on New Song ‘Attention’ Featuring Chris Brown: Premiere |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-dre-attention-chris-brown-8466540/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} The track appears on Cartagena and Dre's collaborative album, Family Ties, which was released on December 6, 2019.{{citation |title=Fat Joe Looks Back At Classic Hits, Speaks On Cardi B's Growth, Top Rappers List & New Album! |date=September 19, 2019 |website=Hot 97 |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/interviews/fat-joe-looks-back-classic-hits-speaks-cardi-bs-growth-top-rappers-list-new-album |access-date=October 18, 2019}}{{Cite web |date=2019-12-06 |title=Fat Joe Delivers On Potentially Last Album 'Family Ties' |url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/12/fat-joe-family-ties-album-stream |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Hypebeast}} The album also featured the promotional single, "Lord Above", featuring Eminem and Mary J. Blige. On this song, Eminem calls out Nick Cannon, alleging he had sexual relations with Cannon's then-wife Mariah Carey.{{Cite web |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=2019-12-06 |title=Eminem Blasts Nick Cannon on Fat Joe’s ‘Lord Above’: Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/eminem-diss-nick-cannon-fat-joe-lord-above-8545621/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

In 2018, he created and hosted the Coca Vision podcast on Tidal, where he discusses music, friendships, and pop culture with various celebrity guests.{{Cite web |title=COCA VISION PODCAST |url=http://tidal.com/playlist/1b12caf2-1726-4ad5-96a3-15c12ba00666 |access-date=March 1, 2018 |website=TIDAL – High Fidelity Music Streaming}}{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=HNHH |date=2018-04-24 |title=Fat Joe Sits Down With DJ Premier In "Coca Vision," Exclusively On Tidal |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/89311-fat-joe-sits-down-with-dj-premier-in-coca-vision-exclusively-on-tidal-new-video |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} In 2022, following Block's acquisition of Tidal, Coca Vision ended.{{Cite web |title=Square, Inc. Announces Plans To Acquire Majority Ownership Stake In TIDAL |url=https://squareup.com/us/en/press/tidal |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Square |language=en-US}}

Cartagena then appeared on the We TV reality television series, Growing Up Hip Hop: New York, with his son, Ryan.{{Cite web |last=Marie |first=Erika |date=2019-09-03 |title=Fat Joe Tries To Tell Rapper Son That Not All Hip Hop Kids Are Successful Artists |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/196776-fat-joe-tries-to-tell-his-rapper-son-that-not-all-hip-hop-kids-are-successful-artists-news |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-12-06 |title=Ja Rule, Irv Gotti, And Fat Joe Join 'Growing Up Hip Hop: New York' Cast |url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/ja-rule-irv-gotti-and-fat-joe-join-growing-up-hip-hop-new-york-cast/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Essence |language=en-US}}

In July 2020, Cartagena launched the Fat Joe Show on Revolt; the series did not premiere until August 11.{{Cite web |last=Marie |first=Erika |date=2020-08-12 |title="The Fat Joe Show" Officially Launches On REVOLT TV |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/290477-the-fat-joe-show-officially-launches-on-revolt-tv-news |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} In December 2020, he appeared in the ComplexLand virtual event and talked about the best sneakers of the year.{{Cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=December 3, 2020|title=Complex turned its fashion and music festival into a futuristic video game|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/3/22150152/complexcon-virtual-music-streetwear-complex-food-festival|access-date=April 1, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}}

On January 21, 2021, Cartagena released the non-album single, "Sunshine (The Light)", containing a mashup between Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much" and an acapella version of Rihanna's "Kiss It Better" with a feature credited by Amorphous and DJ Khaled.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jon |title=Fat Joe teams up with Amorphous for “Sunshine (The Light)” |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-01-21/61401/fat-joe-teams-up-with-amorphous-for-sunshine-the-light |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=REVOLT}} That same year, he and DJ Drama released a "Gangsta Grillz" exclusive mixtape titled What Would Big Do 2021.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Trent |date=2021-08-14 |title=Fat Joe Grabs DJ Drama, Lil Yachty, DJ Khaled + More For ‘What Would Big Do 2021’ Album |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.63900/title.fat-joe-grabs-dj-drama-lil-yachty-dj-khaled-more-for-what-would-big-do-2021-album |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

On September 15, 2021, Cartagena reunited with Ja Rule to engage in an online single battle via Verzuz.{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Matthew Ismael |date=2021-09-15 |title=Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz Battle: Here’s What Happened |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/fat-joe-and-ja-rules-verzuz-battle-heres-what-happened/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} Their Verzuz battle (curated by co-creators Timbaland and Swizz Beatz) ended when Jadakiss appeared and the three performed their 2004 single, "New York", which was what ignited Cartagena and Jadakiss' mutual feud with Ja Rule's nemesis, 50 Cent, who also reacted to the battle with praise for Cartagena.{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Aleia |date=2021-09-15 |title=50 Cent Says ‘I Put They Whole Label Out of Business’ After Ja Rule and Fat Joe Verzuz |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/50-cent-irv-gotti-ja-rule-fat-joe-verzuz/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} Cartagena also made controversial comments toward former background singer, Lil' Mo, who previously collaborated with Ja Rule in the 2000s; she responded with scathing online statements.{{Cite web |last=Dixon |first=Siobhan |last2=Brown |first2=Preezy |date=2021-09-16 |title=Fat Joe Apologizes To Lil Mo And Vita For ‘Verzuz’ Remarks: “I Love All Women, Especially The Black Woman” |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-verzuz-lil-mo-vita-apology-1234628926/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}

Throughout 2022, he appeared on two songs: "The Essence" alongside Flee Lord, Mephux and LordMobb{{Cite web |date=2022-05-05 |title=Flee Lord X Mephux Release New Drop ‘Pray For The Evil III’ Feat Fat Joe, Conway The Machine & More |url=https://undergroundhiphopblog.com/albums/flee-lord-x-mephux-release-new-drop-pray-for-the-evil-iii-feat-fat-joe-conway-the-machine-more/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=UndergroundHipHopBlog.com |language=en-US}} and "JOE CRACK", a track produced by Diamond D from his album, The Rear View.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-19 |title=Diamond D Returns to the Mic for ”The Rear View” (Album Review) |url=https://undergroundhiphopblog.com/albums/diamond-d-returns-to-the-mic-for-the-rear-view-album-review/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=UndergroundHipHopBlog.com |language=en-US}}

In 2024, Cartagena released another non-album single with Remy Ma, "Outta Control".{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe and Remy Ma Go Shirtless While Rapping Over “Summ... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/markelibert/fat-joe-remy-ma-summertime-outta-control-video |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} He then appeared on LL Cool J's single, "Saturday Night Special", alongside Rick Ross; the track appeared on LL's album, The FORCE.{{Cite web |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=2024-06-14 |title=LL Cool J Connects With Rick Ross & Fat Joe for Fiery ‘Saturday Night Special’ Single: Stream It Now |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ll-cool-saturday-night-special-single-stream-1235709409/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} In August, Starz announced Cartagena's talk show, Fat Joe Talks; the series premiered October 4{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Angel |date=2024-09-19 |title=‘Fat Joe Talks’: STARZ Drops Official Teaser & Release Date For New Interview Series |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/fat-joe-talks-starz-teaser-1235779830/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} following the series finale of Power Book II: Ghost, whose executive producer, 50 Cent, was once again Cartagena's former rival.{{Cite web |last=Kuperinksy |first=Amy |date=2024-10-04 |title=Hip-hop legend Fat Joe, host of new series, wants to be like Oprah |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2024/10/hip-hop-legend-fat-joe-host-of-new-series-wants-to-be-like-oprah.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=nj |language=en}} That December, he released his long-awaited eleventh studio album, the World Changed on Me.{{Cite web |last=Cao |first=Katie |date=2025-01-07 |title=Fat Joe on First Album in 15 Years ‘The World Changed on Me’ & More {{!}} Billboard News |url=https://www.billboard.com/video/fat-joe-on-first-album-in-15-years-the-world-changed-on-me-billboard-news/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} The album was dedicated to his older brother, Angel, who died the previous November.{{Cite web |last=Horvath |first=Zachary |date=2024-12-13 |title=Fat Joe Dedicates His First Album In 15 Years, "The World Changed On Me," To His Older Brother |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/868494-fat-joe-the-world-changed-on-me-stream |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} The album included guest appearances by Remy Ma, Chris Rock, Dre, Karma Nova and DJ Khaled, along with two singles, "Paradise" with Anitta and "I Got You" with Babyface.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Recruits Anitta and DJ Khaled for Stevie B-Sample... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/fat-joe-recruits-anitta-and-dj-khaled-for-paradise |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Horvath |first=Zachary |date=2024-11-27 |title=Fat Joe Links With Babyface For Sensual Single "I Got You" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/863872-fat-joe-babyface-i-got-you-stream |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}

On May 5, 2025, Cartagena reunited with Jadakiss to form a podcast in sponsorship with Roc Nation and Boost Mobile titled Joe and Jada, which they explore topics related to music, entrepreneurship and sports.{{Cite web |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=2025-05-05 |title=Fat Joe & Jadakiss Team Up to Launch New Music, Sports & Culture Podcast |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-jadakiss-joe-and-jada-podcast-1235961949/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} This was the recent reunion between the two rappers since 2021 and their first major collaboration of 2025 following their 20-year feud with 50 Cent.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe on 50 Cent and Joe Budden’s Run-In at Knicks Game |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/treyalston/fat-joe-50-cent-joe-budden-run-in-knicks-game-response |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}}

In 2016, Cartagena opened up a sneaker store called Up NYC in Harlem.[https://allhiphop.com/news/fat-joe-celebrates-grand-opening-sneaker-store-50-cent/ Fat Joe Celebrates Grand Opening Of His Sneaker Store With 50 Cent] The company has now expanded to 3 locations. In 2023, he partnered with It's a 10 Haircare to launch an at-home beard and hair coloring collection for men.[https://people.com/fat-joe-and-its-a-10-haircare-launch-rewind-it-10-at-home-hair-and-beard-coloring-for-men-exclusive-8387051 Fat Joe and It's a 10 Haircare Launch ReWind It 10 for Men — and Travis Kelce Is an Ambassador (Exclusive)]

On June 12, 2022, Cartagena sold his mansion in Miami for $3.25 million.{{Cite news |last=Marr |first=Madeline |date=2022-06-13 |title=Fat Joe's former mansion in Florida for sale |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/celebrities/article262454382.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601082745/https://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/celebrities/article262454382.html |archive-date=2025-06-01 |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=The Miami Herald}}

Cartagena has been married to his wife, Lorena, since 1995. They met in 1993 at a Miami nightclub where he was performing after former Relativity executive Steve Lobel introduced Cartagena to her.{{Cite web |title=Who Is Fat Joe's Wife? All About Lorena Cartagena |url=https://people.com/who-is-lorena-cartagena-fat-joe-wife-8410959 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=People.com |language=en}} The couple welcomed their only child together, a daughter named Azariah, on May 12, 2006.

Cartagena has two sons from previous relationships: Joey, who was born when Cartagena was 19, and Ryan, who was born in the mid-90s.{{cite web |title=Who Is Fat Joe's Wife? All About Lorena Cartagena |url=https://people.com/who-is-lorena-cartagena-fat-joe-wife-8410959 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}} His son, Joey, has autism and down syndrome; he has discussed raising him as a young single father.{{cite web | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxtara-mahadevan/fat-joe-son-down-symdrome-autism | title=Fat Joe Reflects on Raising Son with Down Syndrome and Au | website=Complex Networks }}

Cartagena's father,{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Announces Death of Dad Ernesto at Age 89: 'Legend in My Eyes' |url=https://people.com/fat-joe-announces-death-of-dad-ernesto-11678879 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=People.com |language=en}} mother,{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=2025-05-03 |title=Fat Joe Honors His Mother After Her Passing: ‘She Gave Us Everything’ |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fat-joe-mom-death-tribute-1235961852/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} older sister, brother and grandfather had passed away.

Cartagena's list of friends include Kool DJ Red Alert, Funkmaster Flex{{Cite web |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=2022-09-23 |title=Fat Joe Drops Off Two New Joints Following Funk Flex Challenge |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.73681/title.fat-joe-new-music-funk-flex |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} (who introduced him to Angie Martinez), LL Cool J,{{Cite web |last=McGuigan |first=Molly |date=2025-03-22 |title=Fat Joe Still Gets ‘Nervous’ When Hanging Out With Friend LL Cool J |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/fat-joe-still-gets-nervous-when-hanging-out-with-friend-ll-cool-j/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}} N.O.R.E.,{{Cite web |date=2024-10-17 |title=N.O.R.E. & Fat Joe Team Up for Intersection of Latin & Hip-Hop Panel at 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/n-o-r-e-fat-025003781.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}} Jennifer Lopez,{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Bryson "Boom" |date=2024-01-18 |title=Fat Joe Cameos In New Jennifer Lopez Musical, ‘This Is Me… Now’; Watch The Trailer! |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/fat-joe-cameos-in-new-jennifer-lopez-musical-this-is-me-now-watch-trailer/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HOT 97 |language=en-US}} Jadakiss, French Montana, Mary J. Blige{{Cite web |last=Marie |first=Erika |date=2023-01-16 |title=Mary J. Blige Rings In 52nd Birthday With Fat Joe, Usher, Joey Bada$$, Remy Ma & More |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/621742-mary-j-blige-rings-in-52nd-birthday-with-fat-joe-usher-joey-bada-remy-ma-more |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}, Nas{{Cite web |date=2023-08-10 |title=Fat Joe steps up to defend Nas against criticism from MC Shan |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/fat-joe-steps-defend-nas-185412866.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}} and Ja Rule.{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Taiyo |date=2022-01-21 |title=Fat Joe Speaks On Where He Stood During The Ja Rule 50 Cent Feud |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/402979-fat-joe-explains-how-he-helped-ja-rule-get-the-bag-more-than-once-news |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}

Allies including Charlie Rock LD,{{Cite web |last=Jawnson |first=Kershaw St |date=2023-05-08 |title=Former Terror Squad Member Charlie Rock Death Confirmed By Cuban Link |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/former-terror-squad-member-charlie-rock-death-confirmed-by-cuban-link/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=AllHipHop |language=en-US}} Kato,{{Cite web |date=2018-07-20 |title=Killing 'Kato': the story of Latin Kings boss Rudy Rangel Jr.’s murder |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/7/20/18371447/killing-kato-rudy-rangel-latin-kings-four-corner-hustlers |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}} Raul,{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Mourns The Loss Of Terror Squad Member Raul Conde: 'You Are 1 Of 1' |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-23-fat-joe-mourns-the-loss-of-terror-squad-member-raul-conde-you-are-1-of-1/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=iHeart |language=en}} Cartagena's fellow D.I.T.C. cohort Big L,{{Cite web |last=Bowens |first=Dan |date=2023-05-31 |title=Fat Joe reflects on the life and legacy of the late rapper Big L |url=https://www.fox5ny.com/news/life-legacy-and-murder-harlems-own-big-l |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=FOX 5 NY |language=en-US}} Big Pun,{{Cite web |last=Saint-Vil |first=Sweenie |title=Fat Joe remembers Big Pun 22 years after his death |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-02-07/151619/fat-joe-remembers-big-pun-22-years-after-death |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=REVOLT}} Chris Lighty,{{Cite web |last=mlelinwallamlelinwalla |date=2012-08-30 |title=Russell Simmons, Fat Joe, Game and More React to Chris Lighty's Death |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/russell-simmons-fat-joe-game-and-more-react-to-chris-lightys-death/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} David Stern,{{Citation needed|date=June 2025|reason=The only evidence to confirm Cartagena's friendship with David Stern, who died in 2020, was on Instagram, but no other sources could be found reliable.}} Nipsey Hussle,{{Cite web |date=2020-04-01 |title=Nipsey Hussle's Family & Friends Remember Rapper On Anniversary Of His Death |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-03-31-nipsey-hussles-family-friends-remember-him-on-anniversary-of-his-death/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601090211/https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-03-31-nipsey-hussles-family-friends-remember-him-on-anniversary-of-his-death/ |archive-date=2025-06-01 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=iHeart |language=en}} DMX{{Cite web |date=2021-04-09 |title=Artists Pay Tribute to DMX After His Death at 50 |url=http://star106fm.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601090352/https://star106fm.com/lifestyles/artists-pay-tribute-to-dmx-after-his-death-at-50/ |archive-date=2025-06-01 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Star 106 (ZNST-FM) |language=en}} and Irv Gotti{{Cite web |title=Ja Rule, Fat Joe, The Game, and More Mourn Irv Gotti |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/irv-gotti-tributes |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} have passed away.

In December 2016, Cartagena returned to his old school in the Bronx to donate computers for students with support from Microsoft.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Donates 20 Computers to His Old Bronx Elementary ... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxjoshua-espinoza/fat-joe-donates-computers-bronx-elementary-school |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}}

File:Kamala Harris cannabis roundtable White House March 2024.jpg

In 2008, he attended the grand opening of the Hip Hop Soda Shop in Miami which was a community outreach project set up by Ben Chavis for the youth to hang out and do things such as record music, use the computers and play on Xbox 360s.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRRvMUW6LVQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/XRRvMUW6LVQ |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=Fabolous, Fat Joe, Megan Good & More @ Hip Hop Soda Shop |publisher=YouTube |date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=May 12, 2012}}{{cbignore}}

At a "School is Cool" assembly in Public School 5 in Jersey City, New Jersey on June 11, 2009, Cartagena was a speaker.{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/06/rapper_fat_joe_talks_up_educat.html|title=Rapper Fat Joe talks up education at Jersey City school|last=Thorbourne|first=Ken|date= June 11, 2009|work=The Jersey Journal|access-date=November 24, 2009}}

On January 23, 2011, he appeared with Newark mayor Cory Booker and fitness expert Jeff Halevy at an event to promote the Newark branch of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative against childhood obesity.Pix11 TV, "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n8bJizX-Uc Fat Joe performing at "Let's Move" event in Newark to prevent obesity]," January 23, 2011, retrieved February 2, 2013.

In March 2024, Cartagena attended a roundtable discussion with former U.S. vice president Kamala Harris at the White House to discuss cannabis policy reform.{{cite news |last1=Superville |first1=Darlene |title=Vice President Harris and rapper Fat Joe team up for discussion on easing marijuana penalties |url=https://apnews.com/article/harris-fat-joe-marijuana-classification-5b62ac5f2c944096c473203cb656db30 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=March 15, 2024}} On November 4, 2024, the day prior to election day, he spoke at a Harris presidential rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-04 |title=Harris and Trump's final push before Election Day brings them to the same patch of Pennsylvania |url=https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-kamala-harris-2024-election-0429c35a84739bd90d9e5bb92fe803de |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Maddaus |first=Gene |date=2024-11-04 |title=Celebrities Fan Out Across Swing States in Final Voting Push for Kamala Harris |url=https://variety.com/2024/politics/news/kamala-harris-campaign-lady-gaga-katy-perry-1236199733/ |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

On August 8, 2024, to heavy backlash, Cartagena was awarded the key to the city of New York.{{Cite web |last=Schube |first=Will |date=2024-08-08 |title=Fat Joe Being Awarded Key To New York City — But Says 'Everybody Was Upset' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-key-new-york-city-backlash |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

By 1996, he weighed {{convert|300|lb}}.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/10/nyregion/fat-joe-hip-hop-celebrity-faithful-to-old-neighborhood.html|title=Fat Joe: Hip-Hop Celebrity Faithful to Old Neighborhood|last=Walker|first=Andrea K.|date=November 10, 1996|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 1, 2009}} In 2005, ContactMusic.com{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/fat%20joe%20sheds%2080%20pounds|title=Fat Joe Sheds 80 Pounds|date=November 2, 2005|work=ContactMusic.com|access-date=May 17, 2009}} profiled Cartagena's weight loss efforts.

In 2011, he unveiled his latest weight loss efforts in the video for his song "Drop a Body"{{cite web |url= http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhH8rJymhlAwMapnK1 |title= Video: Fat Joe – Drop A Body |publisher=Worldstarhiphop.com |access-date= May 12, 2012}} after losing {{convert|88|lb|0}} off his previous weight of {{convert|350|lb|-1}}.{{cite news|url= http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2011/06/10/2011-06-10_heavyweight_rapper_drops_88_pounds__after_losing_seven_pals_to_heart_attacks_fat.html |title= Fat Joe gets skinny|last=Armaghan|first=Sarah|date=June 10, 2011|work=NY Daily News|access-date=July 10, 2011|location=New York}} Furthermore, he follows a low-carb approach, eating sweet potatoes but not eating certain carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and white pasta.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POBEHqrQUkA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/POBEHqrQUkA |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=Fat Joe Speaks On His Massive Weight Loss|date=October 27, 2011|work=YouTube|access-date=March 9, 2015}}{{cbignore}}

In 2022, Cartagena said that he would not change his stage name from Fat Joe despite his weight loss, because it would not be a good marketing move.{{cite news |last1=Mwanza |first1=Willy Mwanza |title=Fat Joe Insists He Will Retain His Name Even Though His Body Has Lost Fat |url=https://eurweb.com/2022/10/28/fat-joe-insists-he-will-retain-his-name-even-though-his-body-has-lost-fat/ |access-date= October 29, 2022 |work=EURweb |date= October 28, 2022}}"Grammy-nominated Artist Fat Joe Opens Up Like Never Before in New Memoir" (interview). GMA3: What You Need To Know. ABC. November 17, 2022.

In 2024, he revealed that he uses the GLP-1 agonist drug Ozempic to help maintain a healthy weight.{{cite magazine |last1=Saponara |first1=Michael |title=Fat Joe Credits Ozempic, Diet Changes for Helping Him Lose & Maintain 200-Pound Weight Loss |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/fat-joe-ozempic-weight-loss-1235801346/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=25 October 2024}}

On September 8, 1998, Cartagena and Big Pun were arrested on assault charges for hitting a man with a baseball bat and stealing the man's gold chain on June 14 that year.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/20/nyregion/neighborhood-report-new-york-up-close-fat-joe-faces-a-different-music.html|title=Fat Joe Faces a Different Music|last=Lakhman|first=Marina|date=September 20, 1998|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828180823/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/20/nyregion/neighborhood-report-new-york-up-close-fat-joe-faces-a-different-music.html|archive-date=August 28, 2010|url-status=live}} Cartagena was arrested again on May 12, 2002, for allegedly fighting with another man at B.B. King's Blues Club in Times Square, but the charges were dropped on January 10, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459475/20030110/fat_joe.jhtml|title=Assault Charges Against Fat Joe Dismissed|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=January 10, 2003|publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030211013533/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459475/20030110/story.jhtml|archive-date=February 11, 2003|url-status=dead}}

In two murder cases, Cartagena has been named a witness:

• His former bodyguard, Jose Mulero (also known as Sing Sing), was arrested on September 17, 2004, for the April 15, 1994, shooting death of 16-year-old Ernesto Rivera at a Bronx nightclub. Responding to a subpoena, Cartagena claimed to have heard the shooting and seen people fleeing the scene, but investigators argued that he was standing closer to Mulero, by a door.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9904E0DB1639F934A2575AC0A9629C8B63|title=Rapper's Former Bodyguard Charged in 1994 Murder Case |last=Wilson|first=Michael|date=September 17, 2004|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 24, 2009}}

• Miami Beach police also named Cartagena as a witness in a 2007 Memorial Day double murder outside David's Cafe II in South Beach. Jermaine "Wufgang" Chamberline of Miami Gardens was accused of shooting Lessli Paz and Joey Navarro to death on that morning; Cartagena and the two victims were sitting in a rented Cadillac Escalade parked outside the restaurant when a fight broke out between passengers and another man.{{cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/122660.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601162116/http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/122660.html|archive-date= June 1, 2007|title=Rapper Fat Joe sought as shooting witness|last=Ovalle|first=David|date=May 30, 2007|work=Miami Herald|access-date=November 24, 2009}}

In August 2014, Liza Rios, widow of Big Pun, filed a $2.3 million lawsuit against Cartagena and Steve Rifkind, founder of Loud Records, regarding unpaid royalties for two of the rapper's studio albums, Capital Punishment (1998) and Yeeeah Baby (2000). Music producer and disc jockey Jellybean Benitez was also named as a co-defendant, due to his involvement with Big Pun. Rios additionally stated through her attorney that she was not paid any royalties from Cartagena nor Rifkind since 2005.{{Cite web |last=Mansell |first=Henry |date=2016-06-23 |title=Fat Joe Settles Long-Standing Big Pun Lawsuit With Late Rapper’s Widow |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.39350/title.fat-joe-settles-big-pun-lawsuit-with-late-rappers-widow |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} On June 22, 2016, both parties settled out-of-court for undisclosed reasons. Cartagena and Liza Rios are no longer on speaking terms, due to the severity of the lawsuit. In 2021, their dispute resurfaced. That March, Cartagena was absent from an event in the Bronx, with a street being renamed in Pun's honor. Cartagena admitted that his ongoing dispute with Pun's estate was what caused him not to attend the ceremony.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Explains Why He Wasn't at Big Pun's Street Renami... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/fnr-tigg/fat-joe-big-pun-street-renaming-ceremony |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} Then, in September, Liza Rios claimed Cartagena "robbed" Big Pun's estate of the royalties he was supposedly owed up until his death in 2000. Cartagena responded that Rios refused to approve of a Big Pun biographical film. Rapper N.O.R.E., who also hosted the podcast, Drink Champs, also defended Cartagena against Rios' allegation. Cartagena and Rios also argued over a Big Pun documentary that was released in 2002, with the former claiming that the latter had used half the money he paid her with the intent to settle the royalty dispute, but instead to finance the documentary, which included a camera footage of Rios being assaulted by Pun.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Defends Himself Over Big Pun’s Widow Claiming He ... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/fat-joe-responds-to-big-puns-widow-robbed-him-millions-royalties |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Complex |language=en}} On December 22, 2024, Liza Rios stormed out of an interview on the Uppercut podcast when she was asked about Cartagena.{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Cole |date=2024-12-22 |title=Big Pun's Widow Abrutly Ends Interview After Being Questioned About Fat Joe |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/871309-big-pun-widow-interview-fat-joe-hip-hop-news |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2024-12-22 |title=Big Pun's Widow Storms Out Of Interview After Fat Joe Question: "Are You Serious?!" |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/big-pun-wife-interview-fat-joe-question/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=AllHipHop |language=en-US}}

In 2019, Cartagena, Remy Ma and French Montana were filed suit by rapper Fly Havana over songwriting royalties regarding their 2016 single, "All the Way Up".{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=2019-03-05 |title=Fat Joe, Remy Ma, French Montana Sued Over “All the Way Up” |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/fat-joe-remy-ma-french-montana-sued-over-all-the-way-up/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} On January 8, 2022, the lawsuit was dismissed.{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=Brandon |date=2022-01-08 |title=Fat Joe & Remy Ma Win ‘All The Way Up’ Lawsuit Because Rapper Signed Away Rights At IHOP |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.67081/title.fat-joe-remy-ma-win-all-the-way-up-lawsuit-because-rapper-signed-away-rights-at-ihop |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} In October 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reopened the plaintiff's claims, with a circuit panel stating in a 30-page opinion that the "lower court abused its discretion".{{Cite web |title=Rapper Fat Joe must face lawsuit over ‘All the Way Up’ song credit |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/rapper-fat-joe-must-face-lawsuit-over-all-the-way-up-song-credit/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=www.courthousenews.com |language=en-US}} Cartagena's request to dismiss the lawsuit was rejected by a judge.{{Cite web |last=Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) |first=Grouchy Greg |date=2025-02-18 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Fat Joe’s Missing IHOP Contract May Decide "All The Way Up" Battle For Millions |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/fat-joe-missing-ihop-contract-all-the-way-up-royalty-battle/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=AllHipHop |language=en-US}}

On April 29, 2025, Cartagena filed a lawsuit against his former hype man, Terrance "T.A." Dixon, for defamation and extortion after the defendant made false accusations against him, regarding child sexual abuse or calling Cartagena a pedophile.{{Cite web |title=Fat Joe Sues Former Hypeman Over 'Completely False' Allegations |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-04-30-fat-joe-sues-former-hypeman-over-completely-false-allegations/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=iHeart |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Preezy |date=2025-04-30 |title=Fat Joe Files Extortion Lawsuit Against Former Hypeman After “Pedophile” Claims |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/fat-joe-sues-former-hypeman-defamation-pedophile-claims-1235065781/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}

In December 2012, Cartagena pleaded guilty to tax evasion for not paying income tax on over $3{{nbsp}}million from 2007 to 2010. On June 24, 2013, he was sentenced to four months in prison for tax evasion.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.24442/title.fat-joe-sentenced-to-four-months-in-federal-prison-for-tax-evasion|title=Fat Joe Sentenced To Four Months In Federal Prison For Tax Evasion|author=HipHopDX|date=June 24, 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 9, 2015}} He began the sentence on August 26, 2013, and was released on November 28, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/11/29/fat-joe-released-from-prison/|title=Fat Joe Released From Prison|work=Rap-Up|access-date=March 9, 2015}}

50 Cent ignited a feud with Cartagena when the latter collaborated with Ja Rule, a well-known rival of 50 Cent and G-Unit.{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/50-cent-fat-joe-christmas-new-york-knicks|title=50 Cent and Fat Joe Seated Next to Each Other During Christmas New York Knicks Game|website=Complex Networks }}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-02-10/272594/50-cent-regrets-dragging-fat-joe-into-ja-rule-beef|title=50 Cent regrets dragging Fat Joe into Ja Rule beef}} The feud took aim at him following his 2002 single, "What's Luv?", which featured Ja Rule. Cartagena continued his collaborations with Ja Rule on the latter's 2004 single, "New York" (which also featured Jadakiss), prompting 50 Cent to release a diss track aimed at both Cartagena and Jadakiss titled "Piggy Bank", a track on 50 Cent's sophomore studio album, The Massacre (2005).{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=February 22, 2005 |title=50 Cent Album Pushed Up |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497344/20050222/50_cent.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050225055323/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497344/20050222/50_cent.jhtml |archive-date=February 25, 2005 |access-date=June 6, 2020 |publisher=MTV News}}{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=March 3, 2005 |title=Jadakiss, Fat Joe Slicing Their 50 Cent Beef Different Ways |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497736/20050303/fat_joe.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305060344/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497736/20050303/fat_joe.jhtml |archive-date=March 5, 2005 |access-date=June 6, 2020 |publisher=MTV News}} Cartagena later responded with "My Fofo", a track from his sixth studio album, All or Nothing (2005), which released later that same year.{{Cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2023-09-11 |title=Here Are 20 Unnecessary Hip-Hop Beefs That Never Should've Happened |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/hip-hop-beefs-unnecessary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601092552/https://www.xxlmag.com/hip-hop-beefs-unnecessary/ |archive-date=2025-06-01 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}

Cartagena subsequently attacked 50's street credibility and called him a "coward" on a phone interview with DJ Kay Slay via Hot 97.{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=February 25, 2005 |title=Fat Joe Calls 50 Cent 'A King' |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497500/20050225/fat_joe.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305230543/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497500/20050225/fat_joe.jhtml |archive-date=March 5, 2005 |access-date=June 6, 2020 |work=MTV News}} Tensions boiled over during the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards when Cartagena presented the award for Best Hip Hop Video, during which he told the audience "I feel so safe tonight with all this police protection courtesy of G-Unit".{{cite book |last=Parker |first=Derrick |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IIpWyv-IQMkC&q=%22i+feel+safe+with+all+the+police+protection%22+%22fat+joe%22&pg=PA293 |title=Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie, and Jam Master Jay From the NYPD's First "Hip-Hop Cop" |publisher=Macmillan |year=2006 |isbn=0-312-35251-4 |page=293}}{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=August 31, 2005 |title=Fat Joe Thought VMA Dis Might Lead To Fight With 50 Cent |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508728/20050831/fat_joe.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011181036/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508728/20050831/fat_joe.jhtml |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=MTV he News}} 50 Cent later retaliated with a profanity-laden diatribe following his performance of the song, "So Seductive" with former G-Unit artist Tony Yayo, exclaiming "Fat Joe's a pussy man! Pussy boy, fuck boy, nigga what?!". The feud later affected Cartagena financially as he sought to secure a $20 million contract endorsing Air Jordan sneakers in early 2005; Michael Jordan himself later cancelled the contract following the VMA incident as he was in fear of conflict with 50 Cent or other affiliates.{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/fat-joe-book-of-jose-memoir-50-cent-g-unit-beef|title=Fat Joe on the VMAs Dust-Up with 50 Cent That Cost Him $20 Million|date=November 14, 2022 }} Verbal disputes between Cartagena and 50 Cent continued during this time period: in September 2007, on the BET program Rap City, 50 Cent accused Cartagena of being cowardly for not willing to confront him, but Cartagena dismissed this claim as "nonsense".{{cite web |date=January 11, 2008 |title=Fat Joe Says Beefing With 50 Cent Made Him More Rich |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/news/fat-joe/fat-joe-says-beefing-with-50-cent-made-him-more-rich.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321033044/http://www.rapbasement.com/news/fat-joe/fat-joe-says-beefing-with-50-cent-made-him-more-rich.html |archive-date=March 21, 2009 |access-date=June 6, 2020 |work=Rap Basement}} Later, in January 2008, 50 Cent released another diss towards Cartagena, called "Southside Nigga (I'm Leaving)".{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} On March 20, 2008, shortly after sales were revealed, regarding Cartagena's eighth album, The Elephant in the Room, 50 Cent released a video via YouTube, which features the "funeral" of Cartagena, which shows 50 Cent crying in the fake footage. 50 Cent then talks about Cartagena's record sales and states that he ended his career (contrary to popular belief and in similarity towards Ja Rule) and that his mixtape "blew out" Cartagena's album, referring to G-Unit's Elephant in the Sand (Volume II).{{cite web |date=March 20, 2008 |title=50 Cent's Fat Joe Funeral |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/news/50-cent/50-cent-s-fat-joe-funeral.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509161726/http://www.rapbasement.com/news/50-cent/50-cent-s-fat-joe-funeral.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=June 6, 2020 |work=Rap Basement}}

Following this, little action was taken on either side as the feud seemed to calm down by 2011. Murder Inc. Records co-founder Irv Gotti (1970-2025) later expressed anger at Cartagena following his proposal to quell their longstanding feud with G-Unit in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI1LqJY_E5M|title=Irv Gotti Cussed Out Fat Joe for Trying to Squash Their Beef with 50 Cent (Flashback)|website=YouTube |date=August 21, 2023 }} In 2012, 50 Cent approached Cartagena in talks of ending the feud following the two agreeing to perform at a memorial ceremony for deceased music executive, Chris Lighty, who also served as a manager and mentor for both artists.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFYE8yd_w5I|title=Fat Joe on Ending 50 Cent Beef: We Did What Israel and Palestine Couldn't (Flashback)|website=YouTube |date=July 29, 2023 }} The feud was finally squashed when Cartagena and 50 Cent performed at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards in Lighty's honor. Despite the prior history between the two, they became close friends and business associates shortly thereafter despite Cartagena's lengthy connections with Ja Rule.{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/fat-joe-50-cent-beef-new-york-suge-knight|title=FAT JOE SALUTES 50 CENT FOR BEEFING WITH HIM: 'I HAD THE PERSONA OF NEW YORK SUGE KNIGHT'|date=July 29, 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-10-11/329761/fat-joe-admits-50-cent-has-one-of-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time|title=Fat Joe admits 50 Cent's 'Get Rich or Die Tryin{{'}}' is one of the greatest albums of all time despite past beef}}

DJ Kay Slay mixed a track titled "Free Again", featuring both Cartagena and 50 Cent, unbeknownst to both rappers. The song was released in 2014.{{Cite web |last=Estevez |first=Marjua EstevezMarjua |date=2014-01-23 |title=How DJ Kay Slay Reunited 50 Cent And Fat Joe On Wax |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/dj-kay-slay-50-cent-fat-joe-free-again-reunion/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} Ten years later, in 2024, 50 Cent admitted regret for starting the feud with Cartagena.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=2024-08-01 |title=50 Cent Regrets Beefing With Cam'ron, Fat Joe & Jadakiss: 'We Wasted Too Much Time' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/50-cent-regrets-camron-fat-joe-jadakiss-beef |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

In the early 2000s, Cartagena started feuding with rapper Cuban Link after the former allegedly shelved the latter's planned debut studio album, 24K, which was set to be released on Atlantic Records and Terror Squad Entertainment. This caused Cuban to leave Terror Squad and go solo; he also alleged that Cartagena had him blackballed from the industry which forced Cuban to go underground.{{Cite web |last=Ivey |first=Justin |date=2017-06-02 |title=It's 2017 & Cuban Link Is Still Dissing Fat Joe |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.43647/title.its-2017-cuban-link-is-still-dissing-fat-joe |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} In May 2001, Cartagena got into an altercation with rapper SunKiss at a release party for Angie Martinez's debut studio album, Up Close and Personal. Cuban tried to stop the fight but it resulted in him getting his face cut which left long-lasting scars on his face.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

During an interview with Vlad TV, Cartagena stated that he believes that people in the LGBTQ community should not hide their sexuality and should stand by who they are. He mentioned that it is possible that he has done songs with gay rappers and that there are likely several gay people besides rappers in the hip hop industry who are in the closet, describing it as a "Gay Mafia".{{cite web|author=illseed |url=http://allhiphop.com/2011/11/13/hip-hop-rumors-the-gay-mafia-runs-hip-hop-fat-joe-says/ |title=Hip-Hop Rumors: The Gay Mafia Runs Hip-Hop, Fat Joe Says! |publisher=AllHipHop.com |date=November 13, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2012}}

His comments came after he was asked to comment on radio personality Mister Cee (1966-2024) being arrested for public lewdness with a transgender sex worker.{{cite web|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/11/11/fat-joe-says-gay-rappers-should-represent-themselves/ |title=Fat Joe Wants Gay Rappers To 'Rep' Their Sexuality |publisher=Rapfix.mtv.com |date=November 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113172509/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/11/11/fat-joe-says-gay-rappers-should-represent-themselves/|archive-date=November 13, 2011|access-date=June 6, 2020|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Fat Joe discography}}

Studio albums

• Represent (1993)
• Jealous One's Envy (1995)
• Don Cartagena (1998)
• Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) (2001)
• Loyalty (2002)
• All or Nothing (2005)
• Me, Myself & I (2006)
• The Elephant in the Room (2008)
• Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2) (2009)
• The Darkside Vol. 1 (2010)
• The World Changed On Me (2024)

Collaborative albums

• Terror Squad: The Album (with Terror Squad) (1999)
• True Story (with Terror Squad) (2004)
• Plata O Plomo (with Remy Ma) (2017)
• Family Ties (with Dre) (2019)
• What Would Big Do 2021 (with DJ Drama) (2021){{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/fat-joe-dj-drama-gangsta-grillz-what-would-big-do-2021-stream|title=Fat Joe Connects With DJ Drama for 'Gangsta Grillz' Tape 'What Would Big Do 2021'|website=Complex Networks |access-date=August 17, 2021}}

• List of Puerto Ricans
• Latin hip hop
• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart
• List of Cubans

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20131231220802/http://fat-joe.com/ Official website (archived from 2013)]
• {{allMusic}}
• {{IMDb name|id=0196117 |name=Fat Joe}}

{{Fat Joe}}

{{Diggin' in the Crates Crew}}

{{Terror Squad}}

{{Authority control}}

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Category:1970 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American rappers

Category:American entertainers of Cuban descent

Category:American music industry executives

Category:American musicians of Puerto Rican descent

Category:Atlantic Records artists

Category:Big Beat Records (American record label) artists

Category:Businesspeople from New York City

Category:Diggin' in the Crates Crew members

Category:East Coast hip-hop musicians

Category:Hardcore hip-hop artists

Category:Gangsta rappers

Category:Hispanic and Latino American rappers

Category:Imperial Records artists

Category:People from Morrisania, Bronx

Category:Puerto Rican rappers

Category:Rappers from the Bronx

Category:Relativity Records artists

Category:OnlyFans creators

Category:Terror Squad (group) members

Category:Virgin Records artists

Category:Universal Records artists