Fat Joe

Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena on August 19, 1970, in the Bronx, New York, is a veteran rapper and entrepreneur who has remained a prominent figure in hip-hop for over three decades. Of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent, he grew up in the South Bronx and became involved in hip-hop culture at a young age. He released his debut album Represent in 1993 on Relativity Records, establishing himself as a gritty East Coast rapper.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Fat Joe built an impressive catalog of music and founded the Terror Squad collective, which included Big Pun, Remy Ma, and other artists. His biggest commercial hit came with “Lean Back” in 2004, a Terror Squad single that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining songs of that era. He also scored major hits with “What’s Luv?” featuring Ashanti and “Make It Rain” featuring Lil Wayne.

Fat Joe experienced a career resurgence in 2016 with “All the Way Up” featuring Remy Ma, which earned a Grammy nomination and proved his enduring relevance in hip-hop. However, his financial history has included setbacks, including a 2012 federal prison sentence for tax evasion, which impacted his net worth. He has been open about his financial challenges and has worked to rebuild his wealth through music, television appearances, and business ventures.

As of 2026, Fat Joe’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. He has become a respected elder statesman of hip-hop, known for his longevity, adaptability, and cultural influence. He has appeared as a television host and media personality, and continues to be active in music and entertainment.