Fat Joe is one of the most successful and influential rappers in the hip hop industry. He has released several hit albums and singles, collaborated with many famous artists, and founded his own record label and group. But did you know that Fat Joe’s brother Andre was the one who introduced him to rap music and inspired him to pursue his passion? Here is everything you need to know about Fat Joe brother Andre and his role in the rapper’s life and career.
Early Life and Family Background
Fat Joe was born Joseph Antonio Cartagena on August 19, 1970, in the Bronx borough of New York City. He is of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, thanks to his parents who immigrated to the United States from their respective countries. He has one brother named Andre Cartagena, who is older than him by a few years. According to Distractify, Fat Joe enjoys the benefits of two cultures in his family and considers himself a proud Latino.
Fat Joe grew up in the Forest Houses, a public housing project in the South Bronx neighborhood of Morrisania. His family was very poor, which forced him to resort to crime from a young age to support them. He also admitted that he was a bully in his childhood. However, his brother Andre was the one who exposed him to a different world through hip hop music.
Introduction to Hip Hop Music
According to Thevibely, Andre Cartagena was the reason behind Fat Joe’s career choice. When they were both younger, Andre introduced Joe to hip hop music and culture. Joe was fascinated by the art form and the messages it conveyed. He started listening to rap legends like Grandmaster Flash, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, and LL Cool J. He also began writing his own rhymes and performing them in the streets and at local parties.
Andre encouraged Joe to pursue his talent and passion for rap music. He also helped him develop his stage name, Fat Joe, which was derived from his childhood nickname, Joey Crack. Andre also supported Joe’s decision to join the rap group Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in 1992, which consisted of other Bronx-based MCs and producers. Andre was always by Joe’s side, cheering him on and giving him advice.
Fat Joe’s Music Career and Success
With the help of his brother Andre, Fat Joe embarked on a solo career in 1993 with his debut album Represent. The album featured production from The Beatnuts, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, and others. Its lead single, “Flow Joe” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. Other minor singles from the album included “Watch the Sound” and “This Shit Is Real”.
Fat Joe continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1990s and 2000s, such as 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), and The Darkside Vol. 1 (2010). He also formed the hip hop group Terror Squad and its namesake record label in the late 1990s, through which he discovered and signed fellow New York artists including Big Pun, Remy Ma, Tony Sunshine, and Cuban Link, as well as then-unknown producers DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre.
Some of Fat Joe’s most notable songs include “What’s Luv?” (featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti), which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, “Lean Back” with Terror Squad, which reached number one on the chart, “Make It Rain” (featuring Lil Wayne), and “All the Way Up” (with Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Infared). Fat Joe has also appeared in several films, such as Scary Movie 3 and Happy Feet, as well as Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It. In 2018, he began hosting a podcast on Tidal, Coca Vision, where he discusses music, friendships, and pop culture with various celebrity guests.
Fat Joe’s Relationship with His Brother Andre
Fat Joe has always been grateful to his brother Andre for introducing him to rap music and supporting his career. He has often mentioned him in his songs and interviews, and dedicated his album Loyalty to him. He has also shared pictures and videos of him and his brother on his social media accounts, showing their close bond and love for each other.
Fat Joe brother Andre is not only his sibling, but also his best friend, mentor, and inspiration. He is the man behind the rapper’s music career and success. Without him, Fat Joe might not have become the hip hop legend that he is today.