Getting to Know Fat Joe’s Kids: Insights into His Sons and Daughter and Their Take on Their Dad as ‘Old School’
Fat Joe and his daughter Azariah Cartagena attend the 2024 US Open; Fat Joe with his son Joey Cartagena.
Credit:
Fat Joe/ Instagram (2)
Joseph Antonio Cartagena, widely recognized as Fat Joe, stands not only as a prominent figure in the music industry but also as a devoted father to his three children.
Fat Joe became a father for the first time in 1990 with the birth of his son, Joey. Following Joey’s diagnosis with Down syndrome and autism, Fat Joe’s biological mother left the family, prompting him to shoulder parenting responsibilities with support from his own parents.
A few years later, in 1995, Fat Joe welcomed his second son, Ryan, from a previous relationship. That same year, he married Lorena Cartagena, with whom he later had their daughter, Azariah, born in 2006.
Throughout his fatherhood journey, Fat Joe has openly shared his experiences and gratitude for his children. In a heartfelt Father’s Day message on Instagram in 2021, he expressed, “I’m so blessed to be a father to three amazing children. Every man has a different circumstance, but the most important part of fatherhood is showing up.”
### Joey Cartagena, 35
Fat Joe with his son Joey Cartagena.
Fat Joe/Instagram
Fat Joe welcomed Joey on December 15, 1990, at the age of 19. Reflecting on fatherhood at such a young age, he described it as the scariest moment of his life, stating, “I was just a kid myself.”
Joey’s congenital conditions presented unique challenges for the family, including initial rejection from his biological mother. However, Fat Joe’s mother insisted on keeping Joey in the family, which led to Fat Joe raising him with his parents’ support.
In a recent podcast interview, Fat Joe described Joey as his “biggest blessing,” noting his consistent happiness. “This guy is happy. He’s never sad,” he remarked. He further referred to Joey as “the Don of the family” and praised his ability to inspire those around him.
### Ryan Cartagena, 30
Fat Joe with his son Ryan Cartagena.
Fat Joe/Instagram
Fat Joe’s second son, Ryan, was born on January 19, 1995. Although Ryan’s mother’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, Fat Joe noted in his memoir that she has played an active role in Ryan’s life.
By the time Ryan was born, Fat Joe had achieved career success, which allowed him to provide for them. He eventually moved Ryan to Miami when he was ten, where they continue to share a close bond.
Recognized for his exemplary academic performance, Ryan also exhibits a rebellious streak at times. Despite his own success in music, Fat Joe wishes for his children to prioritize education, stating, “I want them to go to school to get a great education and be a doctor, lawyer, or whatever the biggest, most positive dream for a parent is.”
### Azariah Cartagena, 19
Fat Joe with his daughter Azariah Cartagena.
Fat Joe/Instagram
Fat Joe’s youngest child, daughter Azariah, was born on May 4, 2006. According to his memoir, Azariah was conceived while the couple was vacationing in Jamaica.
Despite being recognized as the youngest, Azariah has made a significant impact on her father’s life and career. Fat Joe described her as the “greatest,” noting the contrasting experience of having a daughter compared to his sons. He humorously shared that she runs the household and keeps her brothers in check.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift in Fat Joe’s career to media, significantly influenced by Azariah’s suggestion to go live on Instagram. The spontaneous move turned into a successful nightly talk show that allows him to balance work and family time.
As Azariah turned 18 in May 2024, Fat Joe celebrated her milestone with heartfelt sentiments, reflecting on the joy she brings to his life. “It’s hard to believe 18 years went by like that,” he wrote, expressing deep pride in her growth and character.
