The Untold Story Of Fat Joe's 3 Children: Joey's Inspiring Journey, Ryan's Reality TV Path, And Azariah's Life
The world of hip-hop mogul Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is often viewed through the lens of platinum records, chart-topping hits, and his illustrious career with the Terror Squad. However, in the past few years, the rapper has opened up about his most important role: being a father to his three children—Joey, Ryan, and Azariah—revealing a deeply personal and inspiring family life that few fans knew about until recently.
As of December 19, 2025, the latest and most compelling updates center on his eldest son, Joey Cartagena, whose journey with Down syndrome and Autism has become a source of profound strength and advocacy for the legendary artist. This deep-dive article explores the full biography of all three children, their current activities, and the powerful, recent revelations Fat Joe has shared about fatherhood and family.
Full Biography: Meet Fat Joe's Three Children
Fat Joe is a proud father to three children from different relationships: two sons, Joey and Ryan, and a daughter, Azariah. His openness about their lives has provided a fresh, intimate perspective on the man behind the microphone, highlighting his dedication as a single father early on and his role as a husband to his wife, Lorena Cartagena.
1. Joseph "Joey" Antonio Cartagena Jr. (Eldest Son)
- Full Name: Joseph Antonio Cartagena Jr.
- Approximate Age: 34 years old (born around 1990/1991).
- Mother: An ex-partner from a relationship before his marriage.
- Current Status: Lives with his father and family.
- Key Detail: Joey was diagnosed with both Down syndrome and Autism.
- Latest Update: Fat Joe recently shared rare, candid photos of Joey on vacation, expressing his love and pride.
2. Ryan Cartagena (Second Son)
- Full Name: Ryan Cartagena
- Date of Birth: January 19, 1995.
- Age: 30 years old.
- Mother: An ex-partner from a different relationship.
- Current Status: Has pursued a career in the entertainment industry.
- Key Detail: Ryan appeared on the reality television series *Growing Up Hip Hop: New York*.
3. Azariah Cartagena (Daughter)
- Full Name: Azariah Cartagena
- Approximate Age: 20 years old (born around 2005/2006).
- Mother: Lorena Cartagena (Fat Joe's wife since 1995).
- Current Status: Often appears with her father at high-profile events.
- Key Detail: Azariah is the youngest of the three children and the only one with his wife, Lorena.
Joey Cartagena's Inspiring Journey: A "Biggest Blessing"
The most recent and heartfelt discussions surrounding Fat Joe's family life revolve around his eldest son, Joey Cartagena. The rapper has been incredibly candid about raising a child with dual diagnoses of Autism and Down syndrome, calling Joey the "biggest blessing" in his life.
This openness is a relatively new development, as Fat Joe had largely kept Joey's condition private for decades. He explained that he decided to go public to honor his son and raise awareness, particularly on occasions like World Autism Awareness Day.
The Emotional Revelation of Abandonment
In a deeply personal interview on the *Club Shay Shay* podcast, Fat Joe shared the painful story of Joey's early life and the challenges he faced as a young father.
He revealed that Joey’s mother, his ex-partner, "abandoned" their son after learning of his diagnosis. This forced the rapper to step up immediately as a single father, a role he embraced completely despite the immense pressure and the lack of support from his ex.
Fat Joe emphasized his commitment, stating, "I don’t know how to be a fake father. I got to take care of my kids regardless and do everything I can for them." This powerful testimony highlights his dedication to fatherhood and his desire to provide Joey with the best possible life.
He has spoken at length about the challenges, but always pivots to the joy and strength Joey brings. His journey has made Fat Joe a quiet advocate for children with special needs and a figure who encourages other parents facing similar circumstances.
Ryan Cartagena's Path in Entertainment and Reality TV
While Joey's story is centered on personal strength and advocacy, Fat Joe’s second son, Ryan Cartagena, has followed a path closer to the entertainment world. Ryan was born in the mid-90s, a time when Fat Joe's career was beginning to explode with hits like "Flow Joe" and his work with the Terror Squad collective.
Ryan gained his own measure of public recognition by appearing on the reality series *Growing Up Hip Hop: New York*. This show follows the lives of the children of legendary hip-hop figures as they navigate their own careers, relationships, and the expectations that come with their famous last names.
Navigating the Shadow of a Legend
Like many children of music moguls, Ryan has had to find his own identity while growing up in the shadow of a father who is a household name. His appearance on reality television suggests a desire to establish a presence in the media landscape, separate from his father's rap career, though he has also been seen supporting his father at various events.
Fat Joe has always stressed the importance of education and stability for his children, encouraging them to pursue their own dreams, whether in the arts or professional fields. He famously once said, "I want them to go to school to get a great education and be a doctor." While Ryan chose the entertainment route, his father's support remains evident.
The Family Unit and Legacy
Fat Joe’s wife, Lorena Cartagena, plays a crucial role in the family, particularly as the mother of their daughter, Azariah. Their marriage, which began in 1995, has been a pillar of stability for the rapper, providing a strong home environment for all three children. Lorena is often credited with helping Fat Joe maintain focus and balance throughout his career.
The rapper's legacy is no longer just about his music. It is increasingly defined by his role as a dedicated father who overcame personal challenges to ensure his children—especially Joey—are loved, supported, and celebrated. His recent willingness to share these intimate details has not only refreshed his public image but has also provided a powerful voice for the special needs community, solidifying his status as a true family man in the hip-hop world.
From the South Bronx to the global stage, Fat Joe's story is a testament to the fact that the greatest blessings often come in the most unexpected forms, and his three children—Joey, Ryan, and Azariah—are the undeniable center of his world.
Detail Author:
- Name : Harmony Bechtelar PhD
- Username : millie.reynolds
- Email : maxine.dibbert@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1971-09-05
- Address : 765 Labadie Knoll South Ulicesburgh, PA 95177-1343
- Phone : +19592815887
- Company : Feeney Ltd
- Job : Agricultural Sciences Teacher
- Bio : In est aliquam sit. Recusandae nemo rerum voluptatem quisquam aut velit. Repellat et at ut ipsa et. Quas explicabo labore commodi.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/pearline8220
- username : pearline8220
- bio : Corrupti dolorum sit hic et iusto dolores.
- followers : 455
- following : 2499
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/po'kon
- username : po'kon
- bio : Esse et sequi quia suscipit sint. Qui omnis voluptatem impedit temporibus doloremque sit officia similique. Provident corporis dignissimos ad vel at velit.
- followers : 410
- following : 353
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/pearline_dev
- username : pearline_dev
- bio : Voluptates nisi beatae qui sed est quo. Veniam rem ab enim quos.
- followers : 6488
- following : 1967
