Rapper Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, shares an inspiring story of fatherhood through his experiences with three unique children. His journey began in 1990 when he became a father to Joey, who was born with Down syndrome and autism. Despite the challenges, Fat Joe raised Joey with the help of his own parents after Joey’s biological mother left. In 1995, Ryan came into his life from a past relationship, and in 2006, Fat Joe and his wife Lorena welcomed their daughter Azariah. Over the years, Fat Joe has openly discussed the joys and difficulties of raising his children, expressing gratitude for each one.

When Joey was born, Fat Joe was only 19 and had just signed his first record deal. The responsibility of being a young father was daunting, especially given Joey's special needs. Joey's biological mother wanted to give him up for adoption, but Fat Joe, supported by his parents, took on the role of a single father. Joey, now 34, is described by Fat Joe as his "biggest blessing" due to his unwavering happiness and positive attitude. Despite the challenges, Joey has brought immense joy to the family, becoming what Fat Joe calls "the Don of the family."

Ryan, born in 1995, initially lived with his mother but eventually moved to Miami with Fat Joe and Lorena at around ten years old. Fat Joe has always strived to provide for Ryan and ensure he received a good education. While Ryan has shown interest in pursuing a career in music, Fat Joe encourages him to explore other fields, emphasizing the importance of college and avoiding the pressures that come with following in his footsteps. Ryan, known by his stage name RySoValid, has continued to pursue rap, collaborating with his father on various projects.

Azariah, Fat Joe’s youngest child, was born in 2006 during a vacation in Jamaica. Her arrival brought a new dimension to Fat Joe's life, as having a daughter proved to be a different yet rewarding experience. Azariah has played a significant role in shaping her father’s career shift. During the pandemic, she encouraged Fat Joe to start an Instagram Live talk show, which evolved into a nightly event featuring high-profile guests. Azariah, now 18, has become the executive producer of this venture, showcasing her leadership skills and inspiring others.

Fat Joe’s fatherhood journey is marked by resilience, love, and adaptability. Each of his children has contributed uniquely to his personal and professional growth. From Joey's unwavering positivity to Ryan's musical aspirations and Azariah's entrepreneurial spirit, Fat Joe continues to cherish the moments spent with his family. His commitment to being present for his children exemplifies the essence of fatherhood, proving that every family's circumstances are different, but showing up is what truly matters.