Fat Joe, born Joseph Cartagena, is an American rapper and producer from the Bronx, New York. He emerged in the early 1990s as a key figure in East Coast hip-hop, known for his gritty style and lyrical storytelling. Fat Joe gained prominence with hits like “Lean Back” (with Terror Squad) and “What’s Luv?” featuring Ashanti and Ja Rule. As the founder of Terror Squad Entertainment, he has helped bring artists like Big Pun and Remy Ma to the forefront. Over his decades-long career, Fat Joe has remained influential in both hip-hop music and culture.