Rapper Fat Joe Discusses Raising Son with Down Syndrome and Autism

Renowned rapper Fat Joe recently shared personal insights on raising his firstborn son Joey, diagnosed with Down Syndrome and autism. The 33-year-old’s story was discussed during Fat Joe’s appearance on the podcast “Club Shay Shay,” hosted by Shannon Sharpe, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Fat Joe, whose birth name is Joseph Cartagena, recalled the moment he and Joey’s mother were informed of their son’s condition at birth. “The doctor tells us, ‘I got bad news to tell you… he has Down syndrome and it’s gonna be a big challenge,’” he recounted during the podcast episode. In a surprising revelation, Fat Joe claimed Joey’s mother expressed her inability to cope with the situation, suggesting putting him up for adoption. “His mother said, ‘Yo, I can’t do this, I’m going to have to give him up for adoption.’”

The rapper explained that his own mother strongly opposed the idea of adoption, insisting on raising Joey herself. “My mother was like, ‘You crazy b—-.’ And so, we raised him,” Fat Joe stated, noting that his parents played a significant role in parenting Joey alongside him. He claimed that Joey’s mother never returned to visit their son after that point. “I never saw his mother again is what I’m trying to tell you. She never visited him again,” Fat Joe alleged during the discussion.

Despite the circumstances, Fat Joe clarified that Joey’s mother was always welcome to see her son if she wished. “It wasn’t like I kept the door closed where she couldn’t see her son,” he explained. “It was always available for her to see her son.”

The rapper emphasized his commitment to fatherhood, expressing that not loving or caring for his children was inconceivable. “I don’t know how to be a fake father,” he asserted. “I got to take care of my kids regardless and do everything I can for them. I don’t know how to give up on my kids. I don’t know how to not love on my kids. That’s impossible.”

Alongside Joey, Fat Joe also has a daughter, Azariah, aged 17, with his wife Lorena Cartagena, and a son, Ryan, 27, from a previous relationship.

Joey was additionally diagnosed with autism later in life. Fat Joe expressed pride and joy in his son’s demeanor, describing him as perpetually happy. “This guy is happy. I swear to God, he’s always happy. He’s never sad. He’s like, if you’re stuck in a place, he’s stuck in happiness,” Fat Joe said with affection.

At home, Joey assumes the role of the “Don” in the family, commanding respect among his younger siblings. “He does what he wants. He gets what he wants. He’s the Don,” Fat Joe shared. “He sits at the end of the table, he knows ‘Oh, those are my little brothers and sisters.'”

Fat Joe concluded by acknowledging Joey as a significant blessing in his life, crediting the family’s unwavering support and love for enhancing his son’s life experiences. “He’s our biggest blessing because we treat him the way we do because we never gave up on him,” he concluded.