Fat Joe Mourns the Loss of His Father, Honors His Legacy
Fat Joe is grieving the loss of his father, Ernesto “Cuba” Cartagena, who passed away at 79. The Bronx rapper shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Wednesday (Feb. 12), posting a series of cherished memories and a heartfelt tribute.
“Sad to announce the passing of my Father ‘ERNESTO AKA CUBA,’” Joe wrote. “Papi te quiero para siempre. This has been tough, I’m not looking for sympathy, just honoring my Dad. He’s a legend in my eyes. To my Mom, Wife, Brothers, and Sisters, I love you and we’ll always be united. 9/15/1935 – 2/12/2025.”
This time of year already carries deep sorrow for Joe, as it also marks the 25th anniversary of Big Pun’s passing.
Among the photos Joe shared was a touching moment between his father and his son, Little Joey. Joe has spoken openly about raising Little Joey, who has Down syndrome and autism, after his mother walked away from his life.
During an emotional interview on Club Shay Shay last October, Joe recalled the moment he became a single father at just 19 years old.
“When he was born, the doctor told us, ‘I have bad news to tell you,’” Joe said. “He showed us his hands and told us Joey had Down syndrome. His mother was like, ‘I can’t do this. I’m gonna have to give him up for adoption.’”
That’s when Joe’s mother stepped in. “She said, ‘You crazy, bitch? You’re not giving up my grandson,’” he recalled. From that moment on, Joe and his family raised Little Joey together.
Despite the challenges, Joe says his son has an incredible spirit. “I don’t know if all kids who are autistic or on the spectrum are like this, but my son—he’s always happy. He’s never sad. If you’re stuck somewhere, he’s stuck in happiness.”
Fat Joe’s loss is profound, but his tribute makes one thing clear: his father’s legacy lives on through the love and unity of his family.