What was your biggest challenge after hitting rock bottom?

How did you manage to overcome your failures?

Today, let's welcome the one and only Fat Joe, a renowned American rapper and music industry executive. He began his music career in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition with his debut album "Represent" in 1993, featuring the hit single "Flow Joe." Fat Joe has played a crucial role in promoting other artists, notably Big Pun, who achieved significant success before his untimely death. His journey from the streets of the Bronx to international stardom is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and enduring impact on the world of hip hop.

Fat Joe provides an honest look at the gritty realities of his early life, including hustling for money and living through dangerous encounters. He shares how the aggressive nature of hip hop initially required him to hide his true, more personable self behind a tough exterior. However, he credits the genre for saving his life and offering a legitimate path out of the streets.

The conversation takes a turn as Fat Joe talks about the devastating losses he endured, including the deaths of his sister, Big Pun, and his grandfather, all within a short span. These tragedies plunged him into a deep depression, from which he emerged with the help of therapy, highlighting the importance of mental health and seeking help. Despite facing financial mismanagement and betrayals, Fat Joe maintains his integrity and commitment to his values.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to balance career and family

How turn negative experiences into positives

How to build a resilient mindset

How to give back to your community

How to stay true to yourself

Fat Joe's story is a source of inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve lasting success and happiness.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Special thanks to Soho Home at Soho Works 55 Water where the taping took place.

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:04 Earliest Childhood Memory

03:52 Bullying

07:53 Developing resilience

08:37 Life and Death Choices

09:51 Thug Life

12:42 Ambition to Succeed

16:43 Figure It Out

22:03 Family Tree

27:43 Losing Family Over Addiction

31:57 Loss and Grief

39:21 Sister Love

41:13 Big Pun

46:56 Financial Literacy

50:19 Take Care of Your Parents

52:13 Money and Trust

56:25 Stick Around

57:44 Kids with Special Needs

01:02:30 Channeling Energy Through Music

01:04:30 Interview Gone VIral

01:08:30 Doing Good in Silence

01:11:05 The HipHop Culture

01:13:30 Spiritual and Healing Journey

01:16:34 Hair Care

01:19:47 Weight Loss

01:25:02 Joe on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Fat Joe | Instagram

Fat Joe | TikTok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ISM’s Report on Business for April 2016, plus the Credit Manager’s Index and FMA’s Job Shop Report