The Bronx Tourism Council has announced that hip-hop artist Fat Joe will be inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame this year. Fat Joe joins dozens of other borough legends who throughout the years have been honored for their contributions to cultural and civic life in the Bronx, across the nation, and the world.
“I am extremely thrilled and grateful to be inducted in this year’s Bronx Walk of Fame. The Bronx is vibrant, colorful, and filled with rich history and through the years it has been the inspiration that has helped me grow as an artist. Thank you to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., for allowing me to be among such an illustrious group of fellow Bronxites that are being honored,” said Fat Joe.
“I am very excited to have Fat Joe on our ‘Bronx Walk of Fame’ this year. He has been an outstanding citizen and a role model to countless Bronxties. He has positively represented the Bronx and throughout his music career has helped keep the Bronx on the ‘musical map,’ becoming one of our very own home-grown success stories,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Inspired by the 1970’s Bronx culture of graffiti art, breakdancing, and hip-hop, Bronxite Fat Joe is a musical force to contend with.
Fat Joe released his debut album, Represent, with Relativity Records in 1993. To the surprise of many, he scored a No. 1 hit with the track "Flow Joe." His growth in popularity in the New York hip-hop scene led Fat Joe to land a deal with Big Beat/Atlantic Records in 1998. Given his success, Atlantic put newcomers Big Pun and the “Terror Squad” crew under Fat Joe's wing.
Both artists made huge steps under the guidance of Fat Joe, releasing smash hits like "Feelin' So Good" alongside Jennifer Lopez. Soon after, Fat Joe’s 2001 Jealous One's Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) became a platinum-selling album, and featured the most played single in Atlantic Record's history: "What's Luv," performed alongside R&B's new queen, Ashanti. The rest of the album was replete with rap all-stars, including Busta Rhymes and Ludacris.
When not touring or promoting his latest project, Fat Joe connects with the community in the Bronx. He owned Fat Joe’s Hip Hop barbershop on Third Avenue, he runs a fashion line, FJ560, and a clothing store called Fat Joe's Halftime, He gives back to the community, employing his friends from the neighborhood, keeping them on track by helping them earn an honest living.
In addition, Fat Joe recently overcame his battle with obesity and diabetes by losing more than 100 pounds. Inspired by his daughter and the passing of several friends from heart attacks, Fat Joe, today, has adopted a healthier lifestyle and serves as a role model for the entire City.
*** Fat Joe’s Photo Available***
Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on May 19 on the red carpet of The Bronx Ball, the borough’s most popular social event of the year. It’s a night to remember as Borough President Diaz leads the borough in welcoming home and paying tribute to several celebrity guests on the eve of their induction to the Bronx Walk of Fame. In the past, these special celebrity guests have included stage and screen star Chazz Palminteri, Grammy-winning singer and actress Irene Cara, TMZ Executive Producer Charles Latibeaudiere, Emmy-winning actress Doris Roberts, and Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley.
The black-tie gala takes place under a luxurious tent on Orchard Beach and is a fundraiser for the Bronx Tourism Council, a program at the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC). For ticket and advertising information please contact Jennifer Blatus: 718-590-2502 jblatus@boedc.org.
On May 20th the grand finale of Bronx Week will take place in the heart of the borough. Line the streets of Mosholu Parkway and the Grand Concourse to watch the magnificent parade. Bronx pride is on display as marching bands, community groups, local schools, sports teams and visit organizations march along Mosholu Parkway and pave the way for the Walk of Fame inductees float. As the parade approaches the Borough Hall, join Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. as the 2012 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees take their rightful place on the Grand Concourse when he unveils street signs bearing their names. As TV star and past inductee Doris Roberts has said, “I have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but this is better!”