Fat Joe: How To Be Successful After Hitting Rock Bottom & Stop Letting Failures Define You

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

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