Many fans of hip-hop know the legendary rapper Fat Joe, but fewer people know the details about his private family life. While his music has been famous for decades, his children have mostly stayed out of the spotlight until recently. One name that often comes up is Ryan Cartagena. People often ask, “Who is Ryan Cartagena?” and want to know more about the man behind the famous last name. Although the title of this article mentions him as the eldest, it is important to clear up a common confusion right away: Ryan Cartagena is actually Fat Joe’s second son, but he is the one who is most public about following in his father’s footsteps in the music industry.
Quick Bio of Ryan Cartagena
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Ryan Cartagena |
| Father | Fat Joe (Joseph Antonio Cartagena) |
| Mother | Private (Raised by Lorena Cartagena) |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1995 |
| Age | 31 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Hometown | Miami, Florida |
| Siblings | Joey Cartagena, Azariah Cartagena |
| Occupation | Rapper, Reality TV Star |
| Famous Show | Growing Up Hip Hop: New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Net Worth | Under Review |
The Early Life of Ryan Cartagena
Ryan Cartagena was born on January 19, 1995. As of early 2026, Ryan Cartagena is 31 years old. He was born in the Bronx, New York, which is the same place where his father built his rap empire. Growing up with a famous father meant that Ryan was exposed to the music world from a very young age. However, his childhood wasn’t just about red carpets and luxury.
When he was a young boy, Ryan Cartagena lived with his biological mother. His life changed significantly when he was around 10 years old. At that time, his father, Fat Joe, decided to move him to Miami, Florida. This move was to help Ryan have a more stable life and to be closer to his father and stepmother, Lorena Cartagena. This shift from New York to Miami played a big role in shaping his personality and his future interests.
Who Is Ryan Cartagena’s Mother?
One of the biggest mysteries for fans is the identity of Ryan Cartagena‘s mother. Unlike his stepmother Lorena Cartagena, who is very public and often seen with Fat Joe at events, Ryan’s biological mother prefers to stay private. There are many searches for “who is Ryan Cartagena mother,” but her name is rarely mentioned in the media.
Fat Joe has addressed this topic in his memoir, The Book of Jose. He explained that Ryan Cartagena‘s mother is a good person who has been active in his life. Unlike the mother of his older brother Joey, who left the family, Ryan’s mother and Fat Joe have a “cool” relationship. They co-parented effectively, even though she does not want to be famous. Ryan Cartagena respects her privacy and does not post much about her on social media.
Ryan Cartagena and His Siblings
To understand Ryan Cartagena, you must understand his place in the Cartagena family tree. He is the middle child. His older brother is Joey Cartagena, and his younger sister is Azariah Cartagena. The relationship between the siblings is very close, but their lives have been quite different.
There is often confusion online about Ryan Cartagena and illness. Many people search for “Ryan Cartagena illness,” but they are actually thinking of his brother, Joey Cartagena. Joey was born with Down syndrome and is on the autism spectrum. Fat Joe is very open about his love for Joey, often calling him his “angel.” Ryan Cartagena does not have a public illness and is very supportive of his older brother. He also has a close bond with his younger sister Azariah, who was born in 2006.
Growing Up Hip Hop: New York
Ryan Cartagena stepped into the spotlight on his own terms when he joined the cast of the reality TV show Growing Up Hip Hop: New York. This show was a major turning point for him. Before the show, he was mostly known just as Fat Joe’s kid. The series gave him a platform to show the world his true personality.
On the show, viewers saw Ryan Cartagena struggle with the pressure of his last name. It is not easy to be the son of a rap legend. The show highlighted his desire to be taken seriously as an artist. It also showed the tension between him and his father regarding his career choices. Ryan Cartagena wanted to prove that he could succeed without just using his father’s connections, but he also learned that the industry is very tough.
Ryan Cartagena’s Music Career
Music is in his blood. Ryan Cartagena is an aspiring rapper, but his journey has not been a simple straight line. His father, Fat Joe, knows how hard the music business can be. Because of this, Fat Joe was initially very strict with Ryan. He wanted Ryan Cartagena to focus on education first.
Despite his father’s hesitation, Ryan Cartagena has continued to work on his craft. He focuses on a lyrical style of rap that honors the New York tradition. He wants to earn respect for his skills, not just his name. While he has not released a massive mainstream hit yet, he continues to record and develop his sound. Fans are still waiting for a breakout Ryan Cartagena song that will define his career.
The Pressure of the “Cartagena” Legacy
Carrying the name Cartagena comes with heavy expectations. Fat Joe (Joseph Antonio Cartagena) is not just a rapper; he is a business mogul and a cultural icon. For Ryan Cartagena, this legacy is both a blessing and a burden. On one hand, doors open for him because of who his father is. On the other hand, people always compare him to his dad.
Ryan Cartagena has spoken about this pressure in interviews. He wants to build his own net worth and reputation. Speaking of money, people often wonder about Ryan Cartagena net worth. While his father is worth millions, Ryan is still building his own fortune. His income currently comes from his reality TV appearances and his music endeavors. He is working hard to establish his own financial independence.
Relationship with Fat Joe
The relationship between Ryan Cartagena and Fat Joe is complex and full of love. Fat Joe has described himself as a strict father. In interviews, he has mentioned that he did not want his children to suffer like he did growing up in the South Bronx. This is why he pushed Ryan Cartagena to be disciplined.
At times, Ryan Cartagena has rebelled against this strictness, which is normal for a young man finding his way. However, the bond between them is strong. Fat Joe often praises Ryan for being a “good kid” and for having a good heart. They have been seen together at events, such as the BET Awards, where they support each other. Ryan Cartagena looks up to his father as a mentor, even when they disagree on the best path forward.
Personal Life and Social Media
When it comes to his personal life, Ryan Cartagena tries to keep a balance. He is active on Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his lifestyle. His handle often features photos of him in the studio, hanging out with friends, or spending time with his family. However, he does not share everything.
For example, information about a Ryan Cartagena girlfriend is very scarce. He does not publicly flaunt his romantic relationships. This secrecy keeps fans guessing and helps him maintain some privacy. Unlike some other reality stars who share every breakup and makeup, Ryan Cartagena prefers to keep his love life out of the tabloids. This suggests he values genuine connection over public attention.
Is Ryan Cartagena Different from Joey?
It is important to reiterate the difference between the brothers because of the search trends. Ryan Cartagena is the second born and is neurotypical. His brother Joey Cartagena is the firstborn with special needs. The story of Joey is one of triumph and family loyalty, as Fat Joe and his parents raised him after his mother left.
Ryan Cartagena grew up seeing this dedication. It likely taught him the importance of family loyalty. He has never expressed jealousy over the attention Joey gets. Instead, Ryan Cartagena appears to be a protective and loving younger brother. This family dynamic is a core part of who he is as a person.
Education and Values
Before diving full-time into music and TV, education was a priority in the Cartagena household. Fat Joe often stressed that he wanted his children to be “doctors or lawyers.” He wanted Ryan Cartagena to have a safety net.
Reports indicate that Ryan Cartagena was a good student. In an old interview, Fat Joe mentioned that Ryan had a 97 average in school. This shows that he is intelligent and capable of doing more than just entertainment. Although he chose the creative path, the values of hard work and education were instilled in him from the start.
Ryan Cartagena in 2026
As we look at Ryan Cartagena today, he is a man in his 30s who is still evolving. He is no longer just a “kid” on a reality show. He is navigating adulthood in a public way. He spends his time between New York and Miami, soaking up the culture of both cities.
Fans are waiting to see what his next big move will be. Will Ryan Cartagena release a full album? Will he return to reality television? Or will he start a business like his father? Whatever he chooses, he has the support of a strong family behind him.
Frequently Asked Questions
- ho is Ryan Cartagena’s biological mother?
Ryan’s biological mother is a former partner of Fat Joe who prefers to stay private. He was raised primarily by his father and stepmother, Lorena Cartagena. - How old is Ryan Cartagena?
Ryan was born on January 19, 1995, making him 31 years old as of early 2026. - Does Ryan Cartagena have an illness?
No, Ryan is healthy. Fans often confuse him with his older brother, Joey Cartagena, who has Down syndrome and autism. - What does Ryan Cartagena do for a living?
He is an aspiring rapper and a reality television personality, best known for appearing on Growing Up Hip Hop: New York. - Is Ryan Cartagena Fat Joe’s only son?
No, he is the middle child. He has an older brother named Joey and a younger sister named Azariah.
Conclusion
Ryan Cartagena is much more than just a headline or a search term. He is a dedicated son, a loving brother, and an aspiring artist trying to make his mark. While the world may know him as Fat Joe’s son, he is working hard to ensure that one day, people will know him simply as Ryan. From his time on Growing Up Hip Hop to his private life with his family, he remains a fascinating figure in the entertainment world. As he continues to grow, Ryan Cartagena is definitely a name to watch in the coming years.
Curious for more? Dive deeper on our site now! News Well
