Fat Joe’s Dad, Ernesto Delgado, Dies at 89 🕊️

Ernesto Delgado, the father of Fat Joe, has sadly passed away at the age of 89.

On Wednesday (February 12), Fat Joe shared the heartbreaking news on social media, honoring his father in a touching tribute.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my Father ‘ERNESTO AKA CUBA,’” he wrote on Instagram. “Papi, te quiero para siempre. This has been hard; I’m not seeking sympathy, but rather paying homage to my Dad. In my eyes, he’s a legend. To my Mom, Wife, Brothers, and Sisters, I love you and we will always remain united. 9/15/1935 – 2/12/2025.”

Fat Joe also posted several images of his father on Instagram, featuring his wife, Lorena Cartagena, alongside their children. No matter the platform, the Bronx rapper consistently spoke about his father’s impact in shaping him into a caring dad.

“I don’t know how to be a fake father,” Fat Joe shared during an episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast. “I have to take care of my kids no matter what and do everything I can for them. I don’t understand how to give up on my kids. Not loving my kids is unimaginable.”

Fat Joe is a proud father to three children: Joey, Ryan, and Azariah. He recounted how he discovered that Joey was a special needs child shortly after his birth during the same podcast episode.

“When he was born, the doctor said, ‘Hey, I have some bad news,’” the rapper recalled. “He showed us Joey’s hands, saying, ‘He has Down syndrome; it’s going to be a significant challenge.’ I was with my mother, father, and his mother at the time. His mother exclaimed, ‘I can’t do this. I’ll have to give him up for adoption.’”

“My mother responded, ‘Are you crazy? You’re not giving up my f*ckin’…’ So we decided to raise him together. He has faced his challenges, but I don’t know if all kids on the spectrum experience the same way—Joey is always happy, I swear. He’s never sad. If you’re feeling down, he’s stuck in happiness.”

The artist known for “What’s Luv” emphasized that his parents taught him the importance of family.

We at HOT97 extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ernesto Delgado.