Lehman College awarded the legendary rapper and music mogul an honorary doctorate in music during a heartwarming ceremony held in the heart of the Bronx. Born Joseph Cartagena, the Grammy Award-nominated artist, received his Doctor of Humane Letters degree as part of the 56th annual college commencement.
Fat Joe receives honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Lehman College in his hometown of the Bronx. 🔥 PIC.TWITTER.COM/MIDN7AJA12
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) MAY 30, 2024
As he was born and raised in the Bronx, Fat Joe’s rise represents the physical power of dreams. He began his music career with the hip-hop group Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in 1992. His debut studio album, Represent, released in 1993, was a hit, as the single “Flow Joe” peaked at number one on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Fat Joe has contributed to hip-hop for years since he founded the hip-hop group “Terror Squad” and its eponymous record label in the late 1990s. Later that same year, he released his 2001 LP, Jealous Ones Still Envy, otherwise known as J.O.S.E., which was certified platinum by the RIAA and also spawned the record-setting chart-topper “What’s Luv?” with Ja Rule and Ashanti.
Fat Joe gave an inspiring speech immediately after the ceremony, right from the onset of the commencement stage. Engaging the students, he mentioned a word or two about giving back to the community and faith in the American dream. He gave a story of his friend, who started by selling fish by the roadside, and after some time, he emerged to own the largest fish store in the Bronx. His message to the graduating class: Success has no time limit; it’s never too late to break the shackles of poverty.
“I have a friend… that started selling fish on the side of the highway,” he told the audience. “He eventually bought the building behind him and opened the biggest fish market in the Bronx. You may be the first generation, but now is the time to stop the vicious cycle of poverty in your family. Now is the time. You’re just beginning your lives… Some of you have been around, but I’m telling you, success never stops. There is no age limit to being successful.” said Fat Joe
It is an absolute honor to bestow him the honorary degree, recognizing him for his continued work in uplifting the Bronx community and bearing the profound influence reflected in hip-hop culture. It is a proud moment for him and also for his fans. This month, Fat Joe has been announced as the voice of the new campaign, Spectacular Awaits, for the 2024 US Open.
He has also appeared in Scary Movie 3 and Happy Feet, as well as Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It. In February 2018, Fat Joe launched his podcast, Coca Vision, in which he talks with superstars about music, friends, and pop culture in general.
And as we all revel in this truly fantastic achievement by Fat Joe, let’s think back to his commencement speech and remember what he told the crowd: “You are just beginning your lives… Some of you have been around, but I’m telling you, success never stops. There is no age limit to being successful.” Props to Dr. Fat Joe, a true Bronx legend, for his well-deserved honor.
