The Book of Jose: A New Chapter in Fat Joe’s Life
Overview
Fat Joe is collaborating with Starz on an exciting new series titled The Book of Jose, which will explore the iconic rapper’s journey from humble beginnings to fame.
A Rags-to-Riches Journey
Born Joseph Antonio Cartagena and of Puerto Rican and Cuban ancestry, Fat Joe faced significant challenges growing up in the Forest projects of the South Bronx. It was here that he developed his passion for graffiti and rap during the formative years of hip-hop.
His Rise in the Music Industry
As he gained recognition within New York’s underground rap scene, Fat Joe became involved with legendary groups such as D.I.T.C., the Universal Zulu Nation, and Tats Cru. His career saw a significant breakthrough after discovering the late rapper Big Pun in the mid-1990s, which led to the establishment of his record label, Terror Squad Entertainment. Throughout his career, he received five Grammy nominations and produced numerous hits that made it to the Billboard Hot 100.
Production Team
The series is being produced by notable figures in the industry, including Kenya Barris, known for his work on Black-ish, who is serving as an executive producer and co-writer. Actor and filmmaker Dominic Colón will also be a co-writer and executive producer, while music video director Jessy Terrero is set to direct the pilot episode.
Previous Collaborations
This project marks another partnership between Fat Joe and Starz, following the airing of his interview series, Fat Joe Talks, which had eight episodes released starting in October.
Original Development
The Book of Jose was initially intended to premiere on Showtime via BET Studios in 2022, but negotiations did not progress. Now, the series finds its home at Starz, promising to deliver an engaging portrayal of Fat Joe’s life and contributions to hip-hop culture.
