New York:

Hip-Hop artist Fat Joe is to be inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame this year, a release from the Bronx Tourism Council has announced. Fat Joe joins dozens of other borough legends who throughout the years have been honoured for their contributions to cultural and civic life in the Bronx, across the nation, and the world.

“I am extremely thrilled and grateful to be inducted in this year’s Bronx Walk of Fame,” Fat Joe said in response. “The Bronx is vibrant, colourful, and filled with rich history and through the years it has been the inspiration that has helped me grow as an artist.

Thank you to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., for allowing me to be among such an illustrious group of fellow Bronxites that are being honoured,” he added. outstanding citizen Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has hailed Fat Joe as one of the Bronx success stories.

“I am very excited to have Fat Joe on our ‘Bronx Walk of Fame’ this year. He has been an outstanding citizen and a role model to countless Bronxties. He has positively represented the Bronx and throughout his music career has helped keep the Bronx on the ‘musical map,’ becoming one of our very own home-grown success stories,” he said.

Inspired by the 1970’s Bronx culture of graffiti art, breakdancing, and hip-hop, Bronxite Fat Joe is regarded as a musical force. Fat Joe released his debut album, Represent, with Relativity Records in 1993. To the surprise of many, he scored a No. 1 hit with the track Flow Joe. His growth in popularity in the New York hip-hop scene led Fat Joe to land a deal with Big Beat/Atlantic Records in 1998.

Given his success, Atlantic put newcomers Big Pun and the “Terror Squad” crew under Fat Joe’s wing. Both artists made huge steps under the guidance of Fat Joe, releasing smash hits like Feelin’ So Good alongside Jennifer Lopez.

Soon after, Fat Joe’s 2001 Jealous One’s Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) became a platinum-selling album, and featured the most played single in Atlantic Record’s history: What’s Luv, performed alongside R&B’s new queen, Ashanti. The rest of the album was replete with rap all-stars, including Busta Rhymes and Ludacris.

When not touring or promoting his latest project, Fat Joe connects with the community in the Bronx. A release outlines that the artist owned Fat Joe’s Hip Hop barbershop on Third Avenue, runs a fashion line, FJ560, and a clothing store called Fat Joe’s Halftime. It says the artists gives back to the community, through employing and mentoring local residents.

It noted too that Fat Joe recently overcame his battle with obesity and diabetes by losing more than 100 pounds. Inspired by his daughter and the passing of several friends from heart disease, Fat Joe, today, has adopted a healthier lifestyle and serves as a role model for the entire City.