Here Is How Fat Joe Learned To Fight Depression And Stay Happy

On February 7, 2000, hip-hop’s landscape changed forever, because that is the day Big Pun died.
Big Pun was on his way to massive commercial success thanks to his charm and lovable personality, not to mention his lyrical dexterity, which still ranks him among the best.
In addition to Pun’s death impacting his wife and son Chris Rivers, who is now also a dope rapper, the death took a toll on Fat Joe.
“My sister died my grandfather died and Big Pun died the same week. So it was like three in a row,” Fat Joe explained.
Losing Pun and his close family members in such a short time span sent Fat Joe into a two-year downward spiral.
“With me it was Big Pun, we was ‘The Twins.’ So people out of love, kept reminding me a hundred times a day,” Fat Joe said.
“I’m in the restaurant the waiters like hey I’m sorry about your brother. I’m in a car at a light and yooo sorry about Pun,” Fat Joe shared. “I go to Miami, think I can escape, you know the Cuban guys [are] like ‘yo Big Pun is the best.'”

According to a new study released in May by the National Health Institute, African-Americans and Latinos are impacted by depression more than any other races.
This can be highlighted in former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams, and her public battle with depression.
Thankfully, Michelle Williams sought professional help for her depression, just like Fat Joe did.
“I was like in a real big depression. I got big and fat. I never used to drink before that. I started drinking,” Fat Joe revealed.

“I seen a psychiatrist for two years straight. she just kept teaching about myself.” – Fat Joe 

Coping with death is not easy, but for Fat Joe, the experience has only made him stronger.
“Now it prepares me, for everything. The minute I feel anyway and I never do, but the minute I feel any funny way, I already know to just [say to myself] “oh no [I’m] not playing that game,” Fat Joe said.