Fat Joe Don Cartagena CD

Personnel includes: Fat Joe, Noreaga, Big Punisher, Jadikiss, Nas, Raekwon, Charli Baltimore, The Terror Squad, Puff Daddy, Armageddon, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Prospect, Kid Capri (rap vocals); Gerrell Gaddis, Lo-Key (vocals); G Flowers, Barry Salters (guitar); Martha Mooke (viola); Derrick McClary, Rob "Reef" Twelow (keyboards, programming); Dinky Bingham (keyboards); DJ Klark Kent, DJ Spinbad (scratches).
Producers include: Armageddon, Mack 10, Buckwild, Baby Paul, Marley Marl.
Engineers include: Christian Delatour AKA Soundboy, Ken "Duro" Ifill, Dexter Thibou.
Personnel: Gerrell Gaddis, Lo-Key (vocals); G Flowers, Barry Salters (guitar); Martha Mooke (viola); Derrick McClary, Rob Tewlow (keyboards, programming); Dinky Bingham (keyboards); DJ Spinbad (scratches).
Audio Mixers: Eddie Sancho ; Phil Pagano; Ken Ifill; Marley Marl; Rashad Smith; Rich Keller; Richard Travali; Armageddon; Ski; Baby Paul; Romeo Antonio; Buck Wild .
Recording information: D & D Studios; Mystic Recording Studios.
Photographer: Michael Lavine.
Arranger: Larry Devore.
The third album from power-Bronx Latino rapper Fat Joe tones down his once-prevalent gangsta leans -- they're still there, though, from the album's title to rhythmic gunshot bursts guiding the cuts -- and builds up his hood and familial loyalties through a series of melodically enticing (and vaguely Wu-Tang-ish) songs. Like he did on Big Punisher's album from the same year, Capital Punishment, Fat Joe works Don Cartagena's slinky street beats into a semi-sublime hip-hop opera that's more than a sum of its parts. Only the between-song skits (which are juvenile and mood-dropping) and the overloaded guest list (cameos from Puff Daddy, Nas, Big Punisher, Raekwon and the Terror Squad merely skim the surface of the overwhelming uselessness of this overplayed genre trend) wear down Don Cartagena's often mesmerizing and noble attempt at a late-'90s rap resuscitation. ~ Michael Gallucci
DON CARTAGENA is the third release from the unofficial mayor of the Bronx, Fat Joe, and with the noise made by his rap twin Big Pun, Fat Joe and his Terror Squad MCs have set things off for Latinos in hip-hop. Since day one, Joe has kicked punishing lyrics over gangster-driven beats, and he stays true to his forte on DON as well. Collaborating with the likes of Noreaga, Nas, Raekwon and many others, Joe remains one of hip-hop's most street-credible artists. The song topics here stay consistent with his first two albums, and numerous posse cuts give the album lyrical diversity. Three albums deep, Fat Joe still knows how to flow.Entertainment Weekly (10/2/98, p.75) - "...His blunt lyrical flow, infectious Latino pride, and appropriately ominous grooves make these gangsta tales explode like a sonic Scarface." - Rating: A-
Vibe (10/98, p.168) - "...DON CARTAGENA proves that the game ain't over until Fat Joe rhymes."
The Source (10/98, p.218) - 4 Mics (out of 5) - "...Joe's new album maintains an eye on the commercial prize without abandoning his hardcore roots....DON CARTAGENA proves that years in the rap game have paid off..."
Rap Pages (12/98, p.140) - 4 (out of 5) - "...The production throughout the album is clear, consistent and bass-heavy....DON CARTAGENA marks Fat Joe's triumphant return..."