FacebookMany celebrities choose to keep their family lives private, and Fat Joe is one of them.
But in a heartwarming Facebook post shared Sunday, the rapper (real name Joseph Cartagena) opened up about his oldest son Joey, who has special needs, and included an adorable photo of the father-son duo.
"I'm very private with my first born. Joey is special kid full of joy and Love. there's no way you could understand unless you have a family member who has challenges in life," the "What's Luv" rapper wrote. "He's my angel and the reason for all my blessings. I Love him to death #godisgreat."
Fat Joe has three children, and in 2010 the musician opened up to UrbLife about the difficulties of having kids at a really young age.
"My oldest son is Joey, he's 18. When I had him I was very young. I love my son dearly, but I didn't feel like I was ready to have kids at the time. From time to time I told my mom and dad they should have educated me on the responsibilities of having a kid," he explained.
"He was a special needs child, I raised him with my parents. His mom couldn't handle him, and instead of him going to a center we raised him all of his life. I had to learn the responsibilities of being a parent the hard way."
He had his second son, Ryan, three years later and then welcomed a daughter, Azariah, 11 years after that.
More than 467,000 people have "liked" his post and thousands more have shared their own pictures of their children with special needs. Many also open up about their child's disabilities and thank the rapper for being so open about his own.
"The most realest thing I think you've ever shared...never be ashamed...God bless u and ya lil man...," Facebook user Duran Ramos wrote.
What a wonderful way to pay tribute to your kids!
But sometimes children want to honor to their parents, so check out what Bindi Irwin had to say about her sweet tribute to her dad on Dancing With the Stars.