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Hip Hop and rap royalty Fat Joe will be taking to the stage at Elite Crystal Hotel’s Klub360 on Friday promising to electrify the race season with a show that will keep his fans on the dance-floor, writes Mai Al Khatib-Camille.

The American star is flying in from a booking in neighbouring Dubai to star at the popular Juffair nighspot.

Host Najia Zainal, Elite Hospitality Group media and public relations manager, said: “We are super excited. This year the racing season is attracting people from all over the world and Bahrain is growing and everyone is happy.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Fat Joe and aim to continue providing a stage for more big names in the music industry. This night will not disappoint!”

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, born and raised in the South Bronx area of New York City by parents of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent will be performing top hits such as Lean Back and What’s Luv along with his recent chart-stopper All The Way Up.

The father-of-three was heavily-influenced by hip hop culture from a young age taking a liking to not only rap but graffiti art and breakdancing as well.

Fat Joe kicked started his music career by forming his own record label and signing up his fellow indie artists. He launched his debut album Represent in 1993 and followed it up with another one Jealous One’s Envy two years later.

The album peaked at No. 71 on Billboard Hot 200 and he received a major deal from Atlantic Records.

Three years after, his third set Don Cartagne climbed to No. 7 on the list and soared to the runner-up position on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

In 2001, he launched a sequel to his claim-fame album Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) in the hopes to follow the success of its predecessor. He collaborated with singers and rappers including R Kelly, Busta Rhymes, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Xzibit and Ludacris.

His next album was Loyalty which featured the likes of Mashonda, Lil Jon, Nelly, Eminem and Jennifer Lopez.

He has been known to be the second member of TWINZ along the legendary Big Pun who passed away in 2000. In 2003, Fat Joe was nominated for a Grammy for What’s Luv? featuring Ashanti.

In 2004, he released the No 1 hit single Lean Back which was an instant classic. In 2008 he was nominated for another Grammy with the hit single Make It Rain featuring Lil Wayne. In recent years, Fat Joe has released tracks with artists such as Remy Ma, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Wiz Khalifa and Teyana Taylor.

Fat Joe will be supported on stage by record producer DJ Outlaw, Bahraini rapper Flipperachi and Kuwait singer Daffy. The entertainment will continue with DJ Westside and DJ Jackson.

Doors will open at 8pm and tickets for men are priced at BD40 and its BD30 for women. Tickets can be purchased from Virgin Megastore online at https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/bh, from its outlet in City Centre Bahrain, Elite Crystal Hotel in Juffair or from Klub360.

For more details, contact 33360300.