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..."
Personnel includes: Fat Joe, Noreaga, Big Punisher, Jadakiss, Nas, Raekwon, Charli Baltimore, The Terror Squad, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Armageddon, Lord Finesse, Big L, AG, Prospect.
Producers include: Armageddon, Lord Finesse, Buckwild, Armando Colon, Marley Marl.
Engineers include: Christian Delatour, Paul Gregory, Dexter Thibou.
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.