Fat Joe and Jadakiss hosted a special Father’s Day luncheon on June 11 at Sei Less NYC, welcoming 70 fathers and their families who have been affected by the criminal justice system. The event featured food, music, and conversation in a supportive environment aimed at celebrating fatherhood and encouraging reconnection.
The rap veterans and co-hosts of the Joe & Jada podcast shared personal stories and offered encouragement while guests enjoyed Asian fusion dishes at the Manhattan restaurant. Some fathers even played their own music for Joe and Jadakiss during the afternoon.
Fat Joe reflected on the importance of his own father’s presence, describing him as a steady and hardworking influence. Jadakiss emphasized the value of helping those returning from incarceration find stability and hope, saying it’s possible to “come back and get right” despite past hardships.
Joe also urged fathers to rebuild bonds with their children, acknowledging that time apart due to incarceration can cause strain. “Forget if you messed up the last 10, 20, 30 years,” he said. “Start now to be a productive father and get your relationship with your kids.”
The event was organized with the help of Sei Less co-founder Dara Mirjahangiry and the REFORM Alliance. Mirjahangiry said the goal was to highlight and support fathers on their reentry journey. “It was a powerful way to bond through culture, community and cuisine,” he added.
