Joe C. Life And Death, What Was His Height And Relationship With Kid Rock?

Joseph Michael Calleja, more popularly known by the alias Joe C, was an American musician and rapper famed for being a hype man for fellow rapper Kid Rock. Alongside music, the rapper doubled as an actor. He appeared in a number of television shows including a guest character spot alongside Kid Rock in an episode of the award-winning animated series, The Simpson.

He also appeared in an edition of WWF smackdown during a May 18th taping in Detroit in 2000, as well as the May 29th edition of Raw is War. Joe was a huge fan and enthusiastic supporter of the World Wrestling Federation, which led to him being featured posthumously in the animated film Osmosis Jones.

Joining Rock’s associates in 1994, Joe C  played a noteworthy role in Rock’s breakthrough album titled Devil Without a Cause. He also offered his voice to the soundtrack for South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut.

The rapper brought his bubbly energy to some of Rock’s high-profile shows and gave nothing short of outstanding performance each time. He is known by music fans as Kid Rock’s undersized sidekick.

7 Facts About the Life and Death of Joe C

1.The Meeting Between Joe C and Kid Rock

Joe C’s career took off after meeting fellow Michigan native, Kid Rock, at a concert he held in the state. Apparently, he used to attend all of Kid Rock’s shows, stand on tables in the front row and sing along.

At first, Kid Rock mistook Joe for a child because of his small stature; it wasn’t until they were formally introduced that he learned that Calleja was, in fact, a grown adult.

2.Kid Rock Promised To Teach Everything

During the transient meeting, Kid Rock promised to teach Calleja everything he needs to know. Joe C’s music career, however short-lived, is proof that he kept his word.

3.Joe C. Was Diagnosed With Celiac Disease

Calleja was born and raised in the Detroit suburb of Taylor, Michigan. Shortly after his birth, he was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune medical condition known as celiac disease, which leads to stunted growth and a barrage of health complications.

4.He Had Health Complications

As a result of this, Joe C had a diminutive stature that persisted into adulthood. His pygmean stature created multiple medical problems. Joe had to take up to 65 pills daily and constantly required medical attention, including daily dialysis.

5.How and When He Died

While visiting his parents in Michigan, Joe C left this earthly plane on November 16, 2000, just one week after celebrating his 26th birthday. Following an autopsy, his death was ruled as one brought about by natural causes. The news of his death left many disheartened especially his colleague Kid Rock who went ahead to release a heartfelt statement on his death, espousing the importance of friends and family and thanking “Joey” for bringing light and love to all those who knew him.

Rock released his album Cocky in 2001 and dedicated it to the memory of Joe C. Prior to his death, Joe C was said to be working on a scheduled solo album, but it was never released.

6.What Was Joe C’s Height?

Well, this may come as a surprise to you, but the rapper had a height of 3 ft 9 inches (1.1m) when standing. Joe C’s deficient stature was the result of celiac disease, the lifelong illness he battled with until his passing.

Although he was small, there was nothing small about Joe C’s personality as his sharp wit and tough-guy persona more than made up for his restricted growth.

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7.Kid Rock’s Relationship With Joe C

Joe C and Kid Rock first crossed paths at the latter’s concert in Roseville, Michigan, and continued to enjoy great camaraderie until Joe C’s passing.

The pair were artistic partners, friends, and collaborators. Rock added Joe C to his line-up after discovering that he was a long-time fan who knew all of his lyrics. In 1998, Joe toured in support of Rock’s album as part of his Twisted Brown Trucker band.

According to Kid Rock, the late Joe asked one of his acquaintances to tell Rock he wanted to smoke a joint with him. After this, they were introduced and Rock acknowledged that he always thought Joe was a kid.

Kid Rock was fascinated by his energy so he offered him a job and promised to mentor him into becoming a successful hip-hop act. From that day onwards, they became very close and went almost everywhere together.