Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Reveal How Jay-Z Made Them Cool Parents

Oct 22, 2026 - 07:10

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Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Reveal How Jay-Z Made Them Cool Parents

Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos Welcome Dog Javi Home After Health Issue

Parenting comes with 99 problems, but knowing Jay-Z ain't one.

That's why Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos bragged about their connection to the "Empire State of Mind" rapper after their three kids, Michael, 29, Lola, 25 and Joaquin, 23, gave them flak about being outdated during their teenage years.

"We're not cool," Ripa summarized her trio's mindset at the time during an Oct. 21 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, recalling an instance that "they were mercilessly making fun of us in front of their friends."

"We never dropped it on them that we were in a Jay-Z video" before that moment, Consuelos remarked. "We did it in front of their friends."

But even after the couple—who have been together since 1995 after meeting on the set of All My Children—spilled the beans about their appearance in 2003's "Change Clothes" music video alongside Pharrell Williams, their brood had trouble believing their parents' lore until years later.

"Joaquin and I went to a Knicks game, one of the championship games last year," Consuelos continued. "I thought it'd be like a good father-son hangout thing. He always wants to be like eight feet away from me."

The 55-year-old noted he could tell that youngest child was "embarrassed of his dad" as they entered the stadium's VIP entrance for the match—that is, until Consuelos bumped into the "99 Problems" artist.

"He turns around, and he sees me, and he goes, 'Hey, man!'" the Riverdale star shared, re-enacting his son's stunned face as he was greeted by Jay-Z before introducing them. "He gives me a hug, and a handshake, and then I look back at Joaquin."

Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

It was only then that the Broadway performer gave his parents credit for their connections to the in crowd, Ripa reminisced.

"They come home from the game. I'm asleep, the door bursts open, Joaquin flies in," she laughed. "'Did you know Dad knows Jay-Z?!' I go, 'I told you we were in a Jay-Z video.' He goes, 'I thought you were lying.'"

As such, the 56-year-old quipped, "The internet exists, guys. Google."

Read on for more of Ripa and Consuelos' cutest family moments.

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Selfie Time

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos snapped a sweet family selfie with their kids Joaquin Consuelos, Michael Consuelos and Lola Consuelos.

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Empty Nest, No Problem

In 2021, Kelly marked the first September in at least 20 years that she didn't have a kid to see off to school by sharing a throwback from 2008.

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Class of 2021

Joaquin was surrounded by love at his high school graduation.

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Look Out, Behind You!

Looks like Michael was about to get the drop on his little sister in this pic their dad shared on Lola's 19th birthday in 2020.

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Big Men on Campus

"Looks like @instasuelos just found out he won't be @joaquinconsuelos roommate in the fall," Kelly teased during a trip to Ann Arbor before Joaquin started at University of Michigan.

Kelly took a few days off in March 2022 to watch the Wolverines compete in the Division 1 Wrestling Championships in Detroit.

Still a freshman, Joaquin didn't wrestle this time, but still, Kelly said on Live upon her return, "It took years off my life watching these young men."

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Generational Health

The whole family finally made it to Greece and Italy in June 2021 after the pandemic had other plans in 2020.

"Last year's graduation trip for our oldest son and niece was delayed long enough to become a graduation trip for the family newborns as well," Kelly shared.

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Heavenly Holiday

This family pic from their Mediterranean getaway turned out so well, Kelly made it their 2021 holiday card.

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Broadway Bunch

Mark and Kelly supported Joaquin in April 2026 when he made his Broadway debut in Death of a Salesman.

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A Sweet Memory

"Happy Easter from the year 2012 because Lola approved this photo," Kelly captioned this throwback, never missing a chance to tease her perpetually appalled teen on social media.

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Beautiful Girls

Mark wished the "spectacular women" in his life a happy International Women's Day.

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Apples of Her Eye

"Happy Valentine's Day to the loves of my life!" Kelly wrote from the heart on Feb. 14, 2022.

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Nice View if You Can Get It

Kelly celebrated the fruits of her labor on National Sons Day, Sept. 28, 2021.

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Mommy & Son

Kelly and Mark's eldest child Michael posted this sweet throwback photo of him and his mom on her 51st birthday in 2021, writing, "Happy Birthday, Mom!! I hope you have the greatest day ever. You're a badass and an inspiration to everyone. Also, when I call you a T. Rex, I mean it as a compliment. You should know that by now."

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History Repeating

In August 2020, Kelly shared an epic recreation of an old family photo from 2003 on Instagram. With youngest son Joaquin on her lap and older kids Michael and Lola perfectly in place, we'd say they nailed it despite the fact that, as Kelly noted, "objects may appear larger."

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Glad Grad

In May 2020, Kelly and Mark celebrated eldest son Michael's graduation—albeit a virtual one, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic—from New York University. Marking the occasion, Kelly wrote on Instagram, "And just like that you graduated college. MJC, the joy and pride you have brought our family is indescribable. I love you with all my heart."

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All Grown Up

From kids to teenagers! "#tbt 2011 vs. 2019 Les murs sont devenus plus petits," Kelly shared in an Instagram post that showed just how much her kids have grown.

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