Tag: Capital Punishment

If you’re a true Bronx native, you see this man all the time on the classic mural on the corner of 163rd Street and Intervale Avenue across the street from White Castle. On top of the mural is the sentence that sums up this man’s legacy in hip hop and in The Bronx. Known as the first Latin artist to go platinum is a definitive spot in the “GOAT” discussions with the homies in the barbershop but of course the lyrical ability and word play is also a conversation topic as well. Christopher Rios aka Big Pun released his debut album “Capital Punishment” on April 28th, 1998. Pun started off in a underground hip hop group called “Full-A-Clips” with the name Big Moon Dawg and then later on became Big Punisher. After meeting another fellow Bronx native, already known artist named Fat Joe, in 1995, he appeared on the track “Watch Out.” He also appeared on The Beatnut’s “Off The Books”, which was a success. Then comes the debut single “I’m Not a Player” with the O’Jay’s sample which was an underground success and then a remixed version came along, featuring the singer Joe, which became Pun’s debut successful single and took him to another level. On April 28th, 1998, Pun then released his debut album which went #5 on the Billboard charts and then eventually making Pun the first Latin artist to go Platinum. Pun then became a part of the infamous Terror Squad and then he tragically died due to a weight problem. Still one of the greatest to ever touch a mic, Big Pun’s legacy will always remain.