Puerto Rican rapper and actor the Big Punisher also known as Big Pun, was born Christopher Rios in the South Bronx. Growing up he was a good student and athlete. Despite things being great at school, the trauma 0f being a witness to his father’s death and his mother’s drug abuse caused Big Pun to drop out of school at 15 and have depression.
Later, being abused by his mother resulted in him becoming homeless and occasionally living with his middle school sweetheart, Liza. Her parents fiercely disapproved of him because he dealed drugs in order to support himself. On Feb. 1990, they had their first child and shortly afterwards were married.
It was around this time that Big Pun decided to fully take charge of his education on his own, and he continued his love for reading. Even though he listened to the oldies and R&B music, it was in writing rap lyrics where he found solace.
I was surprised that he became a rapper. I woulda thought that he woulda been a singer. He sounded really good and he had all the moves and everything. A lot of people think that because he was a rapper that he would listen to a lot of rap music. But he listened to all types of music,” said Liza Rios.
Big Pun started pursuing his rap career with a group and went by the moniker Big Moon Dog. At 18, Big Pun received settlement money for a childhood injury at a park. For a moment his family had financial stability. However, he started to blow through the money very quickly and the teen husband and father turned towards food to deal with the stresses of familial responsibility while on the cusp of rap stardom.
His saving grace was his talent as a rapper. In the underground rap scene, Big Pun made an impression with clever rhymes, complicated lyrics and a great flow. This led to Big Pun being on the radar of famed Puerto Rican rapper-producer Fat Joe.
Even though I discovered Big Pun, the truth is, he taught me how to make hit records…he literally sat me down and said, ‘Yo, right about here, you gotta talk to the girls, Joe. Right about here we gotta keep it gangsta.’ He literally showed me,” said Fat Joe.
https://youtu.be/7Xue-dOOLiY?si=oRI6LIHeh3cBLW3V
After being a featured artist on Fat Joe’s song “Watch Out” and joining the producer’s Latino rap crew, the Terror Squad, Big Pun became a major force in rap music. Eventually, Big Pun released his first single, which became a hit and topped the rap charts, “I’m Not a Player.” This was quickly followed by his platinum selling album “Capital Punishment.” The album rose to number one on the rap/hip hop charts and made him the first Latino rapper to have a platinum record.
On Feb. 7, 2000, Big Pun lost his battle with depression, which led him to overeat and resulted in his untimely death at 28 to a heart attack. His second album, “Yeeeah Baby,” peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 charts. Til this day, he is often cited as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Musical Hits:
- “I’m Not a Player” (1997)
- “Still Not a Player” (1998)
- “Twinz (Deep Cover ’98)” (1998)
- “You Came Up” (feat. Noreaga) (1998)
- “Whatcha Gon Do” (feat. Terror Squad) (1998)
- “It’s So Hard” (feat. Donell Jones) (2000)
- “100%” (feat. Tony Sunshine) (2000)
- “How We Roll” (feat. Ashanti) (2001)
Big Pun Kills it at Rap Sitdown with Canibus, DMX, Mos Def, Mic Geronimo, John Forte in Freestyle Rap Cypher
Snapshot:
- Youth:
- Big Pun, whose real name was Christopher Lee Rios, was born on November 10, 1971, in The Bronx, New York City.
- Raised in the South Bronx, he grew up immersed in hip-hop culture, surrounded by its music and lifestyle.
- Upbringing:
- Big Pun grew up in a Puerto Rican household in a rough neighborhood known for its poverty and crime.
- He faced adversity early on, dealing with the challenges of urban life, including violence and drugs.
- Struggles:
- Big Pun battled weight issues throughout his life, reaching a peak weight of over 700 pounds at one point.
- He struggled with depression and health problems due to his weight, which impacted his personal and professional life.
- Talent:
- Despite his struggles, Big Pun possessed immense talent as a rapper, known for his rapid-fire flow, intricate rhyme schemes, and clever wordplay.
- He honed his skills through freestyle battles and underground performances, earning recognition for his lyrical prowess.
Success:
- Big Pun achieved commercial success with his debut album, “Capital Punishment,” released in 1998, which peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 chart.
- He became the first Latino rapper to attain platinum status with an album.
- Big Pun’s singles, such as “I’m Not a Player” and “Still Not a Player,” received widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a prominent figure in hip-hop.
- He was a member of the Terror Squad collective and collaborated with other notable artists, further expanding his influence in the music industry.
Fun Facts:
- Big Pun, whose real name was Christopher Lee Rios, was the first Latino rapper to achieve platinum status with his debut album, “Capital Punishment,” released in 1998.
- He earned the nickname “Big Punisher” due to his imposing size, as he stood at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed over 700 pounds at his heaviest.
- Big Pun holds the Guinness World Record for the “Heaviest Hip Hop Artist,” although he tragically passed away in 2000 at the age of 28 due to a heart attack.
- Despite his large stature, Big Pun was known for his incredibly fast and intricate rhymes, showcasing his exceptional lyrical skill and versatility in tracks like “Twinz (Deep Cover ’98)” and “Still Not a Player.”
- He was the first solo Latino rapper to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Still Not a Player,” featuring Joe, in 1998.
- Big Pun’s influence on hip-hop culture extended beyond his music, as he actively promoted Puerto Rican heritage and pride, paving the way for future Latino artists in the genre.
- He was a member of the Terror Squad, a hip-hop collective founded by fellow rapper Fat Joe, and contributed significantly to the group’s success with his charismatic presence and lyrical prowess.
- Despite his success, Big Pun faced personal struggles, including battles with obesity and health issues, which were often reflected in his music, adding depth and authenticity to his lyrics.
- Big Pun was posthumously honored with numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his feature on “Deep Cover ’98.”
His legacy continues to influence generations of hip-hop artists, with his unique style and impactful storytelling cementing his status as one of the genre’s most iconic figures.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, Big Pun’s talent, resilience, and determination cemented his legacy as one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history.
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