Big Pun

Who Was Big Pun?

Big Pun, born Christopher Rios, made history as the first Latino rapper to achieve platinum status, with his debut album Capital Punishment reaching No. 1 on the hip-hop/R&B charts. Proud of his Puerto Rican heritage, he became an icon in the Latin and hip-hop communities. Despite his success, Pun struggled with obesity, weighing nearly 700 pounds at the time of his death from heart failure in February 2000.

Early Years

Big Pun was born on November 10, 1971, in the Bronx, New York. Though his life was tragically short, his impact on hip-hop was undeniable, breaking barriers for Latino artists in the genre. In his early years, he excelled in school and sports, but his difficult family circumstances led him to leave home at the age of 15, eventually dropping out of high school. Despite these challenges, Pun took control of his education by becoming an avid reader and developing a passion for breakdancing and rapping. His teenage years were difficult, marked by homelessness at times, but they were also a period of growth. Pun became a father at a young age when he and his junior high school girlfriend, Liza, welcomed their first child. The couple married in 1990 and went on to have two more children.

As he coped with the stresses of life, Pun turned to food for comfort, leading to his struggle with weight gain. Initially performing under the name “Big Moon Dog,” he formed the rap group Full a Clips Crew. Pun’s intricate rhyme schemes and ability to rap without pausing for breath set him apart from his peers.

Career Breakthrough

Big Pun’s career took a pivotal turn in 1995 when he met rapper-producer Fat Joe, who immediately recognized Pun’s talent. Impressed, Fat Joe invited him to feature on his track “Watch Out,” marking the start of a close friendship and professional partnership. Inspired by a comic book character, Rios adopted the moniker “Big Punisher” and became a key member of the Terror Squad, a collective of Latino rappers led by Fat Joe. With Fat Joe’s support, Big Pun signed a record deal with Loud Records, setting the stage for his historic rise in the hip-hop world.

Success and Struggles: ‘Capital Punishment’

In 1997, Big Pun made his mark on the rap scene with his breakout single, “I’m Not a Player,” which swiftly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 3 on the rap charts. The success of his first album, Capital Punishment (1998), solidified his position in the music industry, debuting at the top of the R&B/hip-hop album charts. The album featured collaborations with well-known rappers such as Wyclef Jean and Busta Rhymes, and it ultimately sold over 2 million copies. This achievement made Big Pun the first Latino rapper to go platinum, earning him a significant following and establishing him as a hero in the Puerto Rican community. Proud of his heritage, Big Pun often referenced it in his lyrics and, on occasion, even wore the Puerto Rican flag during his performances.

Despite his musical success, Big Pun struggled with his health. By the time Capital Punishment was released, he weighed around 400 pounds, and his weight continued to increase as his career flourished. Encouraged by his close friend Fat Joe, Pun made attempts to lose weight, including attending the Duke University diet program in 1999. Though he initially shed 80 pounds, the weight loss was short-lived, and he soon regained the lost weight and more.

As his size became more of a challenge, everyday tasks became difficult, yet Big Pun’s talent remained undiminished. He continued to impress audiences with his live performances and was in high demand for collaborations. Notably, he appeared alongside Fat Joe on Jennifer Lopez’s hit track “Feelin’ So Good.” He was slated to perform with Lopez and Fat Joe on Saturday Night Live on February 5, 2000, but had to cancel due to illness.

Death and Legacy

Tragically, just two days after the cancelled performance, Big Pun passed away. On February 7, 2000, while staying at a hotel in White Plains, New York, with his wife and children, he experienced severe breathing difficulties and collapsed. Emergency services were called, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. At only 28 years old, Big Pun died of heart failure, weighing nearly 700 pounds.

His untimely death sent waves of grief through both the hip-hop and Latino communities. Thousands of fans attended his wake in the Bronx, and a mural in his honor was painted by TATS Cru in his neighborhood. Tributes poured in from his peers, with Jennifer Lopez telling MTV, “He was a source of pride for the Latin community, a great artist and a great person.” Fat Joe expressed his sorrow, saying, “I lost a brother.”

Despite his passing, Big Pun’s legacy endured. Two months later, his second album, Yeeah Baby, was released to positive reviews, quickly reaching No. 3 on the charts and topping the R&B/hip-hop album lists. The following year, a compilation album titled Endangered Species was released, cementing his status as a larger-than-life figure in hip-hop and offering fans a final tribute to his talent and influence.