Skip to content
Portrait of Big Pun

Big Pun

Christopher Lee Rios

Big Pun is an American rapper from New York City, New York active since 1989.

Profession
Rapper, Songwriter
Born
November 10, 1971
Years active
1989–2000

Early life

Born to Puerto Rican parents in the South Bronx, Christopher Rios endured a turbulent childhood marked by homelessness and abuse before finding refuge in writing rhymes and immersing himself in the borough's battle-rap culture.

Career

Discovered by Fat Joe and the Terror Squad, his 1998 debut "Capital Punishment" became the first album by a solo Latino rapper to be certified platinum, powered by the breathless tongue-twisting single "Still Not a Player."

Major achievements

He earned a Grammy nomination and platinum certification, and his rapid-fire multisyllabic rhyme schemes are studied as a high-water mark of lyrical technique. He died of a heart attack in 2000 at age 28.

Legacy

Big Pun broke barriers for Latino artists in hip-hop and is remembered as one of the most technically gifted MCs the genre ever produced.

References

Frequently asked questions about Big Pun

What is Big Pun known for?
Big Pun is an American rapper from New York City, New York active since 1989. Big Pun is recognized as a rapper and songwriter.
Where is Big Pun from?
Big Pun is from New York City, New York.
When was Big Pun born?
Big Pun was born on November 10, 1971, in New York City, New York.
What kind of music does Big Pun make?
Big Pun's music spans Hip-hop, East Coast hip-hop, and Latin hip-hop.
Is Big Pun still active?
Big Pun was professionally active from 1989 to 2000.
What record labels has Big Pun been associated with?
Big Pun has been associated with Loud and Relativity.

Related personalities