Big Pun, born Christopher Lee Rios on November 10, 1971, in the Bronx, New York, was a trailblazing figure in the hip-hop community and the first Latino rapper to attain platinum status for an album. His formidable prowess as a lyricist and his capacity to deliver intricate rhymes with a smooth flow brought him acclaim in the rap world. He emerged on the scene impressively with his debut album "Capital Punishment" in 1998, which showcased his unique talent and included hit tracks such as "I'm Not a Player" and its successful remix "Still Not a Player," which featured R&B singer Joe. The album solidified his place in the hip-hop canon and earned him a Grammy nomination, a rare feat for a Latino rapper at the time.
Big Pun's follow-up and final album, "Yeeeah Baby," was released posthumously in April 2000, just two months after his untimely death due to a heart attack on February 7, 2000. Despite his brief career, his impact was substantial and enduring. With hits like "It's So Hard" and "100%", the album served as a testament to his enduring influence and artistry, showcasing his dexterity and ability to craft club anthems as well as contemplative tracks. His legacy also includes a compilation album titled "Endangered Species" (2001), which features a selection of his greatest hits, guest appearances, and a few unreleased tracks. This piece of work, along with his other projects such as "The Dream Shatterer EP" and "Twinz (Deep Cover '98) EP" featuring mentor and close collaborator Fat Joe, has continued to affirm Big Pun's reputation as one of the most gifted and impactful emcees to ever grace the hip-hop stage.
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