By Edem Latsu Nukafu

New York – Bronx native and hip-hop icon Fat Joe took to social media platform Meta to pay tribute to his late friend and fellow rapper Big Punisher, also known as Big Pun, on the 24th anniversary of his passing. Born Christopher Lee Rios, Big Pun made a significant impact on the hip-hop scene before his untimely death at the age of 28.

In his heartfelt message, Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Cartagena, expressed his deep sense of loss and gratitude for the love, loyalty, and respect that Big Pun brought into their lives. Sharing memories from their early days, Fat Joe reminisced about their journey in the music industry and the profound influence Big Pun had as an artist and individual.

Big Pun’s rise to fame was marked by his platinum-selling album “Capital Punishment,” which topped the R&B/hip-hop charts. However, his life was cut short in 2000 due to obesity-related heart failure, highlighting the importance of health awareness in the music industry.

Described as the “Son of Tony Montana,” Big Punisher broke barriers as the first Latino rapper to achieve platinum status, surpassing even his mentor, Fat Joe, in record sales. His legacy lives on through his groundbreaking music, including hits like “Don’t Wanna Be A Player” from his debut album.

Fat Joe and Big Pun’s friendship blossomed in the underground hip-hop scene of the Bronx, eventually leading to Big Pun’s inclusion in Fat Joe’s group Terror Squad. Their collaboration on songs like “Watch Out” solidified their bond and paved the way for Big Pun’s meteoric rise to stardom.

Despite his immense talent and success, Big Pun remained grounded, leaving behind his wife, Liza, and their three children, Amanda, Vanessa, and Christopher. At the time of his passing, he was working on his second album, “Yeah Baby,” leaving fans to wonder what could have been for the promising artist.

As the hip-hop community reflects on Big Pun’s enduring legacy, Fat Joe’s tribute serves as a reminder of the impact he had on those around him and the music industry as a whole. Though gone, his spirit lives on through his timeless music and the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.

Writer’s email:edemlatsu093@gmail.com