Today would have been the 47th birthday of Big Pun.

As one of his generation's most gifted lyricists, Big Pun broke through in 1998 with the release of his celebrated debut album, Capital Punishment. Best known for songs such as "Still Not A Player," "It's So Hard" and "Twinz (Deep Cover '98)," Pun successfully combined hardcore New York lyricism and pop sensibility arguably better than any rapper since The Notorious B.I.G. His career was cut short when he tragically passed away from a fatal heart attack and respiratory failure on February 7, 2000. Almost 17 years after his death, Big Pun remains one of the most beloved figures in the 1990s New York hip-hop scene.

Happy Birthday, Big Pun!

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