A South Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent, Big Punisher brought a sense of personal and community pride
into his trademarked and highly influential rap style which led to his signing with Loud Records.
``Pun was much more than one of the most talented rappers today,'' said Steve Rifkind, Chairman & CEO,
Loud Records. ``He was a true gentleman, family man, and friend. I, my partners Rich Isaacson and Jonathan Rifkind, and everyone at Loud have lost a close family member. Our hearts go out to his wife, his children, and his fans.''
Big Punisher took the rap world by storm with his breakout single, ``Still Not A Player,'' and his 1998 RIAA
double-platinum debut album, Capital Punishment. He was enjoying the current success of ``Feelin' So Good,'' a collaboration with Jennifer Lopez and longtime friend and mentor Fat Joe.
``Pun was many things,'' said Fat Joe. ``To me, he was my brother; to the hip-hop community, he was a living
legend; to Latinos everywhere, he broke down barriers in the entertainment industry. But most importantly, he was a man, a husband and a father. He will be missed but never forgotten.
At the time of his death, Big Punisher was preparing to release Yeeeah Baby, his eagerly-awaited sophomore
album on Loud Records.
