Bronx, N.Y. rapper Big Punisher died suddenly Monday (Feb. 7) from an 
apparent heart attack. Details are sketchy at press time, but he   reportedly had a history of heart problems. He was 28.  

The rotund rapper made noise in the hip-hop world with guest appearances 
 on works by Fat Joe, Rakewon, and the Beatnuts. His 1998 debut CD, 
Capital Punishment (Loud Records), featured heavy-hitting 
guests like Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, Noreaga, and 
Wu-Tang Clan's RZA and Inspectah Deck. A second CD was 
 in the works.  

Big Punisher, born Christopher Rios, is survived by a wife and 
 three children.  

Big Punisher Passes On

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2000  

Hip-Hop World Mourns Loss Of Beloved New York Rapper  

The esteemed rapper Big Punisher (a.k.a. Big Pun, nee Christopher Rios) passed away of 
natural causes in White Plains, New York, on the afternoon of February 7, 2000.  

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.  

Mr. Rios was born on November 9, 1971, and is survived by his wife and three children.