Capital Punishment: 6 Little Known Facts About Big Pun's Debut Album

Big Punisher and his debut album, Capital Punishment, arrived just when Latino Americans were feeling removed from the rap scene. Much to Hip-Hop's amazement, the man born Christopher Rios kicked in the door with a lyrical aptitude as heavy as his silhouette.
Pun is considered to be the first Latino rapper to boast serious tongue-tactics along with impeccable breath control and bar after bar of dope lyrics.

His 1998 inaugural LP Capital Punishment came equipped with a number of songs that helped shape the record into a classic (i.e. "Still Not a Player," "Beware," "You Ain't a Killer"). And its impact? Bittersweetly it far exceeded Pun's tenure in the rap game. As such, we take time to honor the timelessness of Capital Punishment by sharing a six little known facts about Pun's debut album, which turns 16-years old today.

1. The RZA producer "Tres Leches," and Fat Joe had to pay The Abbot in cash. Don't tell the IRS.
2. Not only did the album reach platinum status, but it did so in under three months, thanks to its standout single, "Still Not A Player."
3. Big Pun's debut LP was largely recorded at Mystic Recording Studios in Staten Island during late 1997 and early 1998.
4. Capital Punishment was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 1999 Grammy Awards, but lost to Jay Z's Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.
5. Despite that the album was –– and still is –– a Hip-Hop classic, Capital Punishment peaked at No.5 on the Billboard 200 charts and No. 1 on the Top R&B Albums, which lends example to Pun's genius and ability to steer into the mainstream.
6. Pun's debut album was the first Latin Hip-Hop record to be certified Platinum.

Rest In Peace.