Big Pun

Christopher Rios (November 9, 1971 – February 7, 2000), known professionally as Big Pun or Big Punisher, was a pioneering Puerto Rican American rapper. Emerging from the underground hip-hop scene in The Bronx during the late 1990s, Big Pun made a significant impact before his life was tragically cut short. His initial forays into the music industry included appearances on tracks by The Beatnuts and Fat Joe, the latter of whom he would maintain a close collaborative relationship with. Prior to signing a solo deal with Loud Records, Rios operated under the alias Big Moon Dawg and was part of the Full a Clips Crew.

Born in the South Bronx, Rios's upbringing was marked by significant challenges. He witnessed his mother's struggles with drug abuse, experienced his father's absence, and faced a difficult relationship with his stepfather. These early hardships reportedly contributed to a volatile temper and self-destructive tendencies. Despite these difficulties, Rios developed a passion for sports and met his future wife, Liza, in eighth grade. His name was inspired by the Marvel comic book anti-hero, The Punisher.