Search - Big Punisher :: Capital Punishment

Spring '98 Memories (Rating: 9 out of 10- -4.5 stars)

Chandler | Atlanta (College Park), Georgia | 10/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Big Punisher couldn't have such a great career, but at the same time, very short. Two years after releasing this album, he would later die of a heart attack. Pun was such a great lyricist that would be remembered along the east coast, with various hits like "Still Not A Player", and "You Came Up". Pun saw himself as one of the best Latino rappers here in the game, and with his debut he set out to prove that point.



Not a whole lot can be said, since everyone has covered every aspect of this album. My two cents are that some of the standouts are the best songs I've heard in a minute. The track "Super Lyrical" has Pun and Black Thought of The Roots going back and fourth over a sick beat. "Still Not A Player" featuring Joe (who updates his song here) still remains to be his biggest hit of his career. The track is edited, probably because it was his lead single. Tracks like "Punish Me" (with Miss Jones) and "You Ain't A Killer" also work well. Further down the album "Caribbean Connection" with Wyclef Jean is dope (hell, even Clef spits a dope verse). Pun shows he can work with the entire Terror Squad on "Glamor Life", which is also backed by some great production. My favorite song here is the original version of "I'm Not A Player" ("I'm not a player, I just **** a lot..."). That track as a classic. Joe and Pun trade verses on the hit song "Twinz (Deep Cover '98)" which will remind listeners of an old Snoop Dogg song ("It's still 187 on an undercover cop"). Towards the end there is the bragging "You Came Up" featuring Noreaga, as Pun looks back on how he came up in the rap game. "Tres Leches (Triboro Trilogy)" with Prodigy and Inspetah Deck is a sick cut. Pun finishes the album with "Parental Discretion" with Busta Rhymes doing the hook (his signature wild screaming he was known for back in the 90's).



Many look at Big Punisher's debut as a landmark in hip hop music. It takes me back to when every guest appearance was a hot artist (especially with Wyclef). Pun's lyrics shined on every song, that I still know who is reciting his lyrics till this day. Majority of these tracks are highly on point. Even the skits are hilarious ("Pacinamac" literally had me rollin). Pun might have had a short music career, but he sure as hell left his footprint here in the game. Rest In Peace Big Punisher.





Lyrics: A+

Production: A

Guest Appearance: A+

Musical Vibes: A-



Top 5 Tracks:

1. I'm Not A Player

2. Super Lyrical (featuring Black Thought)

3. You Came Up (featuring Noreaga)

4. Caribbean Connection (featuring Wyclef Jean)

5. Parental Discretion (featuring Busta Rhymes)



Honorable Mention:

1. Still Not A Player (featuring Joe)

2. You Ain't A Killer

3. Tres Leches (Triboro Trilogy) (featuring Prodigy and Inspetah Deck)

"

Lyrical Genius......R.I.P

Solution | Lakeland, Florida | 03/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Now, I am not the one to give respect to albums regardless if the artist is gone from this world. I am the first to call it like I see it. However, I can't front....Capital Punishment is probably one of the greatest hip hop albums to be released ever. The late Christopher Rios with the help of his "twin" Fat Joe puts out what might not have even been anticipated but on time with this solid debut. Pun's word play and lyrical prowess, in my opinion, would take mentor Fat Joe out in a freestyle competition any day. Pun's production is quite possibly the best compliment to this gem and the guest appearances are on time and on point. My favorite would have to be "Punish Me" featuring Miss Jones, displaying Pun's lyricism in reference to love, relationships and fatherhood. My second fav would have to be the posse cut "Glamour Life" showing Pun and his fellow Terror Squadians speaking of aspirations of fame and fortune(which is not one of my favorite topics in hip hop however when you have an excellent lyrical delivery on this subject I will make an exception). In short, this is a must have from quite possibly the "best" member of the Terror Squad camp."