Essential Album of the Week #38: Big Pun - Capital Punishment
Welcome to the Essential Album of the Week discussion thread!
Starting on every Wednesday we will discuss an album from our Essential Albums list. Beginning with our classic list, we'll be moving chronologically to modern times.
Last week's EAotW: Gang Starr - Moment of Truth
Album: Big Pun - Capital Punishment (Terror Squad / Loud, 1998)
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Background/Description: Capital Punishment is the debut album by Bronx rapper Big Pun (short for Big Punisher), released on April 28, 1998. Pun made his commercial debut in 1995 on Watch Out by fellow fellow Puerto Rican and Bronx rapper Fat Joe. Only three years later, Pun would release his debut album and become one of the most respected rappers in the game. A lyrical giant, Pun was praised for his multisyllabic and internal rhyming along with his witty humor and lightning fast flow. Even some of hip hops greatest lyricists at the time had trouble keeping up with Pun; evidenced by the albums features which included the likes of Black Thought, Prodigy and Inspectah Deck. One of his reasons for success, along with his prowess on the mic, was his ability to reach a wide audience with his songs. Pun was able to make tracks that got him love everywhere from the clubs to the hip hop purists. With this combination, Big Pun's debut was both a commercial and critical success. Capital Punishment also became the first solo album by a Latin hip hop artist to go platinum.
On February 7, 2000, Big Pun suffered a fatal heart attack and respiratory failure while temporarily staying with family at a Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains, New York, during a home renovation. Pun was pronounced dead at the hospital after paramedics could not revive him. Big Pun was at his highest weight at the time of his death: 698 pounds.
Guidelines
This is an open thread for you to share your thoughts on the album. Avoid vague statements of praise or criticism. This is your chance to practice being a critic. It's fine for you to drop by just to say you love the album, but let's try and step it up a bit!!!
How has this album affected hip-hop? WHY do you like this tape? What are the best tracks? Do you think it deserves the praise it gets? Is it the first time you've listened to it? What's your first impression? Have you listened to the artist before? Explain why you like it or why you don't.
!!!! DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT BEING LATE !!!! Discussion throughout the week is encouraged.