Review of Endangered Species

  The posthumous album is becoming less of a rarity in Hip-Hop today. Releases after the passing of such rappers as 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G. and Big L often prompt questions as to the motives for continuing releases. However, it seems as though Big Punisher's final release serves as more of a tribute to the late legend and his fans.

  Born Christopher Carlos Rios, the 28-year-old Bronx-bred Puerto Rican artist had made a name for himself as a hip-hop phenomenon. Big Pun's break came when he became the protégé to fellow Bronx native Fat Joe, a Cuban/Puerto-Rican rapper who began to gain serious notice for Latin solo mc's in the mid 1990's. Pun, described by Fat Joe as "a genius", first appeared on Fat Joe's 1995 release, Jealous One's Envy.

  Pun's first release, Capital Punishment(Loud Records), debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard's pop chart and No. 1 on its R&B and Rap charts. Pun's classic, "Still Not a Player" was voted as Vibe Magazines 5th best single of the year. Big Pun had gone platinum, a feat that no other Latin solo mc had ever accomplished. Shortly before his sophomore effort was released, Big Pun passed away due to health problems. Originally, Pun chose the title "Endangered Species" for this album, a description of the rarity of mc's with his skill. It is only fitting that Endangered Species was chosen as the title for Big Pun's final album.

  Endangered Species combines Pun's classics and notable guest appearances (over 40 in his career) with five previously unreleased tracks. Many of the new tracks, as well as the original version of "Dream Shatterer", were previously unheard due to the inability to get samples cleared. Because the album serves as a tribute to Pun and his fans, there was less resistance in finally getting sample clearance. Although the album (executive produced by Fat Joe) was slated to be released in February one year after Pun's passing, the release date was pushed back until last week.

  Tony Sunshine, whose singing laced the salsa-tinged 100% on Yeeeah Baby and other Terror Squad classics, returns on the previously unreleased "Mamma". Other new guest appearances surprisingly include Kool G Rap and B-Real of Cypress Hill fame, as well as a freestyle on Hot 97 with Pun's female protégé Remy Martin. Endangered Species also features classic Pun collaborations such as "Off The Books"(w/Cuban Link and the Beatnuts), Banned From T.V. (w/Noreaga) and other collective hits with Ruff Ryders and his own Terror Squad family.

  The album production is consistent, and its new releases are supported by such up-and-coming producers as The Alchemist, Buckwild, Irv Gotti and EZ Elpee. Past releases on the album were forged by a bevy of established beatminers including Show, Swizz Beatz and the Beatnuts.

  The best new cut is by far the Rashad Smith produced "How We Roll '98", featuring Latina songstress Veronica and Pun's three children singing the chorus. Although the lyrics lack the compassion of 2Pac's "Dear Mama" or Ghostface Killah's "All That I Got Is You", simply hearing Pun's son and two daughters on the well-produced track is almost equally tear-provoking.

  Endangered Species would have been flawless save for the inclusion of the "Livin' La Vida Loca" remix with Ricky Martin and Pun's collaboration with Fat Joe on the remix of Brandy's "Top of the World". Although Pun still shines on both tracks, the remixes seem too commercially artificial and do little to flow with the rest of the album.

  Overall, Endangered Species is an excellent album that showcases the innovation and lyrical acrobatics that had earlier thrust Big Pun into the spotlight. Although Big Pun's music was laced with tales of violence which mirrored his own difficult adolescence, he did open a door for other aspiring Latin musicians. It should be noted that his music was a reflection of reality, not intended to inspire younger listeners. Big Punisher's contributions to the music world will not soon be forgotten, and an inspiring artist will continue to be missed.