“Every few years someone comes along that changes the way you look at Hip-Hop” reads a testimonial on this wall. We are standing in front of the Big Pun mural. It dominates the sidewall of Pyramid Auto Sound. This striking piece of public art pays tribute to Christopher Rios. He was also known as Big Punisher or Big Pun.
Big Pun was a Bronx native. He was the first Puerto Rican hip-hop artist to go platinum. The mural is at the corner of Rogers Place and Westchester Avenue in the Longwood section of the Bronx. It is near the elevated train platform of the Intervale train station.
Big Pun’s journey to fame began when Fat Joe noticed his MC abilities. His debut album, Capital Punishment, dropped in 1998. It achieved platinum status within months. Big Pun’s success shone a spotlight on Puerto Ricans. He highlighted their significant role in hip-hop’s evolution.
Sadly, Big Pun passed away from a heart attack on February 7th, 2000. This was shortly before his second album, Yeeeah Baby!, was released. The South Bronx mourned the loss of the double-platinum Latino rapper.
The Big Pun mural was created by Tats Cru. This is a local aerosol art collective based at The Point in Hunts Point. The artists knew Big Pun personally. Since the early 1990s, Tats Cru has created almost 120 RIP murals. They started painting subway trains in the 1980s. Now, they create murals for businesses around the world.
Each year on the anniversary of Big Pun’s death, Tats Cru refreshes the mural. They create a slightly different design. The mural always features Big Pun. Symbols surround him. These reflect his life and career. Sometimes, these are symbols of the Bronx. This connects him to the neighborhood. Other times, his name appears in platinum bars. This signifies his achievement as the first Puerto Rican MC to reach platinum record sales.
Memorial walls like this one have roots in Latin American and Catholic traditions. Crosses or other memorials mark where someone died. These memorials encourage passersby to pray for the deceased. This is based on the belief that those who die suddenly need prayers to reach Heaven.
RIP murals in New York City blend graffiti art with honoring loved ones. The wall is usually near where the person lived, died, or spent time. In the late 1980s and 1990s, many memorial walls appeared. This reflected the challenges of AIDS, drugs, and violence. Graffiti artists moved from subways to building walls during this time.
Creating these murals often involves the community. Residents watch the artists. Family members share stories of the deceased. The murals use cultural and religious symbols. These highlight what was important in the person’s life. The images show that the deceased was part of the community. Their loss affects everyone. After completion, people leave candles, photos, and flowers at the wall.
Big Pun’s mural has remained pristine since its creation. This demonstrates the deep respect he earned in the South Bronx. The mural features a Puerto Rican flag. It also depicts Rios in a porkpie hat and black leather trench coat. He stands next to a tombstone with “Terror Squad.”
Beyond the mural, over 3,000 Bronx residents petitioned to rename 163rd St. to Big Pun Ave. This would further honor his legacy. It would also celebrate the Bronx as a stronghold of Latino culture.
Big Pun’s story is a reminder of the vibrant culture. It is also a reminder of the challenges and triumphs within the Bronx community. The Big Pun mural stands as a testament to his enduring impact. It commemorates his life and legacy for generations to come.