Sixteen years ago on this date, Hip Hop lost one of the greatest lyricists that the game has ever seen. Christopher “Big Pun” Rios passed away from cardiac arrest in 2000 at the height of his career.

Pun’s eternal mark that he left on Hip Hop began with his Capital Punishment LP, which was his platinum debut album that was released by Hip Hop powerhouse Loud/RCA Records under Steve Rifkind. The BX native held his own among the best in the game as arguably the most powerful gun out of the Bronx-based Terror Squad camp.

During the success of his Yeeeaah Baby album, Pun began to suffer from health issues, with his weight and eating habits spiraling out of control. It was reported that the 6’1″ rapper was close to 700 lbs. when he lost his life.

Pun’s legacy will last forever in his music as well as through his talented son ,Chris Rivers, who is making waves in the game in his own right. It’s true when they say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.