It was two decades ago when the late Big Pun released his debut album Capital Punishment, the classic, Grammy-nominated project that gave us notable cuts like “Still Not a Player” and “You Came Up.”
In honor of Capital Punishment’s 20th anniversary, Sony Music’s Certified Classics has shared a video series in which Black Thought discusses the impact of the seminal LOUD Records release as well as Pun’s legacy within hip-hop.
“Everything on that record stood out to me. I feel like Capital Punishment was super groundbreaking at the time it came out,” the Roots member says before touching on the NYC and Philly’s rivalry. “So when Pun came out, I definitely took it as like, ‘Wow, this somebody I might one day have to go up against.’ […] I realized we were cut from the same cloth, because the MCs that influenced him, that kind of made him want to do it, were the same MCs that influenced me.”
The Roots member opens up about the creation of “Super Lyrical,” a Rockwilder-produced cut he assisted on, as well as their shared appreciation for solid lyrists.
“The conversations between Pun and I that really stick out were all about lyricism and all about the craft,” Black Thought says. “[…] We sort of bonded on that tip. I mean, my favorite Pun bar moment is— I’m sure I’m not alone—is that ‘Deep Cover’ joint: ‘Dead in the middle of Little Italy.’”
You can check out Black Thoughts' commentary below.
In addition to the video series, Certified Classics has teamed up with the Thread Shop for special Capital Punishment merch release. The drop consists of limited edition graphic tees as well as a double picture disc featuring Capital Punishment’s album art. You can purchase the merch bundles here.
Additionally, Steve Rifkind, founder of LOUD Records, curated a Best of LOUD Records playlist, which you can bump below.
