Big Punisher
's debut album,
Capital Punishment
, established him as one of the stronger New York natives working hardcore territory toward the end of the '90s. He's a terrific lyricist with microphone technique to spare, and actually rhymes faster than his clear influence,
the Notorious B.I.G.
. He's also quite versatile, aiming for the dance clubs, the ladies, the
hip-hop
purists, and the mean streets at varying points on the album, and connecting with all of them pretty well. Similarly, the production -- by a cast of many -- is tough and funky, paced by deep street beats, but remains accessible to audiences outside the hardcore faithful. The close cousins
"I'm Not a Player"
and
"Still Not a Player,"
the latter
Big Pun
's breakthrough hit, manage to be cocky and self-deprecating at the same time, and the other widely exposed track,
"You Ain't a Killer,"
is
at his grittiest. There are numerous guest appearances, the best of which include mentor
Fat Joe
(on several tracks),
the Roots
'
Black Thought
on the MC showcase
"Super Lyrical,"
Prodigy
Inspectah Deck
on
"Tres Leches (Triboro Trilogy),"
and an extra-insane
Busta Rhymes
"Parental Discretion."
isn't quite a classic -- for one thing, it's too long, and for another, it doesn't really break much new ground stylistically. But it's very well-executed, and demonstrates just how much talent and potential
had. ~ Steve Huey