# Big Pun

> American rapper (1971–2000)

**Wikidata**: [Q380656](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380656)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Pun)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/big-pun

## Summary
Big Pun was an American rapper born in 1971 and active until his death in 2000. He was a key figure in East Coast hip-hop, known for his contributions to gangsta rap and hardcore hip-hop, and was signed to major labels like Loud Records and Columbia Records.

## Biography
- Born: November 9, 1971
- Nationality: United States
- Known for: Pioneering East Coast hip-hop, blending gangsta rap with hardcore hip-hop influences
- Employer(s): Loud Records, Columbia Records, Terror Squad Entertainment
- Field(s): Music, hip-hop

## Contributions
Big Pun contributed to the hip-hop genre through his music, which blended elements of gangsta rap and hardcore hip-hop. He was signed to Loud Records and later to Columbia Records, where he released notable works. His music was produced under the Terror Squad collective, which included other influential hip-hop artists.

## FAQs
**What genre of music did Big Pun specialize in?**
Big Pun specialized in gangsta rap and hardcore hip-hop, which were prominent subgenres of East Coast hip-hop during his career.

**Which record labels was Big Pun signed to?**
Big Pun was signed to Loud Records and Columbia Records, two major hip-hop labels that helped launch his career.

**What was the name of the collective Big Pun was a part of?**
Big Pun was a member of the Terror Squad collective, which included other influential hip-hop artists and producers.

## Why They Matter
Big Pun's work in hip-hop helped shape the sound and culture of East Coast rap during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His music blended gangsta rap with hardcore hip-hop influences, creating a unique style that influenced later generations of rappers. His contributions to the genre and his association with major record labels solidified his place in hip-hop history.

## Notable For
- Pioneering a unique blend of gangsta rap and hardcore hip-hop
- Being signed to major record labels like Loud Records and Columbia Records
- Being a member of the influential Terror Squad collective
- Producing music that influenced later East Coast hip-hop artists

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Big Pun was born on November 9, 1971, in the United States. He began his career in hip-hop during the late 1990s, gaining recognition for his contributions to gangsta rap and hardcore hip-hop. His early work was produced under the Terror Squad collective, which included other influential hip-hop artists and producers.

### Record Labels and Music
Big Pun was signed to Loud Records, a hip-hop record label that helped launch his career. He later signed with Columbia Records, one of the most prestigious music labels in the world. His music was produced under the Terror Squad collective, which included other influential hip-hop artists and producers.

### Influence and Legacy
Big Pun's work in hip-hop helped shape the sound and culture of East Coast rap during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His music blended gangsta rap with hardcore hip-hop influences, creating a unique style that influenced later generations of rappers. His contributions to the genre and his association with major record labels solidified his place in hip-hop history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Find a Grave
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. MusicBrainz
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. IdRef
8. CONOR.SI
9. Google Knowledge Graph
10. YouTube API
11. The Movie Database