Almost a year to date after the death of Big Pun , the Latin rapper will be honored with a tribute album titled Endangered Species. The title is taken from the working title of his first posthumously released album, Yeeeah Baby. The tribute record, due out Feb. 6, will feature Big Pun's greatest hits from his previous two albums as well as a collection of his collaborations with artists like Fat Joe, Nas, Noreaga, Raekwon, the Lox, Remy Martin and the Beatnuts.

The album also includes a handful of songs that Big Pun was at work on at the time of his death. These songs will feature collaborations with as-yet-unnamed artists. Artwork for the record will contain personal photos from Big Pun's collection, and friend and fellow rapper Fat Joe will contribute liner notes. "This greatest hits album will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt who was and still is the most lyrical rapper ever to touch a mike," Fat Joe said of Big Pun.

Big Pun (born Christopher Lee Rios) died Feb. 7 of a heart attack and respiratory failure. He was the first Latin MC to achieve platinum sales, first with his 1997 debut, Capital Punishment, and then with Yeeeah Baby. He was twenty-nine.

CHRISTINA SARACENO
(November 21, 2000)