:P
Since Colt is banned and it's his turn, he told me to post that. Now onto the real album that he wanted to nominate...
CIassic Album #98: Big Pun- Capital Punishment
"During Big Pun's unfortunately short lifetime, he released only one album, 1998's "Capital Punishment," and with this one release he amassed the reputation of one of New York's greatest MCs ever. Listening to this album, it's not hard to see why. Pun shows simply amazing technique, lyricism, and versatility on the album that made him the first Latino rapper to go platinum. Pun flawlessly tells stories of crime and dangers in the streets of the Bronx, but he also makes some deeper tracks about life and philosophy. He is simply an awesome lyricist. Also, the group of guest rappers is among the best ever assembled for an album. In addition to his group of Terror Squad peers such as Fat Joe, Cuban Link, and Noreaga, other appearances come from rap legends like Prodigy, Busta Rhymes, Inspectah Deck, Black Thought, Dead Prez, , and singers such as Joe, Wyclef Jean, and Miss Jones. The production is outstanding throughout the album, coming from such accomplished beatmakers as the RZA, L.E.S., Rockwilder, and Dr. Dre. Overall this album is a complete cIassic that deserves to be a part of any hip hop collection.
After the intro, the album begins with "Beware," starting the album with a hard lyrical track with great production. "Super Lyrical" is just that, a collaboration with Roots rapper Black Thought. "Still Not a Player" was Pun's most successful single, the song that made him famous and a legendary cIassic. Over an awesome, Latin-inspired beat, Pun drops hilarious, well delivered verses in between great singing from Joe, who also sings the cIassic outro. "The Dream Shatterer" is very well produced and is a hard, street-level song. Miss Jones collaborates on "Punish Me," one of my favorite songs on the album. With a subdued, thoughtful beat, Big Pun talks about a relationship gone sour. "You Ain't a Killer" is another New York cIassic. The hard piano laced beat fits great with Pun's threatening lyrics and great punchlines. "Glamour Life" features the Terror Squad, where they talk about the reaps of a life of crime over a great beat. The title track follows in the trend of hard, well-produced tough songs. On "I'm Not a Player," Pun speaks again of his character and interactions with women, the song utilizes a great soul sample. "Twinz (Deep Cover 98 )" is a cover of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's cIassic song from 1992, where Pun and Fat Joe collaborate for one of the best songs from either one of their catalogs. I really like the interlude "The Rain and the Sun" with Dead Prez, it's relaxing. "You Came Up" may actually be my favorite song on the disc, though. With Noreaga, Pun discusses his rise to the top of hip hop, and the saxophone loop is perfect, Terror Squad always shines on this type of song. RZA produces "Triboro Trilogy," a standard New York anthem featuring legends Inspectah Deck and Prodigy. "Fast Money" tells an awesome story, and the album finishes with the Busta Rhymes-assisted "Parental Discretion," where the rappers warn parents of the dangers of raising children in the ghetto and exposing them to the dangers.
Capital Punishment is so amazing because it is a perfect combination of a truly special MC, great guest appearances, awesome production, and perfect execution. This album is so complete and well rounded, easily one of the best albums from the late 90s. I recommend this album to all kinds of hip hop fans, it has something everyone can enjoy, because it's such a cIassic."
-- CTRX, amazon.com
cIassic disc. Vote no, and you should just hand in your GS account now, and stop listening to rap music
Colt45Fool
Even though I think Big Pun is overrated, I still think this is a cIassic album too.
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