The Fallout Continues: Cuban Link Responds to Joell Ortiz
The hip-hop world remains divided over Joell Ortiz’s tribute track “Big Pun Back.” This song is a remix of Meek Mill and Rick Ross’ “Tupac Back.”
Originally meant to honor Big Pun’s legacy, the song has instead sparked backlash from Big Pun’s widow, Liza Rios, and his longtime associate, Cuban Link.
After Joell Ortiz defended himself in an interview with Funkmaster Flex on Hot 97, claiming he had nothing but love for Pun and was confused by the criticism, Cuban Link has now responded—doubling down on his stance.
In a recent WorldStarHipHop interview, Cuban Link listed three major reasons why Ortiz’s track wasn’t a tribute but rather a disrespectful move.
Cuban Link’s Three Strikes Against Joell Ortiz
1. Ortiz Calling Himself “The New Big Pun”
The first issue, according to Cuban Link, is Ortiz crowning himself as the heir to Pun’s throne.
“Dude said ‘the new Christopher Lee Rios of rap.’ Like, you already want to be my man,” Cuban Link said.
For Cuban Link, a tribute should honor the artist—not imply that someone is replacing them.
He made it clear that Big Pun’s place in hip-hop is untouchable, and no one, not even a talented lyricist like Joell Ortiz, can take his spot.
2. The “Heart Attack” Line – A Direct Shot?
The second reason Cuban Link took issue with the track was Ortiz’s lyric referencing a heart attack.
“45 will hit you like a heart attack,” Ortiz raps on the song.
To the average listener, it might not seem like much—but to Big Pun’s family and those close to him, this was an insensitive line.
Big Pun passed away from a fatal heart attack in 2000, and Cuban Link believes Ortiz should have been more mindful when choosing his words.
“You’re giving him love, but you’re gonna put ‘heart attack’ in there?” Cuban Link questioned.
He made it clear that this lyric was offensive not just to him. Also, he made it clear it was disrespectful to Big Pun’s family. Mainly, his widow and children.
3. Name-Dropping Fat Joe – A Hidden Agenda?
The final straw, according to Cuban Link, was Joell Ortiz shouting out Fat Joe in his track.
For years, Cuban Link and Fat Joe have been at odds over business disputes related to Terror Squad.
Joell Ortiz probably didn’t intend to reopen old wounds, but Cuban Link saw it as another reason why the track wasn’t a true tribute.
“You biggin’ up my enemy, you biggin’ up our enemy,” Cuban Link said.
He argued that Joell Ortiz could have chosen any Big Pun lyric, yet he referenced one that indirectly mentioned Fat Joe.
To Cuban Link, this was a calculated move, and one he couldn’t support.
Cuban Link’s Message: This Wasn’t a Tribute—It Was an Opportunity
Cuban Link wasn’t just upset over the lyrics—he was frustrated because he believes Joell Ortiz used Big Pun’s name as a promotional tool.
“At the end of the day, you used this as a way to get your career up,” Cuban Link stated.
He acknowledged that Ortiz is a skilled lyricist, but he doesn’t believe “Big Pun Back” came from a place of genuine love.
Instead, Cuban Link sees it as a marketing move to capitalize on the “Tupac Back” trend started by Meek Mill and Rick Ross.
“I’m happy for you, but at the end of the day, you’re using my brother’s name to elevate yourself,” Cuban Link concluded.
Joell Ortiz’s Defense: “I Don’t Need Permission”
Before Cuban Link’s latest response, Joell Ortiz made it clear that he wasn’t backing down.
During his Hot 97 interview with Funkmaster Flex, Ortiz said he respected Big Pun. So, he had no idea why people were upset.
“I thought everything was all smooth between us,” Ortiz said. Thus, referring to his past relationship with Liza Rios and Cuban Link.
He reminded listeners that Liza Rios once invited him to perform at a tribute event, where he stood on stage next to Pun’s urn.
“She told me Pun would be proud of me,” Ortiz said. “And now, here we are, and she’s saying, ‘How dare me?’ I don’t get it.”
He also made it clear that he did not need permission from anyone to make a song.
“I don’t have to check in with anybody about anything,” Ortiz stated.
Hip-Hop’s Debate: Who Controls a Legend’s Legacy?
This feud between Joell Ortiz and Cuban Link is part of a larger debate in hip-hop:
Who decides how a fallen legend is honored?
Some argue that hip-hop is built on homage—meaning rappers should be free to create tribute songs without needing approval from anyone.
Others believe that family and close associates should have a say in how a late rapper’s legacy is preserved.
In this case, Ortiz sees himself as paying tribute. Meanwhile, Cuban Link sees it as exploitation. As a result, it creates what seems like an endless cycle. Whereas one person thinks they’re paying homage, another person thinks they’re exploiting. Ultimately, it leads to more debates and discussions. When it comes to Joell Ortiz and Cuban Link, there’s a stalemate.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Feud Matters
This isn’t just about one song—it’s about hip-hop’s deep emotional ties to its fallen legends.
- For Joell Ortiz, “Big Pun Back” was a way to celebrate one of his biggest inspirations.
- For Cuban Link and Liza Rios, the song felt like a violation of trust and an opportunistic move.
It’s a fine line between tribute and capitalization, and the debate over who gets to represent Big Pun’s legacy is still far from settled.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Respect and Communication
The “Big Pun Back” controversy highlights the importance of communication and respect in hip-hop.
- Intent matters—but execution matters more.
- Paying tribute to a legend requires thoughtfulness and an understanding of their family’s wishes.
- Even in hip-hop, old personal feuds can shape how a song is received.
Joell Ortiz might have meant well, but Cuban Link and Liza Rios aren’t budging on their stance.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Big Pun’s impact on hip-hop remains undeniable.
And that’s the ultimate tribute—even if the people paying homage don’t always see eye to eye.
