The “Big Pun Back” Controversy Shakes Hip-Hop
Hip-hop thrives on legacy and homage, but when Joell Ortiz decided to pay tribute to the late Big Pun with his freestyle “Big Pun Back,” he found himself at the center of controversy.
The song was meant as a tribute to Pun’s impact on hip-hop, inspired by Meek Mill and Rick Ross’ hit “Tupac Back.” But instead of being celebrated, Ortiz’s version sparked outrage from Big Pun’s widow, Liza Rios, and former Terror Squad affiliates Cuban Link and Tony Sunshine.
The backlash raises deeper questions about who has the right to carry on the legacy of a fallen artist—and whether permission is needed to do so.
How “Big Pun Back” Became a Lightning Rod
Following the success of Meek Mill and Rick Ross’ “Tupac Back,” which became a certified radio hit and sparked numerous remixes, Joell Ortiz decided to create his own version, paying homage to Big Pun.
Given that Ortiz has often been compared to Pun and hailed as a torchbearer for Latino hip-hop, a tribute track seemed natural. However, Liza Rios took issue with the song’s bold declaration that Ortiz is the “new Christopher Rios of rap.”
Her criticism was swiftly echoed by Cuban Link and Tony Sunshine, who accused Ortiz of failing to check in with the family before recording the song.
The reaction shocked Ortiz, who had previously received praise from Rios for keeping Big Pun’s name alive.
Joell Ortiz Speaks Out: “I Don’t Need Permission”
In an interview with Funkmaster Flex on Hot 97, Joell Ortiz addressed the controversy head-on.
“To be honest with you, I was really confused,” Ortiz told Flex. “I’ve been bigging up Big Pun since the beginning of my career. This isn’t the first time I’ve done a tribute. I thought everything was all good between us.”
Ortiz recalled a moment years ago when Liza Rios personally invited him to perform at a Big Pun tribute event, standing on stage next to the late rapper’s urn. He says she told him then that Pun would have been proud of him—which made her sudden change of heart confusing.
“I don’t understand how we go from that to ‘How dare you?’ Ortiz said. “It doesn’t make sense.”
As for Cuban Link and Tony Sunshine, Ortiz dismissed their criticism outright.
“If Cuban Link wants to talk to me, he knows where to find me,” Ortiz said. “He didn’t have to go online and make a spectacle out of it.”
But the Brooklyn emcee didn’t stop there. He made it clear that he doesn’t believe anyone owns the right to honor a legend.
“I don’t have to check in with anybody about anything,” Ortiz stated firmly.
A Double Standard in Hip-Hop?
The backlash against Ortiz stands in stark contrast to the way other remixes of “Tupac Back” have been received.
When Maino released “Biggie Back” as a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., he was celebrated, not condemned. Yo Gotti, Jadakiss, and The Outlawz also created their own versions of “Tupac Back,” with zero controversy.
Yet, Joell Ortiz’s “Big Pun Back” drew immediate criticism from Pun’s family and close affiliates.
This raises an important cultural question:
Why was Biggie’s legacy embraced in remixes, while Big Pun’s tribute caused outrage?
Some argue that the reaction stems from deep-seated issues within the Terror Squad camp. Big Pun’s financial struggles before his passing, coupled with disputes over his estate, have left lingering tensions within the late rapper’s inner circle.
It’s possible that Joell Ortiz got caught in the middle of a long-standing internal battle, rather than being the actual cause of the backlash.
The Bigger Picture: Latin Rap’s Struggle for Representation
Beyond the controversy, Ortiz’s song raises another key issue—the struggle for Latino representation in hip-hop.
Big Pun remains the only Latino rapper to ever reach platinum status as a solo artist. More than a decade after his passing, no one has replicated his level of success in mainstream hip-hop.
Ortiz’s “Big Pun Back” freestyle was not just about honoring Pun—it was about keeping Latino hip-hop relevant.
However, the negative reaction from Pun’s inner circle makes it clear that there’s a divide in how his legacy should be carried forward.
Joell Ortiz sees himself as continuing what Pun started. But for Pun’s family, his legacy is something to be protected, not borrowed.
Hip-Hop’s Code: Who Decides Legacy?
At the heart of this controversy is a much larger issue:
Who gets to decide how a rapper’s legacy is remembered?
- Does a widow and close friends have the ultimate say?
- Can another artist, deeply inspired by the fallen legend, carry on their name?
- Or does hip-hop itself—through the fans—determine who is worthy?
In the case of “Big Pun Back,” Ortiz meant no disrespect. He simply saw himself as the next in line, someone who was heavily influenced by Pun and wanted to pay tribute.
But in a genre where respect is everything, not getting the family’s blessing proved to be a critical mistake.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Joell Ortiz?
Despite the controversy, Joell Ortiz isn’t backing down.
He remains focused on his music, preparing for the next Slaughterhouse album and continuing to make a name for himself in hip-hop.
His stance remains clear:
“I did it for Big Pun, to keep his legacy alive. That’s it.”
It’s unclear whether this situation will ever be resolved. However, one thing is certain: Big Pun’s name remains as powerful as ever in hip-hop.
And whether through Joell Ortiz or future generations of Latino emcees, his influence isn’t going anywhere.
Conclusion
Joell Ortiz’s “Big Pun Back” was meant to be a tribute, but instead, it has become one of the most controversial hip-hop moments of 2011.
With Big Pun’s widow and former Terror Squad affiliates calling it disrespectful, the situation has opened up a much larger discussion about legacy, permission, and hip-hop’s cultural gatekeepers.
As Ortiz moves forward, this moment will serve as a reminder of how personal hip-hop’s history can be—and how important it is to navigate those waters carefully.
For now, the debate continues.
Was “Big Pun Back” a genuine tribute, or was it overstepping?
Hip-hop fans will be the ultimate judge.
