Fat Joe recently opened up about his friend Big Pun’s amazing talent in an interview. According to Joe, Pun could write songs in his sleep. This revelation paints a vivid picture of Pun’s exceptional abilities and how his narcolepsy played a role in his creative process.
Joe’s admiration for Pun is evident as he describes him as a genius and unmatched lyricist. Their collaboration stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the unique dynamic between the two rappers and underline the lasting impact Pun left on the hip-hop world.
Fat Joe’s Admiration for Big Pun
Fat Joe recently shared some incredible anecdotes about Big Pun’s impressive talents. According to Joe, Pun had the extraordinary ability to write songs in his sleep. Joe revealed this incredible feat during an interview on the Jay Shetty Podcast.
Speaking about his late friend, Joe described Pun as a “genius” and a “freak of nature.” He emphasized how advanced Pun’s skills were, stating, “He was so much better than me, like light years [ahead] of me.” Joe added that Pun had a special condition, narcolepsy, which oddly aided his creative process.
Writing Songs in His Sleep
Big Pun’s narcolepsy allowed him to create music in the most unconventional way. Joe explained that Pun would fall asleep right in the middle of a conversation and then suddenly wake up asking for a notebook. He would then proceed to write down an entire song that he had envisioned while asleep. This ability left Joe in awe of his friend’s unique talent.
Joe fondly recalled, “From the first time I ever heard him I knew, like, ‘This guy is the greatest. He’s the best.’” Joe believes that Pun’s ability to write songs in his sleep is irrefutable proof that he belongs in the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) conversation.
Championing Big Pun’s Legacy
Fat Joe has been a steadfast champion of Big Pun’s legacy since Pun’s untimely death 24 years ago. Joe has consistently shared stories that highlight Pun’s exceptional lyrical talent and creative process. In a 2022 interview, Joe recounted how he had to “trick” other rappers into collaborating with Pun because they were often intimidated by his skill.
Joe detailed one memorable instance involving Nas. According to Joe, Pun really wanted to work with Nas on a song. However, other artists were often reluctant to collaborate with Pun due to his intimidating pen game. To overcome this, Joe would sometimes set up the situation in a way that the other artist wouldn’t know Pun was involved until it was too late.
“We almost had to gas guys like, ‘Yo, it’s my record’ and then throw Pun on it,” Joe explained. He clarified, though, that Nas was more than willing to work with Pun but mentioned this to illustrate how careful they had to be in arranging collaborations.
The Making of ‘John Blaze’
One standout example of such collaboration tactics was the making of the song “John Blaze.” This track featured a star-studded lineup including Nas, Big Pun, and other notable rappers from that era. Joe shared how Nas ended up recording his part without knowing initially that Pun would also be on the track.
“[Nas] came twice and he rocked and he did it,” Joe said. “And then Pun came on there. We had to do that a lot with Pun.” Joe’s strategy was to get top artists on Pun’s tracks without revealing the full plan until the last moment.
Reflecting on Unfulfilled Collaborations
During his storytelling, Joe also mentioned some missed opportunities. One of the more notable ones was with Canibus. Joe recounted how Pun waited for Canibus for numerous recording sessions, but the collaboration never materialized. This was a testament to how even highly skilled artists had reservations about matching up with Pun.
Joe mentioned, “He waited for Canibus about 30 to 100 sessions and he never walked in the door to do the song with Pun.” This statement highlighted the level of respect and, perhaps, fear that other artists had for Pun’s lyrical prowess.
Despite these missed opportunities, Joe proudly shared that several collaborations did happen, showcasing Pun’s unmatched skills. He felt a sense of responsibility to share these insights to ensure that Pun’s contributions to hip-hop would never be forgotten.
N.O.R.E’s Emotional Tribute
Fat Joe is not alone in his high regard for Big Pun. Fellow rapper N.O.R.E. has also expressed deep admiration for the late artist. In June 2023, N.O.R.E. shared an emotional story, describing Pun as the greatest person he had ever met in his life. This statement came during an interview where N.O.R.E. was evidently moved to tears.
N.O.R.E.’s tribute underlined the significant impact that Big Pun had on those around him, both as an artist and as an individual. His words served as another compelling testament to Pun’s exceptional talent and character.
Big Pun’s Influence on Fat Joe
Through these stories, it is clear how much Big Pun influenced Fat Joe, both as a friend and a collaborator. Joe often credits Pun for teaching him the intricacies of creating hit songs. Despite discovering Pun, Joe readily admits that Pun’s talents were far superior.
“He actually taught me how to make hits,” Joe shared, underscoring the vital role Pun played in his own career development. Joe’s continuous efforts to share Pun’s legacy reflect a deep sense of gratitude and respect for his late friend.
The Legacy Lives On
Fat Joe’s recounting of these stories serves to keep Big Pun’s legacy alive for future generations. The sheer level of talent Pun exhibited through his unique creative processes continues to inspire awe and admiration within the hip-hop community.
Reflecting on these memories not only pays tribute to Pun but also educates new fans about the unparalleled skill and passion he brought to his craft. Joe’s anecdotes ensure that Pun’s influence will not be forgotten.
The anecdotes shared by Fat Joe offer a touching tribute to Big Pun’s exceptional talent and unique creative process. These stories not only keep Pun’s legacy alive but also educate new fans about his unparalleled contributions to hip-hop. Despite his untimely passing, Big Pun’s influence continues to resonate through the hip-hop community.
