The estate of Christopher
“Big Pun” Rios has jump started a new clothing line in memory of the
late Bronx rapper in hopes of generating funds for the family.
The launch of Big Pun Clothing Line coincides with website BigPunShop.com
where the clothing can be found exclusively.
Presently, the line consists of several screen printed t-shirts
more of which bear an airbrushed style.
Big Pun, the first Latino rapper to sell platinum, died in 2000
from heart complications associated with being overweight.
Although the rapper was signed to now-defunct Loud Records,
Lisa Rios, his widow, has said in published reports that she has only received
$8,000 in royalty money since the rapper died.
Earlier this year, Rios attempted to auction off the rapper?s
gold, diamond studded Terror Squad chain. The auction didn’t meet the
minimum bid of $100,000.
A statement on eBay read, “Since Pun’s untimely passing
in 2000, Pun’s wife has struggled to raise their three children as well as make
mortgage payments on their home and other expenses. Contrary to what some believe,
the family is far from [being] millionaires. Pun’s wife and children do not
receive royalty checks for Pun’s first two albums, and only one small royalty
check was paid for Pun’s final album. The family’s attempts to get the money
due to his children have been unsuccessful to date.”
According to BigPunShop.com,
all proceeds generated from donations will go to the rapper’s immediate
family.