RIP Big Pun/Son Starts Rap Career, Ebro, Nelly/JD

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the death of Bronx, NY rapper Christopher "Big Punisher" Rios. Pun, born Nov. 10, 1971, died on Feb. 7, 2000 of a fatal heart attack. He is survived Liza Rios, his two daughters and his son, who now raps under the moniker "Baby Pun." Pun's son is signed to Foundation Records, the label Big Pun founded before he died, that is now headed up by his widow, Liza Rios. Tomorrow, (Feb. 8), a who's who in Hip-Hop will honor Big Pun's legacy at a tribute event taking place at club Duvet in New York. Rappers like Baby Pun, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, Remy Ma, Joell Ortiz and Capicu will give performances, while Hip-Hop royalty like Kool G Rap, the Beatnutz, Busta Rhymes and others are slated to attend. Assistant PD & Music Director Ebro Darden has been promoted to the top spot as Program Director at New York's Hot 97. Darden, 32, replaces John Dimick, who was Program Director of Hot 97 since November 2004. Dimick accepted a position as VP of Programming & Operations for Lincoln Financial. Darden, who also serves as host of MTV2's "Sucker Free" countdown, joined Hot 97 as Music Director and Assistant Program Director in 2003, after previous radio experience in Sacramento and Portland. "Ebro's involvement has been fundamental to the success of HOT 97," Emmis- New York Market Manager Dan Halyburton said. "His product knowledge, commitment and passion for winning make him the perfect person to lead HOT 97." Darden will begin his new duties in early March. Nelly and Jermaine Dupri will host the "So SoDerrty Experience" during the NBA's All Star weekend. The pair will host a series of exclusive events along with celebrities like Bow Wow, Pharrell, TI, Carmelo Anthony, Floyd Mayweather, Akon, Lil Wayne, Chingy, & Cedric The Entertainer and others. The festivities take place at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino starting on Feb. 15 with a "Tip Off Concert" that will feature Bow Wow, Akon, Chingy, Lil Wayne Ali+Gipp, St. Lunatics and The Clipse. On Friday, Feb. 16, the pair will host the "Poker with the Stars Tournament," which will feature poker pros and amatuers competing for a cash prize. The party continues later in the evening, when Nelly, Jermaine Dupri* and Pharrell host the "Rat Pack Party." On Saturday, the "Big Ticket Party" takes place and will be hosted by Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, TI, Lil Wayne, Carmelo Anthony and Floyd Mayweather. On Sunday, Cedric The Entertainer will headline the SoSo Derrty Celebrity Comedy Brunch. For ticket prices log on to www.sosoderrty.com.