Aug 14, 2015

One of hip hop's most intelligent students of the game, The Notorious B.I.G., real name Christopher Wallace and often known as Biggie Smalls, was a gem in the vast library of rap music. Although his career was brief, and thus his discography somewhat limited, the rapper known as Big Poppa still holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, showcasing the true brilliance and lasting impact of the songs that he wrote.

Known for crafting meticulous, dense rhyme schemes that were years ahead of his time as well as carrying an impeccable storytelling ability like no other to ever pin it, Biggie consistently oozed bravado and eloquence in every syllable of every word that he delivered.

A classic rags to riches story, this neighborhood dealer on the street corner would blow up at a very young age to become a megastar. His lyrics contain memories from both sides of the spectrum, as he seamlessly blended gangster rap with R&B and pop music.

And if you didn't know? Now ya know, n-----.

Here is a taste-test for Big's music, but realize that it is just that, a taste. Biggie's catalog contains so many different styles and flares of brilliance and quality (in only two studio albums completed by Big himself), that creating a 'starter kit' is a rather petty task, as it would be impossible to showcase Biggie Smalls' extensive artistry in only a few tracks, and the listener is still truly robbed of experiencing one of the most satisfying discography's in rap music.

Here we go;

Juicy

This is Biggie's calling card, his true crossover into pop culture and story of his life all packed into one track. This needs to be heard. This track captures the hardships that Biggie went through to make it where he did, and also serves as a grand payoff for the kid who finally made it.
Notable lyric; "Birthdays was the worst days, now we drank champagne when we thirsty"

Gimme the Loot

Not two songs into Biggie's acclaimed debut album, Ready to Die, and we are already front row guests to the violent stories that Big would craft for our ears. This one in the form of a criminal duo who make their profit by committing robberies. Interesting note; Both of the very distinct criminals in this song are played by Biggie himself-- an impressive feat when taking into account that most casual listeners assume Biggie is aided by an unaccredited feature. An all time classic.
Notable lyric;
"From the Beretta, putting all the holes in ya sweater
The money-getter, motherfuckas don't know better
Rolex watches and colorful Swatches
I'm digging in pockets, motherfuckas can't stop it!"

Everyday Struggle

One of the first glimpses into Biggie's storied past as a drug kingpin, this track captures the dark side of Big's comeup to fame, detailing some harder times he experienced back when he had to do underhanded deeds to attain money. This song features some of the smoothest verses of Biggie's career.
Notable lyric;
"I don't wanna live no more,
Sometimes I hear death knockin' at my front door,
I'm livin' everyday like a hustle, another drug to juggle
Another day, another struggle"

Who Shot Ya?

The song that started it all. This one track was enough to seal the deal for rap peer Tupac Shakur, who, after being victim to a shooting in the same studio as Biggie Smalls, would fly into a rage that would ignite one of the greatest rivalries in history. If this song had not been made, one would be led to believe that hip hop history as we know it may have been heavily altered. Often cited as the smoking gun supporting Biggie's involvement in the shooting, that is for you to decide.
Notable lyric;
"Who shot ya? Separate the weak from the obsolete
Hard to creep them Brooklyn streets
It's on n-----: f--- all that bickering beef
I can hear sweat trickling down your cheek"

Unbelievable

The definition of eloquence, the way Biggie flows on this beat and mends words and rhymeschemes together flawlessly is a true testament to the name, unbelievable. One of the best lyrical showcases of his career, a single quote is simply not doing a song full of incredible lines and deliveries credit.
Notable lyric;
"Rappers can't sleep, need sleepin'
Big keep creepin', bullets heat seekin'
Casualties need treatin'
Dumb rappers need teachin'"

Suicidal Thoughts

A poignant ending to the legendary Ready to Die album, this song features Biggie calling up his friend Puff Daddy during the night to confess all of his darkest, most depressing thoughts. I'm not going to ruin the entirety of the song, because this harrowing tale is better experienced with no prior knowledge. It also happens to have some of the most recognizable opening bars in rap history. See below.
Notable lyric;
"When I die, f--- it, I wanna go to h---
'Cause I'm a piece of s---, it ain't hard to f---in' tell
It don't make sense, going to heaven with the goodie-goodies
Dressed in white, I like black Timbs and black hoodies"

At this point, several songs on Biggie's incredible follow-up album, Life After Death, could fall into place here and represent some of Biggie's vivid storytelling and grandiose rapping. The songs chosen are simply my preference.

Somebody's Gotta Die

Easily of the most atmospheric tracks in Biggie's discography, this haunting tale(filled with amazing background effects), details a vivid story of Biggie getting revenge for a fallen comrade. The ending makes sure this is not a track to be forgotten.
"Is he in critical?
Retaliation for this one won't be minimal
'Cuz I'm a criminal way before the rap s---
Bust the gat s---, Puff won't even know what happened
If it's done smoothly, silencers on the Uzi
Stash in the hooptie, my alibi, any cutie"

Notorious Thugs

You should've heard this song several times by now. Serving as a peak in 90s rap music as well as Biggie Small's career, this epic track and collaboration with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony showcases some of the sickest flows of all time.
Fun fact; Residing far out of Biggie's regular comfort zone and style, he took his time on this one. As Bone Thugs recorded their verses, Big was quietly composing his words (completely in his mind) for hours, and then finally delivered his legendary opening verse in one take.
Notable lyric;
"Armed and dangerous, ain't too many can b--- with us
Straight up weed, no angeldust, label us 'Notorious'"

Long Kiss Goodnight

This entire track can be considered an entire body of sublte (and not-so-suble) jabs at Biggie's deceased rival, Tupac. Considered Big's true response to Tupac's 'Hit Em Up', this showcases Biggie's approach to the beef. Some people say it was written after Tupac's death (that's cold, Biggie!). Regardless, Big got the last laugh, but both greats would fall to drive-by shootings.
Notable lyric; TONS of Tupac references.
"I want my spot back, take two
MFers mad 'cause I blew, n----s envious
Too many n----s on my d-ck, s--- strenuous
When my men bust, you just move with such stamina
Slugs missed ya, I ain't mad at cha (we ain't mad at cha)"

"I'm flamin' gats, aimin' at
These f---in', maniacs, put my name in raps
What part the game is that?"

You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)

Incredibly eerie is an understatement. This song serves as Biggie's true final sendoff, a track that features a tagline which speaks volumes for every rapper in the game. No matter how great you are, no matter how large your impact on the game, your memory won't truly live on forever until somebody kills you. Just ask Big.
"As I leave my competition, respirator style
Climb the ladder to success, escalator style
Hold ya'll breath, I told ya'll -- death
Control's y'all, Big don't fold y'all
I spit phrases that'll thrill you
You're nobody til somebody kills you"


RIP The Notorious B.I.G.

 

Aug 15, 2015

 

Aug 14, 2015

People who think Who Shot Ya is about Pac
I would've added The What, One More Chance, Big Poppa, Kick In The Door, and Dead Wrong for the Eminem Stans

Good list nonetheless OP

 

Aug 16, 2015

I've always considered Juicy to be one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.

For years it was a clear no.1 of Biggies for me, but Hypnotize is a contender.

 

Aug 14, 2015

Haha no doubt. It's an excellent track especially coming right off the intro.

"If I wasn't in the rap game, I'd probably have a key knee deep in the crack game. Because the streets is a short stop either you sligging crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot"

I'm not from the ghetto but helps paint a picture for this guy hahaha.

 

Aug 14, 2015

@Changeling Good list but Things Done Changed got to be on there!

"s--- my momma got cancer in her chest, don't ask me why I'm mother f---in' stressed. Things done changed"

 

Aug 14, 2015

I love the amount of effort put into this starter kit @Changeling, I'm already a huge fan of biggie but this a perfect example of how to properly introduce a potential new fan to an artist's work. Good job m8

 

Aug 14, 2015

GOAT post @Changeling

Do you think he would have had the longevity to put out more great albums had he not been shot? We've seen so many greats tail off after a few albums that I wonder if we'd still consider Biggie & Pac GOATs if they'd been around longer.

 

Aug 14, 2015

One of the 5 rappers I blindly stan, props on making this m8

Some other Biggie songs that I'll recommend:

The What (feat. Method Man)
Big Poppa
Machine Gun Funk
Kick In The Door
I Got A Story To Tell
Hypnotize
Sky's The Limit
And pretty much every guest feature he did in the 90s, he always put his stamp on every song.

 

Aug 14, 2015

So much effort @Changeling, you deserve a prize. Props