The March 50th Issue 2025 - Notorious B.I.G.

The Legacy of The Notorious B.I.G.: A Dive into His History and Albums

Not many artists have left a lasting impact on hip-hop like Christopher Wallace better known as The Notorious B.I.G., or Biggie Smalls. With a distinct flow, intricate storytelling, and an unparalleled ability to paint vivid pictures of street life, Biggie cemented his place as one of rap’s greatest figures. Despite his tragically short career, his two studio albums — 'Ready to Die' (1994) and 'Life After Death' (1997) —remain essential listening for hip-hop fans. Let’s explore his history and break down these iconic albums track by track.

Early Life: The Making of a Legend

Christopher George Latore Wallace was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in the rough streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant, he was the only child of Jamaican immigrant parents. His mother, Voletta Wallace, was a preschool teacher, while his father, George Latore, left the family when Christopher was just two years old.

Despite being an excellent student, Wallace was drawn to the street life. By his teenage years, he was selling drugs—a decision that would later influence much of his music. However, he also developed a passion for hip-hop, inspired by legends like Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, and Rakim. His deep, commanding voice and ability to craft intricate rhymes set him apart from his peers.

At the age of 17, he dropped out of high school and fully immersed himself in street hustling, but his rap talent remained undeniable. Under the name Biggie Smalls, he began making a name for himself in underground rap circles. His breakthrough came when a demo tape, 'Microphone Murderer,' which found its way to Sean "Puffy" Combs, who had just launched Bad Boy Records.

**Rise to Fame: 'Ready to Die' (1994)**

Recognizing Biggie’s potential, Puff Daddy signed him to Bad Boy Records in 1993. Soon after, he appeared on songs like "Party and Bullshit" (from the 'Who’s the Man?' soundtrack) and remixes for Mary J. Blige and Super Cat. His booming voice and effortless delivery caught the industry’s attention, setting the stage for his debut album.

On September 13, 1994, Biggie released his first studio album, 'Ready to Die'. The album painted a vivid picture of street life in Brooklyn, balancing raw storytelling with commercial appeal.

The album was both a commercial and critical success, going Platinum in just a few months. It solidified Biggie as the King of New York, restoring the East Coast’s dominance in hip-hop amid the rising popularity of West Coast rap, led by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur.

The East Coast vs. West Coast Rivalry

As Biggie’s fame skyrocketed, tensions between the East and West Coast rap scenes intensified. Though initially friends, Biggie and Tupac Shakur’s relationship soured after Tupac was shot in a robbery at Quad Studios in 1994. Tupac believed Bad Boy and Biggie had set him up, despite their repeated denials.

Tupac signed with Death Row Records, and the rivalry escalated through diss tracks like "Hit 'Em Up", where Tupac directly taunted Biggie and claimed to have had an affair with his wife, singer Faith Evans.

Biggie, known for his laid-back demeanor, rarely addressed the feud directly, though songs like "Who Shot Ya?" were perceived as subliminal disses toward Tupac.

Commercial Peak & Life After Death (1997)

In 1996, Biggie began working on his sophomore album, 'Life After Death'. During this time, he also nurtured Junior M.A.F.I.A., a rap collective featuring Lil' Kim, Lil' Cease, and others. Their album 'Conspiracy' produced hits like "Player’s Anthem" and "Get Money", further cementing Biggie’s influence.

Despite his success, Biggie’s life was turbulent. He faced legal issues, including arrests for weapons and drug possession, and the tension with Tupac continued to loom over his career.

Tragically, on September 13, 1996, Tupac was shot in Las Vegas and later died from his wounds. The event shook the hip-hop world and intensified fears of retaliation.

Murder and Legacy

On March 9, 1997, just weeks before 'Life After Death' was set to release, Biggie was shot and killed in Los Angeles after leaving a Soul Train Awards after-party. He was 24 years old.

His murder remains unsolved, but many believe it was a direct result of the East Coast-West Coast feud.

Posthumous Success & Influence

'Life After Death' was released on March 25, 1997, debuting #1 on the Billboard 200. The double album featured a mix of hardcore street anthems and radio-friendly hits.

Biggie’s legacy continued with posthumous releases like 'Born Again' (1999) and 'Duets: The Final Chapter' (2005). His widow, Faith Evans, later released 'The King & I '(2017), a collaborative album featuring unreleased Biggie verses.

Despite his short career, The Notorious B.I.G. left an indelible mark on hip-hop. His blend of storytelling, humor, vulnerability, and bravado set a blueprint for future rappers.

His contributions to hip-hop are recognized through:

Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2020)
Streets in Brooklyn being renamed in his honor (Christopher Wallace Way)
References in countless songs, interviews, and documentaries

His life was immortalized in the 2009 biopic Notorious and numerous documentaries, ensuring that new generations continue to discover his music.

Biggie’s ability to paint vivid pictures with his words and adapt to different styles remains unparalleled. Whether through gritty street tales, reflective storytelling, or smooth club anthems, he mastered every aspect of hip-hop.

More than two decades after his death, The Notorious B.I.G. is still regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His voice, lyrics, and larger-than-life persona continue to shape hip-hop culture, proving that "legends never die."

'Ready to Die' (1994): Track-by-Track Review

Biggie’s debut album is a deeply personal and cinematic journey, balancing gritty street tales with introspective reflections on life and death.

1. Intro

A short but powerful introduction that narrates Biggie’s birth and his life of crime before breaking into music, setting the stage for the album’s themes.

2. Things Done Changed

A haunting reflection on how Brooklyn’s streets have become more violent and unforgiving, showcasing Biggie’s storytelling prowess. The production features a slow, melancholic beat that underscores the harsh reality Biggie describes.

3. Gimme the Loot

A high-energy, crime-laden track where Biggie plays two different characters, demonstrating his ability to shift personas seamlessly. The aggressive delivery and boom-bap production create a cinematic feel akin to a gangster movie.

4. Machine Gun Funk

Biggie’s declaration of confidence and dominance, blending an infectious groove with hardcore lyrics. The funk-infused production gives it a raw but danceable quality.

5. Warning

A cinematic storytelling masterpiece where Biggie details a threat on his life, delivering paranoia and wit in equal measure. The eerie piano-driven beat enhances the suspense of the narrative.

6. Ready to Die

The title track finds Biggie at his most introspective, confronting his own mortality and the reality of street life. The dark production complements his existential musings.

7. One More Chance (Original)

Not to be confused with the remix, this version is a hard-hitting, braggadocious track showing Biggie’s charm and lyricism over a smooth yet head-nodding beat.

8. #!@ Me (Interlude)

A short comedic interlude that showcases Biggie’s sense of humor.

9. The What (feat. Method Man)

A legendary collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man, displaying lyrical dexterity and rugged energy over a stripped-down, menacing beat.

10. Juicy

Arguably his most famous song, “Juicy” is a rags-to-riches anthem that celebrates his success while paying homage to his struggles. The use of Mtume’s "Juicy Fruit" sample creates a nostalgic yet triumphant mood.

11. Everyday Struggle

A dark and deeply personal track about Biggie’s internal battles and the cost of street life. The beat’s haunting synths match the song’s heavy subject matter.

12. Me & My B********

A vivid love story with a tragic ending, blending romance and raw emotion. The soulful production contrasts with the rawness of the lyrics.

13. Big Poppa

A smooth, laid-back club anthem that showcases Biggie’s charisma and ability to craft radio-friendly hits. The sample from The Isley Brothers' "Between the Sheets" gives it a luxurious feel.

14. Respect

An autobiographical track detailing Biggie’s rise, set against a reggae-inspired beat that pays homage to his Jamaican roots.

15. Friend of Mine

A playful yet aggressive track about betrayal and the pitfalls of relationships in the rap game. The upbeat production contrasts with the bitter lyrics.

16. Unbelievable

Produced by DJ Premier, this track highlights Biggie’s lyrical prowess with complex rhyme schemes and punchlines over a hard-hitting beat.

17. Suicidal Thoughts

The album ends with a chilling exploration of depression and self-destruction, showcasing Biggie’s willingness to tackle deeply personal issues. The stark production makes it one of the most haunting closers in hip-hop history.

'Life After Death': Track-by-Track Review

Released just weeks after The Notorious B.I.G.'s tragic death in March 1997, 'Life After Death' is an expansive, ambitious double album that cemented his legacy as one of hip-hop’s greatest storytellers. With cinematic production, sharp lyricism, and a mix of street anthems and radio-friendly hits, this album showcased Biggie's versatility. Let’s dive deep into each track.

Disc One

1. Life After Death (Intro)

This spoken-word intro sets the tone for the album. It features a dramatized hospital scene where Biggie metaphorically "dies" and is resurrected, symbolizing his rise in the rap game and foreshadowing the album’s themes of wealth, danger, and legacy. The eerie atmosphere and sound effects create a cinematic opening.

2. Somebody’s Gotta Die

One of Biggie’s most vivid storytelling tracks, this song narrates a tale of revenge over a slow, menacing beat produced by Nashiem Myrick and Puff Daddy. The tension builds as Biggie details his methodical plan, showing his mastery of crime narratives akin to a gangster film.

3. Hypnotize

Produced by Diddy and Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, this club banger became one of Biggie’s biggest hits. The track samples Herb Alpert’s Rise and features a hypnotic bassline with smooth flows. Its influence on mainstream hip-hop is massive, as it helped blend hardcore rap with commercial success.

4. Kick in the Door

A DJ Premier-produced track that features one of Biggie’s hardest diss records. Aimed at Nas, Raekwon, Jeru the Damaja, and others, Biggie reasserts his dominance in the rap game. Premier’s signature boom-bap production with sharp snares and a haunting sample from Screamin' Jay Hawkins gives this track an ominous feel.

**5. #!*@ You Tonight (feat. R. Kelly)**

A smooth, R&B-infused track that showcases Biggie’s ability to blend hardcore rap with commercial appeal. The song helped popularize the rap-meets-R&B formula that became a staple in the late '90s and early 2000s.

6. Last Day (feat. The LOX)

Produced by Havoc of Mobb Deep, this track features hard-hitting verses from The LOX and Biggie over a dark, minimalist beat. The gritty, streetwise lyricism makes it a standout.

7. I Love the Dough (feat. Jay-Z & Angela Winbush)

A luxurious track sampling René & Angela’s I Love You More, this song finds Biggie and Jay-Z trading bars about wealth, success, and the spoils of fame. Their chemistry on this track foreshadowed Jay-Z’s rise to dominance in hip-hop.

8. What’s Beef

An introspective track examining rap rivalries, street violence, and betrayal. Produced by Diddy, the song’s slow, creeping instrumental gives it a chilling effect. Biggie’s perspective on conflict in hip-hop was prophetic, given the East Coast-West Coast feud of the time.

9. Mo Money Mo Problems (feat. Puff Daddy & Mase)

Arguably one of the most influential crossover hits in rap history, this track samples Diana Ross’s I’m Coming Out and delivers an anthem about the burdens of wealth. Its commercial success solidified Bad Boy Records’ reign in the late '90s.

10. Niggas Bleed

A cinematic crime story about a high-stakes drug deal gone wrong. Biggie’s detailed narrative, combined with the haunting production, makes it one of his most gripping storytelling tracks.

11. I Got a Story to Tell

Biggie tells a humorous yet suspenseful story about a robbery involving an NBA player’s girlfriend. The jazzy beat adds to the laid-back storytelling approach. The track’s influence is evident in modern rappers like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, who have adopted this detailed storytelling style.

Disc Two

1. Notorious Thugs (feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)

One of Biggie’s most iconic collaborations, this track sees him matching Bone Thugs’ rapid-fire flow over a dark, atmospheric beat by Stevie J. This song showcased Biggie’s adaptability and set a precedent for blending different rap styles.

2. Miss U

A reflective, emotional song that sees Biggie paying tribute to fallen friends. The melancholic production adds to the song’s sincerity, making it one of his more heartfelt tracks.

3. Another (feat. Lil' Kim)

A playful back-and-forth between Biggie and Lil’ Kim over a funky beat, showing their chemistry and the influence of call-and-response duets in hip-hop.

4. Going Back to Cali

A West Coast-inspired banger that sees Biggie embracing California while still repping Brooklyn. DJ Pooh’s production features classic funk elements, bridging East and West Coast sounds.

5. Ten Crack Commandments

One of the greatest rap instructionals ever, Biggie lays out the "rules" of the drug game over a stripped-down DJ Premier beat. This track has been referenced by countless artists, solidifying its cultural impact.

6. Playa Hater

A humorous, lounge-music-styled track where Biggie playfully sings rather than raps, showcasing his ability to experiment with different sounds.

7. Nasty Boy

A sexually explicit, party-friendly track that highlights Biggie’s charisma. The funky beat and lighthearted lyrics contrast the heavier themes on the album.

8. Sky’s the Limit (feat. 112)

An uplifting, autobiographical track reflecting on Biggie’s journey from struggle to success. The song’s hopeful message and smooth production made it a fan favorite.

9. The World Is Filled… (feat. Too Short & Puff Daddy)

A laid-back track with a West Coast influence, featuring Too Short’s signature pimp talk. The beat’s groove gives it a timeless feel.

10. My Downfall (feat. DMC)

A dark, brooding track about paranoia and the pressures of fame. The inclusion of Run-D.M.C.'s DMC adds a layer of old-school hip-hop respect.

11. Long Kiss Goodnight

A venomous track allegedly aimed at Tupac, featuring cryptic lines that fans have dissected for years. The haunting beat and aggressive delivery make it one of the most intense songs on the album.

12. You’re Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)

A chilling closing track that encapsulates the dangers of fame and street life. The eerie instrumental, combined with Biggie’s haunting lyrics, made this song eerily prophetic given his murder just before the album’s release.

Conclusion: Biggie’s Everlasting Impact

'Life After Death' is more than just an album — it’s a landmark in hip-hop history, the album was a commercial juggernaut, going Diamond (10+ million copies sold) — a rare achievement in hip-hop. From its diverse production styles to its lyrical mastery, the project has influenced generations of artists, from Jay-Z and 50 Cent to Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.

The album balances street narratives, introspection, mainstream appeal, and raw lyricism, making it one of the most versatile and influential hip-hop records of all time. The tragic reality of Biggie’s murder only amplifies the weight of these songs, turning 'Life After Death' into both a masterpiece and a cautionary tale about the perils of fame and success.

Biggie’s legacy continues to shape hip-hop, proving that even in death, legends never fade.

Runout Record Club