He might be simply the best pure lyricist of all time. Indeed, the Brooklyn, New York-born rapper known as The Notorious B.I.G. would surprise listeners with his unique lyrics and rhyme combinations, bolstered by his buoyant voice. But sadly his illustrious career was cut short by the bloody war between East Coast and West Coast rappers in the 1990s.
Though he only lived to be 24 years old, Biggie, as he was also known, is responsible for some of the best songs ever, not only from the 1990s but in the history of the hip-hop genre. Here below, we wanted to explore a trio of tracks from the New York City rhymer. Yes, these are three eternal rap songs from Notorious B.I.G. that have stood the test of time.
[RELATED: 3 Movies Every Notorious B.I.G. Fan Should See]
“Big Poppa” from
(1994)
This song, which hit No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, might get as much airplay today as it did upon its release in 1994. It’s one of those songs that many can recite word-for-word as soon as it comes on. Though it showcases Biggie’s elaborate loquaciousness, it also seems somehow emblazoned on the psyche of anyone who hears it one time. It’s numinous despite being so intricate and verbose. The song from the rapper’s debut studio LP describes Biggie’s lifestyle, from romance to extravagant luxuries. On the track, he raps smoothly,
Straight up honey really I’m askin’
Most of these fellas think they be mackin’ but they be actin’
Who they attractin’ with that line, “What’s your name, what’s your sign?”
Soon as he buy that wine I just creep up from behind
And ask what your interests are, “Who you be with?”
Things to make you smile, what numbers to dial
You gon’ be here for a while, I’m gon’ go call my crew
You go call your crew, we can rendezvous at the bar around two
“Juicy” from
(1994)
Another from Biggie’s debut LP, this track also features an iconic opening. That was the thing about Biggie’s verses, they were like a cornucopia, but one that also seemed so familiar. The same way some painters are able to present vivid, imaginative pictures that also somehow seem as if they were always there, Biggie was an artist of elaborate talent. This song highlights Biggie’s newfound riches and lifestyle but also his roots and how he became the man he did. On it, he offers,
It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up! magazine
Salt-n-Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine
Hangin’ pictures on my wall
Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl
I let my tape rock ’til my tape popped
Smokin’ w–d in Bambu, sippin’ on Private Stock
Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack
With the hat to match
Remember Rappin’ Duke? Duh-ha, duh-ha
You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far
Now I’m in the limelight ’cause I rhyme tight
“Mo Money Mo Problems” from Life After Death (1997)
Biggie was known for bringing certain language into the zeitgeist and this line, Mo’ money mo’ problems, was perhaps at the top of that list. The idea points to the fact that riches do not make life easier. In fact, they can often make someone’s life harder and more complicated. The song, which was released on a double-album 16 days after the rapper was murdered, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That marked Biggie’s second posthumous No. 1 hit, along with “Hypnotize,” making him the only artist to ever achieve such a feat. On the song, which also features Diddy and Mase, he raps,
B-I-G P-O-P-P-A
No info for the DEA
Federal agents mad ’cause I’m flagrant
Tap my cell and the phone in the basement
My team supreme, stay clean
Triple beam lyrical dream, I be that
Cat you see at all events bent
Gats in holsters, girls on shoulders
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Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage
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