The world of hip-hop was forever changed by the iconic figure of Christopher Wallace, more famously known as The Notorious B.I.G or Biggie Smalls. His profound impact on the genre, and his untimely death, left a void that countless artists have strived to fill. This article examines artists who, while distinct in their own right, bear a resemblance to Biggie Smalls in their style, flow, or thematic content.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z, a fellow Brooklyn native, is arguably one of the most successful artists to follow in Biggie’s footsteps. He carries the torch of Biggie’s legacy, with a similar East Coast sound and dense lyricism. Jay-Z’s storytelling prowess, coupled with his nuanced observations of street life, mirrors Biggie’s ability to depict life’s grit and glory with a poetic touch.
A member of the influential group The Lox, Jadakiss has consistently showcased a street-hardened lyricism reminiscent of Biggie Smalls. His intricate rhymes and vivid portrayals of urban realities reflect the kind of storytelling depth that Biggie mastered. Jadakiss’ gruff delivery and gritty narrative style have often drawn comparisons to Biggie’s own style.
With his deep, booming voice and larger-than-life persona, Rick Ross bears an uncanny sonic resemblance to Biggie. Ross’s music, often characterized by tales of opulence and street life, echoes the thematic duality present in Biggie’s work. Ross’ confident flow and knack for crafting memorable hooks make him a significant figure in the lineage of Biggie-inspired artists.
West Coast rapper The Game has always worn his influences on his sleeve. His tributes to Biggie Smalls extend throughout his catalog. However, Big’s influence on the game has been demonstrated over the years. The Game’s narrative style and bravado bear a striking resemblance to the late rapper. The Game’s ability to switch between aggressive and introspective tones echoes the emotional range that Biggie brought to his music.
Big Pun showcased a lyrical prowess and rapid-fire delivery that drew inevitable comparisons to Biggie. While Pun’s career was also tragically short, his contribution to the genre remains significant. His ability to weave complex rhymes while maintaining an engaging narrative mirrors Biggie’s skills as a masterful storyteller.
In conclusion, while each of these artists has their unique stylistic elements and thematic focuses, the influence of Biggie Smalls is undeniable. They’ve each taken elements of Biggie’s style – whether it’s his storytelling depth, his unflinching portrayal of street life, or his distinctive flow – and incorporated them into their own music. In doing so, they’ve helped to keep Biggie’s legacy alive, ensuring that his impact on the genre continues to be felt.
It’s important to note that while these artists may sound like Biggie, they are not mere imitations. Each artist has put their unique spin on the foundational elements of Biggie’s style. Through their career, they created a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. This demonstrates the enduring influence of Biggie Smalls, proving that his music continues to inspire and shape the landscape of hip-hop.
The 1990s were a golden age for hip hop. The decade witnessed the rise of countless talented artists, innovative tracks, and albums that would go on to reshape the genre. One album, in particular, stood out among the crowd, not just for its groundbreaking tracks but for its astounding commercial success.
The Hip Hop ’90s Bestselling Album: Life After Death
The highest-selling hip hop album of the ’90s was Life After Death by The Notorious B.I.G (as confirmed by XXL Mag). It sold more than 10 million copies, making it one of the most successful albums in the history of hip-hop music.
Why Life After Death?
The success of Life After Death was no accident. The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was an artist of extraordinary talent. His ability to weave intricate narratives with raw emotion and clever wordplay set him apart from his contemporaries. The album itself was a double-disc effort, released posthumously, and featured tracks showcasing Biggie’s skills in full force.
Cultural Impact Of Life After Death
The cultural impact of Life After Death was vast. It affirmed the significance of East Coast hip hop at a time when the West Coast was dominant. This also highlighted the ability of hip hop to address hard-hitting social issues. It proved that the genre could achieve substantial commercial success without compromising its core tenets.
The Legacy Of Life After Death
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 1994: Rapper The Notorious BIG attends an event in November 1994 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Even decades after its release, Life After Death continues to be celebrated as a pivotal moment in hip hop history. The Notorious B.I.G.’s second album masterfully blends dark tales and swagger. Each song tells a story, painting vibrant images of street life. “Hypnotize” impresses with its catchy rhythm, while “Mo Money Mo Problems” explores fame’s pitfalls. The gritty “Somebody’s Gotta Die” offers a stark contrast. Vivid, raw, and unfiltered, this album captures Biggie’s unique voice, cementing his hip-hop legacy. It is a must-listen for any fan of rap music.
Conclusion: The Power Of ’90s Hip Hop
Portrait of, from left, American rappers Notorious BIG (also known as Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, 1972 – 1997), Nate Dogg (born Nathaniel Hale, 1969 – 2011), Snoop Dogg (born Calvin Broadus Jr), and Sean Combs (also known as Puff Daddy and P Diddy) attend the premiere party for ‘Murder Was the Case’ (directed by Dr Dre and Fab Five Freddy), New York, New York, circa 1995. The film was produced by and starred Snoop Dogg. (Photo by Nitro/Getty Images)
The ’90s were indeed a powerful decade for hip hop. The success of Life After Death is a potent symbol of that period. It’s a testament to the genre’s potential, its ability to captivate millions of listeners worldwide, and the enduring legacy of one of its most iconic artists. As we look back on the history of hip hop, the ’90s, and the phenomenal success of Life After Death, it reminds us how far the genre has come and the possibilities that still lie ahead.
Nearly three decades after their death, there are still very few rappers as revered and celebrated as Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. Moreover, a lot has been speculated over what they would be up to today had they not lost their lives. During a recent appearance on the Jay Hill Podcast, DJ Drama added his hat into the ring of that conversation. Furthermore, the Gangsta Grillz legend believes that they would be at the same level of today’s most successful and entrepreneurial rap titans. He brought up Dr. Dre, Diddy, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z as names that the two deceased MCs would rank among.
“When you go back and you listen to Big’s albums or Big’s lyrics, he’s still 20-plus years of saying s**t that’s still impeccable bar-wise,” DJ Drama shared. “‘Pac, the same thing. They both died when they was like 25. Let’s think about where all those that were around them are now. If we think about Dr. Dre, we think about Snoop, we think about Hov, we think about Puff. These are all people that are some of the biggest, most successful and richest people in our culture today.
DJ Drama’s Comments On Biggie & Tupac On The Jay Hill Podcast
“Big and ‘Pac would’ve been right there, if not bigger,” DJ Drama continued. “Let’s really think about it. Look where Snoop and Dre are, look where [Puff] and Hov are. Why would we not think by any means that Big and ‘Pac would not be right up there, billionaires within the culture? They was on their way. Big and ‘Pac wouldn’t have fell off, by no means. They would’ve been up there with the n***as I just named doing amazing things in music and outside of music for sure.”
Of course, Biggie and Tupac’s legacies are so legendary and widespread that they manifest in many ways, whether respectful, culturally impactful, lucrative, or unconventional. On that last category, artificial intelligence renditions featuring Biggie’s voice have been quite controversial lately, for example. While Timbaland made his dream collab as a result, many wonder whether this is the right way to preserve fallen artists’ memories. Regardless, there’s no doubt that no amount of money could ever quantify their impact. For more news and the latest updates on your favorite rap artists of the old and new guards, stick around on HNHH.
It’s been over 26 years since The Notorious B.I.G. – born Christopher Wallace – tragically lost his life in a 1997 Los Angeles shooting. He left behind two children and countless fans who all do their part to ensure his legacy still lives on today. While not everyone remembers the lyricist fondly, his songs have been known to transcend generations, some of them even going viral on platforms like TikTok. One such title is obviously “Get Money” with Junior M.A.F.I.A., which we’re streaming in celebration of what would’ve been Biggie Smalls’ 51st birthday today (May 21).
The catchy track chiefly finds the Brooklyn native popping off on the first verse, reflecting on a romance gone awry after his girl flipped on him. “Guess you could say you’s the one I trusted / Who would ever think that you would spread like mustard?” he cleverly rhymes. “Shit got hot: you sent Feds to my spot / Took me to court, tried to take all I got.”
It’s obviously been decades since fans have heard new music from Biggie himself, though the powers of AI have brought his voice and image back to life in various capacities. Not only did a hologram of the late legend in his home state leave the internet divided in summer 2022, but we also heard a computer-generated version of his voice covering Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind” last month, which also left many social media users feeling some type of way about the ever-advancing features of modern technology.
Revisit “Get Money” featuring Junior M.A.F.I.A. on YouTube above, or add the song to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Which of The Notorious B.I.G.’s throwback hits is your favourite? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Disrespect my clique, my shit’s imperial F*ck around and made her milk box material You feel me? Suckin’ d*ck, runnin’ your lips ‘Cause of you, I’m on some real “f*ck-a-bitch” shit, uh
Decades after their unfortunate and deadly feud, more people than ever ant to know what went down between Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur. Moreover, tales emerged from all over: family members, close friends, industry connections… you name it. However, this most recent bit of alleged information may surprise some out there, though it may just be a clout chase. Moreover, DJ Vlad recently sat down with Lance “Un” Rivera, who doubled down on an earlier claim from 2017 that Biggie cried when he heard the legendary “Hit ‘Em Up” diss.
“When Tupac finally did get out of jail and whatever happened with Suge and Interscope- he came home, and at that moment in time, Big was the biggest rapper on the planet,” Un stated. “He was huge. I’m talking about he was on fire. He had sold two million albums probably at that time. The Mafia was pushing a million.” Un worked closely with Biggie Smalls, financing his music career early on and becoming an executive for Undeas Recordings. That was the partnership between The Notorious B.I.G. and Atlantic Records that housed Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Lance “Un” Rivera Claims Biggie Smalls Took “Hit ‘Em Up” Pretty Hard
“So we had this hit record called ‘Get Money’ and we had a remix to it and all of a sudden, Pac comes home and we’re at a video shoot and somebody plays ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ for us and we all looked at each other like, ‘What the f**k just happened?’” he continued. “Because like I said, that record was hot. It was big. ‘Cause me personally like I said, I’m ready to go to war. I wanted to shoot a video the next day, make a song the next day and make one of those videos targeting Suge and Death Row. And Big was like, ‘Nah we’re not gonna do anything. We’re not gonna even respond.’” Then, DJ Vlad referenced the earlier interview where he made the claim about Biggie Smalls crying when he heard the diss. Un stood by his statement.
“I was in the room when he heard Faith and 2Pac,” he said of his reaction back in 2017. “He cried like a baby!” In his talk with Vlad six years later, Un gave his theory as to why Tupac dropped the diss. “The real reason was the fact that Biggie was huge. He was huge and he needed… Like I said, Nas, Biggie, and Pac- those were the top. Pac went to jail, he did whatever he did so now Biggie has staked claim to the King of Hip Hop. ‘I’m the target now, I’m the king.’ So now everybody else is like, ‘Okay, I got to get back.’” Drop what you thought of this claim in the comments and return to HNHH for more on Biggie Smalls.
Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop. Despite his untimely death in 1997, Biggie’s music continues to generate revenue through royalties, merchandise, and posthumous releases. Let’s explore the factors that contributed to Biggie Smalls’ net worth and his enduring legacy.
Biggie Smalls Net Worth
As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
(Photo by Nitro/Getty Images)
Born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie Smalls showed an early interest in music. He dropped out of high school as he delved into the streets. In 1993, he caught the attention of Sean Combs, who signed him to his newly founded label, Bad Boy Records.
Biggie’s Debut Album: Ready to Die
(Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
In 1994, Biggie released his debut album, Ready to Die, which went on to achieve critical and commercial success. With hit singles like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa,” the album eventually went quadruple platinum, selling over 4 million copies. Considered one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time, Ready To Die played a significant role in building Biggie Smalls’ net worth.
The Infamous East Coast-West Coast Rivalry
(Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Biggie’s meteoric rise to fame coincided with the growing East Coast-West Coast rivalry in the rap industry. He found himself at the center of the feud, with West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur accusing him of involvement in a 1994 robbery and shooting. The tension between the two artists and their respective record labels fueled sales and interest in their music.
Biggie’s Posthumous Success
(Photo by Des Willie/Redferns/Getty Images)
Tragically, Biggie was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. His death shocked the music world, and his influence on the genre continues to be felt to this day. Two weeks after his passing, Bad Boy released Biggie’s double-disc album, Life After Death. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified diamond, with over 10 million copies sold. The album features iconic tracks like “Mo Money Mo Problems” and “Hypnotize.”
Continued Earnings And Estate Management
(Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty Images)
Since Biggie’s death, his mother, Voletta Wallace, and former wife, Faith Evans, have managed his estate. They have been responsible for ensuring that his music continues to generate income through various channels, including royalties, licensing deals, and merchandise sales. In addition, the estate has authorized several posthumous releases, such as the 1999 album Born Again and the 2005 duets album The Notorious B.I.G.: Duets – The Final Chapter.
Biggie’s Enduring Legacy
Biggie Smalls’ net worth in 2023 is a testament to his lasting impact on the rap industry and popular culture. His music and persona have influenced countless artists who came after him, and his albums remain popular with fans old and new. As the legend of Biggie Smalls lives on, so does the fortune he amassed during his brief but groundbreaking career.
Throughout the history of hip hop, many rappers have tried their hand at making a double album. Many contain filler tracks throughout their lengthy runtimes, making for an exhausting listen. While a long tracklist can diminish an album’s replay value, a handful of classic double albums have been released. Making a double album is an accomplishment in itself, but making a classic double album is a testament to the quality of the music.
We’ve previously compiled lists of double albums to revisit and some guidelines for what makes a great double album. This is a list of some essential hip hop double albums in chronological order. Only double-disc albums were considered, and the list does not include those released in separate parts. Albums split into different acts are also not technically double albums, so they weren’t reviewed here. Did your picks make the cut?
The last album that 2Pac released during his lifetime contained most of his iconic songs. All Eyez on Me includes some of 2Pac’s biggest anthems like “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” and “California Love (Remix).” It is arguably 2Pac’s best-produced album, with instrumentals from Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, and many others, including 2Pac himself. All Eyez on Me marked a significant change in 2Pac’s sound, including elements of funk and fully embracing West Coast gangsta rap. It was the first hip hop double album to be released by a solo artist, and its impact is still celebrated today. Essential Tracks: “Ambitionz Az A Ridah,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” “Heartz of Men,” “California Love (Remix),” “All Eyez on Me”
The Notorious B.I.G. – Life After Death (1997)
Life After Death was completed during Biggie’s lifetime but was released just sixteen days after his death. The album was highly anticipated following Ready To Die, the iconic debut that made Biggie a superstar. Unfortunately, he passed away before seeing the significant impact of his second album. Life After Death is aptly titled as the album is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums. It contains iconic songs like “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.” The album carries on Biggie’s legacy and is undoubtedly one of the most essential hip hop double albums. Essential Tracks: “Hypnotize,” “Kick in the Door,” “Ten Crack Commandments,” “Sky’s The Limit,” “You’re Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)”
Wu-Tang Clan – Wu-Tang Forever (1997)
After the first string of classic solo albums, Wu-Tang Clan regrouped for their sophomore effort and established a fresh sound. On Wu-Tang Forever, the group expanded on their signature RZA-produced sound. The music is more polished, containing live instrumentation, allowing every member to spit lethal verses. Wu-Tang Forever is an essential hip hop double album because there is minimal filler despite its two-hour runtime. Every song is well-produced, and every member impresses. The album also includes “Triumph,” arguably the greatest posse cut in hip hop. Essential Tracks: “Reunited,” “Severe Punishment,” “Triumph,” “Impossible,” “Heartz”
JAY-Z – The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002)
JAY-Z’s seventh studio album received very mixed reviews at the time of its release. The reception was due to its 25-song tracklist and the fact that it was the sequel to the acclaimed The Blueprint. The Blueprint 2 was seen as a flop by JAY-Z standards, but one of Hov’s worst albums is better than most rappers’ best albums. He tried new sounds, making dancehall with Sean Paul and rap-rock with Lenny Kravitz. He also made rap-heavy songs for his diehard fans with tracks like “Hovi Baby” and “I Did It My Way.” There is even the pop crossover hit, “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde,” with Beyoncé. There is something for everyone in The Blueprint 2. It may be long but it is still a quality double album. Essential Tracks: “A Dream,” “Hovi Baby,” “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde,” “Poppin’ Tags,” “U Don’t Know (Remix).”
The Diplomats – Diplomatic Immunity (2003)
In the early 2000s, The Diplomats quickly established themselves as cultural icons who went on to run East Coast hip hop for a short period. Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, and Freekey Zeekey moved hip hop culture in the 2000s, and Diplomatic Immunity perfectly encapsulates that time. Primarily produced by The Heatmakerz, their debut album was a double disc that contained plenty of street classics. The album consists of the group’s best material and represents when The Diplomats were at top of their game. Essential Tracks: “Ground Zero,” “Dipset Anthem,” “I Really Mean It,” “My Love,” “I’m Ready”
Outkast – Speakerboxxx / The Love Below (2003)
Outkast’s fifth studio album is an anomaly, consisting of two distinct discs. The first is spearheaded by Big Boi and the other by André 3000. Big Boi’s Speakerboxxx leaned into the classic southern sound of Outkast, while André’s The Love Below is an eclectic mix of pop, funk, and soul. The double album includes timeless hits such as “Hey Ya,” “Roses,” and “The Way You Move.” Speakerboxxx / The Love Below is one of the two hip hop albums ever to win Album of the Year at the Grammys and is an all-time classic double album. Essential Tracks: “Bowtie,” “Happy Valentine’s Day,” “Prototype,” “Hey Ya!,” “Roses”
Nas – Street’s Disciple (2004)
Street’s Disciple is one of Nas’s most ambitious albums, a double-disc effort that followed his highly acclaimed God’s Son. Street’s Disciple consisted of more socially conscious and politically active topics that would pave the way for future Nas albums like Untitled. He raps over traditional hip hop breakbeats and incorporates live instrumentation on songs like “Sekou Story” and “Virgo.” Album highlights like “Thief’s Theme” and “Bridging the Gap” use famous samples that do the originals justice. It may not be one of his most critically praised albums in his discography, but Street’s Disciple has stood the test of time. It is an essential hip hop double album. Essential Tracks: “Sekou Story,” “Just A Moment,” “Remember the Times,” “Bridging The Gap,” “Thief’s Theme”
Blu – Good to Be Home (2014)
Blu had a very unorthodox career, succeeding alongside Exile with 2007’s Below The Heavens. While Below The Heavens is his definitive classic, 2014’s Good to Be Home is one of his best albums. The 20-track double album is entirely produced by Bombay and is an alternative take on traditional West Coast hip hop, utilizing lo-fi production. The album also boasts an impressive guest list of legends in the West Coast underground. Good to Be Home stands out amongst Blu’s extensive catalog as a monumental double album in underground hip hop. Essential Tracks: “The Return,” “Boyz N the Hood,” “The LA,” “Red & Gold,” “Bobby Brown”
Vince Staples – Summertime ’06 (2015)
Now considered a classic by many, Vince Staples’s major label debut is a double album that never compromises itself. Vince established his sound in Summertime ‘06. The album combined traditional West Coast rap elements with dark and experimental production. Summertime ’06 contains some of Vince Staples’s biggest hits, including “Norf Norf” and “Señorita.” It established Vince Staples as one of the most promising voices in hip hop, leading to his future mainstream success. Summertime ‘06 also helped Vince Staples create his own lane separate from the Odd Future affiliation he started with. Not only was it a double album, but it was his debut on a major label that consisted of a unique sound and story. Essential Tracks: “Norf Norf,” “Birds & Bees,” “Lemme Know,” “Jump off the Roof,” “Señorita”
Big K.R.I.T. – 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time (2017)
After leaving Def Jam, Big K.R.I.T. went fully independent and released what many view as his magnum opus. 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time is arguably one of the only hip hop double albums where its length is justified. Disc One is the “Big K.R.I.T.” side, drawing inspiration from classic southern hip hop artists featured on the album. The songs are more upbeat and consist of K.R.I.T.’s signature sound. Disc Two is the “Justin Scott” side that consists of very personal and introspective songs, including soul, jazz, and gospel elements. Both discs reveal two sides of Big K.R.I.T: the persona and the person, and those identities are soundtracked by two distinct sounds. Essential Tracks: “Confetti,” “Big Bank,” “Keep the devil Off,” “The Light,“ “Bury Me In Gold”
Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022)
Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated follow-up to DAMN. was a deeply personal look into his thoughts and perspectives. The album stands out in his discography not only because it is a double album but because it discusses Kendrick’s struggles with trauma, grief, fame, relationships, and other transparency themes. Departing from the sounds of previous albums, it is another substantial album that gives fans a glimpse into Kendrick’s psyche. The album is split into two halves that go hand-in-hand with one another, making it one of the latest essential hip hop double albums. Essential Tracks: “United In Grief,” “Father Time,” “Purple Hearts,” “Count Me Out,” “Savior”
Bad Boy Records was unstoppable in the 1990s, and thought tragedy struck them, their impact and artistry persevered throughout generations. Moreover, Biggie and Diddy’s sons recently reflected on what their fathers’ legacies mean to them. Furthermore, the reflections relate to the Paramount+ series titled “Family Legacy,” in which children of the world’s most revered artists give insight to their stories. During a conversation with Entertainment Tonight‘s Kevin Frazer, Quincy Brown, Justin Combs, Christian “King” Combs, and Christopher “CJ” Wallace’s statements formed part of a segment highlighting the show.
“Being able to look back on those things, it feels good to be a part of history, and just be a part of something that was so special,” Justin remarked. “I’m just so grateful that I was a part of that and was there to witness these things.” In addition, Quincy expressed that “[Diddy] knew what he was doing having us in the office [and letting us see] the good, the bad, the ugly, between all the businesses.”
“Family Legacy” To Feature Biggie & Diddy’s Sons
“I remember I used to just be getting babysit in the office, like, all day, and [would hear] Pops on the phone, yelling and just handling business,” King stated. “Like, it was serious. It made me learn growing up that he’s really building an empire and a whole legacy for us, and that it’s not a game, he’s really working. And then when I go outside and see all the fans and all the love he gets, I see how it pays off.” Meanwhile, even though CJ didn’t grow up with his father Biggie, shows like “Family Legacy” give him some sense of closure. “Anytime I get to see any type of home footage of my dad, it always sort of adds another piece of the puzzle of me figuring out what he was really like as a person,” he shared. “So I always appreciate those moments.”
Meanwhile, the sons also spoke on how hard Biggie’s death was for Diddy. “For [his murder] to come at such a quick moment, and in the midst of his success, to only put out two albums and have that amount of success, I guess it really just showed how early he was,” CJ said. “He was really thinking way ahead of the game. I felt like he was way before his time, obviously. His impact, we’ll never be able to really quantify it, because he’s not here today. So I feel like it’s just important to always continue the legacy like we’ve been doing, and push it into the areas that nobody could have imagined.” For more news on Biggie and Diddy, stick around on HNHH.
Some of our favourite artists have already dropped off noteworthy new music in 2023. Unfortunately, their releases as of late are chiefly being overshadowed by the songs coming out via artificial intelligence. From hearing Kanye West take on Hit-Boy’s “2 Certified” thanks to technology to heavy hitters like Drake and Michael Jackson covering Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feelin’ U),” the entertainment has been endless, albeit damaging to the music industry. Earlier this week, a video of the late Biggie Smalls rapping Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind” began circulating online, sparking plenty of debate amongst the hip-hop community,
The 1994 cut previously arrived on the New Yorker’s Illmatic album and remains one of the most popular in his discography to this day. Of course, The Notorious B.I.G. lost his life just three years after this, and though he and Nas had plans to collaborate (the latter previously revealed on The Breakfast Club that he “got too high” in the studio for anything to come to fruition), it ultimately never came to be. This is the closest we’ll probably ever to see to a joint effort, and while some users are loving Biggie’s flow on his friend’s song, others are frustrated with AI’s presence in the industry at the moment.
“This made me realize Nas has the greatest flow of any rapper ever,” one Twitter user said, markedly praising the 49-year-old. Another, less pleased listener chimed in, “The gap between Biggie’s flow and Nas’ flow is f*cking me up right now. This sounds so much worse than his voice on his flow lol. Too much energy with the wrong tone.” Elsewhere, someone argued that the computer-generated audio fails to “capture Big’s essence one bit.”
Apart from the comedic, discourse-causing covers, we’ve also heard brand new lyrics written and beats crafted for Champagne Papi, The Weeknd, and more, rivalling some of their previous releases in the hearts of fans. In wake of this, music labels are beginning to take action in defence of their artists to protect their work and vocals. Keep scrolling to read Twitter’s reactions to the viral Biggie AI cover, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments afterward.
Social Media Reacts
Just listened to a Biggie AI version of Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind”
Made me realise Nas has the greatest flow of any rapper ever
— Beats, Rhymes & Lists (@BeatRhymeLists) April 27, 2023
The gap between Biggie’s flow and Nas’ flow is fucking me up right now. This sounds so much worse than his voice on his flow lol. Too much energy with the wrong tone. https://t.co/qIOU3FJogO
Does not capture the essence of BIG one bit. The voice is pretty close, and even though I never heard Biggie rapping Nas’s shit, I can almost guarantee it wouldn’t sound like this.
As someone who’s listened to both biggie and Nas thoroughly.. this sounds terrible lmao
This why AI won’t ever work better than organic music. The voice of a rapper is only a part of their identity… it’s still missing biggies delivery, inflections, charisma and more. https://t.co/NZ8RZBwATc
Snoop Dogg has never been shy about speaking his mind. While Snoop may be one to experiment with new sounds, he draws the line at a 2pac & Biggie AI (Artificial Intelligence) album. In an interview with Baller Alert, they asked about the proposed joint collaboration between the two late rap legends. Although Tha Doggfather wasn’t fully opposed to a collaboration album. He doesn’t fancy the idea of an AI-generated album featuring his late friend and the original King of New York. However, Uncle Snoop feels it would be best to find old tracks with their vocals and put together a collab tape that way as opposed to the former.
“I don’t really know about that, with the AI,” Snoop said. “Because that’s like computerized voices. You know?” he continued. While Snoop Dogg may have his late friend’s best interest at heart, however, some feel otherwise. Former Outlawz member Napoleon had some choice words regarding Snoop’s comments. He claims Snoop Dogg’s relationship with ‘Pac was steeped in jealousy. According to Napoleon, Snoop was jealous of 2Pac, who took all his shine when he joined Death Row.
Napoleon believes that Snoop is trying to take the shine away from 2Pac, and that’s why he said what he said during the interview with Baller Alert. In the interview with The Art of Dialogue he spoke on where the jealousy came from. “Imagine you’re the biggest star on Death Row and ‘Pac take all your shine, you understand?” he said. “And 25 years later, ‘Pac died and every time you do an interview that name is brought up,” he concluded. However, Napoleon didn’t stop there. He slammed the Doggystyle rapper for his remarks towards 2Pac’s infamous “Hit ‘Em Up” record after his passing, recommending the now grandfather remember his friend in a more positive light.
Although Snoop is open to a collaboration between the two Hip Hop icons, he’s still skeptical about AI-generated albums. Nothing wrong with appreciating authentic artistry. However, with AI infiltrating every industry, this won’t be the last time we see a proposed AI-generated album. Do you think an AI-generated Biggie and 2pac album would be fire? Let us know in the comments below!
(@ShawnIsShady)