THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. Archives - Page 3 of 8

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Debut “Ready To Die” Turns 29

September 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Brooklyn, New York, in the early ’90s: The brownstone-laden streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant throbbed with an unmistakable energy. Bodegas and barbershops doubled as discussion forums, with Hip Hop as the preferred topic of debate. This was an era of boomboxes and lyrical bravado, where every street corner and park bench might be the stage for the next big talent. Enter Christopher Wallace, a figure poised to encapsulate this energy, transforming it into an album that would soon reverberate far beyond those same streets.

Few could have predicted the cultural tidal wave that was Ready to Die. Released in 1994, this masterpiece wasn’t merely another album. Biggie Smalls emerged not as a mere rapper but as a raconteur par excellence. His tales, though uniquely his, resonated with thousands who saw fragments of their own stories within his lines. The musings of a young Black man navigating the treacherous terrain of the American dream, punctuated with wit, charm, and a heavy dose of reality—Ready to Die wasn’t just an album but a statement.

Part of Ready to Die‘s allure was its audacity, much like Biggie himself. The very title served as a stake in the ground, a prophetic and sardonic claim that life was never promised, but the music could be immortal. The album sits today as a cornerstone of Hip Hop history, and 29 years on, it’s anything but an artifact.

The Architecture Of A Classic

What makes this album a masterpiece is not just Biggie’s magnetic voice or street-corner philosophies but the veritable dream team of producers and features that flanked him. Names like DJ Premier, Lord Finesse, and Bluez Brothers may not have been Billboard chart-toppers, but they were architects in the house of Hip Hop. With an eclectic roster of talents, the production feels like a symphony that resonates from Brooklyn’s brownstones to Atlanta’s suburbs. Further, tracks like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” are masterclasses in beatsmithing.

Moreover, while many rappers of the era often succumbed to the temptation of linguistic showmanship, Biggie’s lyrical mechanics were cut from a different cloth. His wordplay was far from mere verbal gymnastics. It was a tightly choreographed ballet of metaphors and life lessons. Tracks like “Gimme the Loot” and “Things Done Changed” are dissertations on the duality of the human condition, navigating a world as dangerous as it was compelling.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

Notorious B.I.G. 1995 (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)

No amount of intricate production or lyrical dexterity would’ve mattered if the album hadn’t set the charts ablaze. Fortunately for Biggie and Hip Hop history, Ready to Die did just that. Certified quadruple Platinum, this debut oeuvre was less an entry into the market and more of a hostile takeover. Critics offered more than nods. They penned raving reviews that often invoked comparisons to previous benchmarks in Hip Hop.

Additionally, the album served as the roots for a tree that has extended its branches far into the various subgenres of modern Hip Hop. From the confessional stylings of Kendrick Lamar to the gritty realism of Pusha T, the ripples of Ready to Die are discernible. Not to forget, this record was the cornerstone on which Bad Boy Records built its empire. Several artists from the label owe a degree of their success to the groundbreaking nature of this project.

Ready To Die Continues To Resonate

The staying power of Ready to Die is nothing short of astronomical. Decades have rolled by, yet the album’s soul is as untamed as ever. It’s not just another album gathering digital dust in the sprawling archives of streaming platforms. It’s a living, breathing entity. A forerunner in every “best of” list and forever pulsing in the veins of a culture that refuses to forget its heroes. Biggie’s opus remains a stylistic and thematic blueprint in a climate that has witnessed the explosion of subgenres and hybrid sounds.

Almost three decades on, the incalculable contributions Biggie made to the industry and the culture at large have yet to be eclipsed. His lyricism is still studied, his flow still imitated but never duplicated. The irony? An album that so explicitly flirted with death has proven immortal. The staying power of Ready to Die is more than a tribute to an artist taken from us far too soon. It remains deeply rooted in its formative icons and a cornerstone in the ever-expanding cathedral of Hip Hop.

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Charli Baltimore: A Look At A Hip Hop Queen

September 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The Hip Hop scene in the ‘90s and early 2000s was teeming with talent. Rap icons like Jay-Z, Nas, and Lil’ Kim, among others, were at the forefront in that era and helped usher a new generation of artists into a much bigger spotlight. A name that doesn’t come up as often, however, is Charli Baltimore, the pioneer female rapper. Indeed, the East Coast Hip Hop star and unsung rap queen is vastly underrated.

While she has appeared in the media several times over the years, there’s so much worth praising the star for. She’s often mentioned for her romantic relationship with The Notorious B.I.G., but her music is rarely referenced. Nonetheless, between the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Charli Baltimore was a formidable rapper in her own right. She rightly deserves her flowers. Moreover, she should be recognized for contributing to the Hip Hop scene during the formidable era.

Background

JaRule, Charli Baltimore & Ashanti (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)

Charli Baltimore was born Tiffany Lane on August 16, 1974. Her introduction to the world of Hip Hop came through her romantic relationship with The Notorious B.I.G. Importantly, Lane had no prior experience with rap or Hip Hop at the time. However, she soon started developing an interest in it after spending time with Biggie. As time passed, Biggie encouraged her to pursue a rap career, as he saw promise in her. She eventually took him up on his offer and later adopted the stage name Charli Baltimore. Her moniker was particularly chosen to reference the main character of the 1996 action thriller film The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Charli Baltimore: Her Ascent

The rapper’s foray into the music industry began with her debut single, “Money,” released in 1998. The song piqued listeners’ interest and quickly garnered Charli Baltimore some recognition. That same year, she was also featured on Harlem rapper Cam’ron’s track “Horse & Carriage (Remix)” alongside Big Pun, Wyclef Jean, and Silkk The Shocker. She built up traction from these releases and in August 1999, dropped her debut album, Cold as Ice. It remains her sole album. In the 2010s, she released two mixtapes: Natural Born Khronicles (2012) and Hard 2 Kill (2013).

Cold as Ice did not see a public release. Instead, it was released promotionally and did not appear on the Billboard charts. Regardless, it was a moderately successful album and helped propel Charli Baltimore forward. The two standout tracks from the album are “Stand Up,” featuring Ghostface Killah, and “Feel It.” Beyond these, Baltimore was a vivid musical storyteller and even recorded an entire 50 Cent diss mixtape once. She also ventured into reality television in 2019, starring in WEtv’s Growing Up Hip Hop alongside her daughter, Siaani Love.

Conclusion

Charli Baltimore is recognized as one of the pioneering female rappers of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her presence in the male-dominated world of Hip Hop also contributed to greater visibility for women in the genre. She is celebrated for her lyrical ability and impressive delivery of bars despite her limited experience when she debuted. Throughout her career, Baltimore collaborated with prominent Hip Hop and R&B artists. She is a part of the late ‘90s Hip Hop legacy and should be much more appreciated.

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Junior Mafia’s Chico Del Vec Passes Away

August 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Several reports have confirmed that Junior Mafia affiliate and one of the Notorious B.I.G.’s best friends, Chico Del Vec, has passed away.

His cause of death has not yet been determined.

The news first surfaced when Brooklyn rapper Special Ed tweeted his passing, saying, “Just got a call. Rest In Peace Chico Del Vec. Junior Mafia.” DJ Premier commented on Ed’s tweet, saying, “Great dude. Guru and I used to hang out with him and Nino on Fulton St. when we lived on Washington Ave in Clinton Hill Brooklyn. R.I.P. KING.”

Lil Cease paid tribute to his fallen JM comrade on IG, saying, “Damn Man! Rest In Peace To Our OG Of Junior Mafia , Official Day 1 Member Of The Group, Legend Of Fulton & St James.. The One That Got B.I.G. Off The Stoop & On Fulton St.. My Brother Chic Delvec @chicodelvec9371 I Love You & Ima Miss You Big Time Bro.. Like This Moment Right Here, Im Glad We As Group Was Able To Give You Ya Flowers Be You Left.. You Know It’s Mafia For Life And We Go Rep You Til We Meet Again Family. Rest Peaceful Delvec Prayers And Condolences To The Whole Lyons Family.”

The post Junior Mafia’s Chico Del Vec Passes Away first appeared on The Source.

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Chico Del Vec, Founding Member of Junior M.A.F.I.A., Dies at 50

August 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Chico Del Vec, one of the founding members of the iconic 90s hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A., has tragically passed away. News of his death was confirmed by New York rapper Special Ed, sparking an outpouring of grief and tributes from the hip-hop community. While the cause of Del Vec’s untimely death remains unconfirmed, the loss […]

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The Notorious B.I.G. Estate Links With Budweiser To Relaunch Word Up! Magazine

August 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In honor of Hip Hop’s 50th born day, the Estate of the late Christopher Wallace and beer giant Budweiser have joined forces to revamp the monumental Black music magazine Word Up!

The classic print publication which donned newsstands for almost 25 years got a namedrop in Biggie’s hit “Juicy” in the opening line, where he said, “It was all a dream; I used to read ‘Word Up!’ magazine.” The partnership was initially formed back in 2021, but today (August 9), the plans for a limited run of Word Up! mags will be available for die hard Biggie fans and fans of the Hip Hop/R&B publication too.

Word Up!‘s founding Editor-in-Chief Gerrie Summers will definitely contribute her pen to this project, however with the focus being on B.I.G., Ms. Voletta Wallace will open the series, along with handwritten lyrics, rare photos, personal memorabilia and untold stories about The Notorious B.I.G.

Be sure to get your copy as only 5,000 copies will be distributed throughout Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago. The issue is slated to drop on September 13.

The post The Notorious B.I.G. Estate Links With Budweiser To Relaunch Word Up! Magazine first appeared on The Source.

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Notorious B.I.G.’s Son Shares Father’s Legacy In Upcoming Documentary, “Understanding Christopher Wallace”

July 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

C.J. Wallace, the son of rap legend Notorious B.I.G., is sharing his father’s legacy in the upcoming documentary Understanding Christopher Wallace. Produced by Time Studios, the film explores the late rapper’s life and his impact on music and culture. Understanding Christopher Wallace, a documentary by Time Studios, will offer viewers a closer look at the […]

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Lil Kim’s “Notorious K.I.M.” Turns 23

July 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Nearly four years after her debut album Hard Core rocked the world, Lil’ Kim emerged with The Notorious K.I.M. The rapper’s sophomore album was a groundbreaking one for her, achieving instant commercial success. The Notorious K.I.M. also showcased a much more mature side to Lil’ Kim. She came out swinging with her second solo effort, re-stamping her musical identity into the public’s consciousness.

Lil’ Kim became widely known for her explicit and raunchy lyrics. As a pioneer of female rappers worldwide, she has vastly been credited for paving the way for a plethora of artists today. Beyond the music, The Notorious K.I.M. became visual gold. Elevating her fashion icon status to new heights, the music videos and fashion moments during the album’s reign were phenomenal. 23 years later, and The Notorious K.I.M. is still lauded as a solid showcase of Lil’ Kim’s impressive rap prowess and iconic imagery.

Background

<a href= — Rapper Lil Kim (Kimberly Denise Jones) poses for photos at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Chicago, Illinois in June 2000. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

Lil’ Kim rose to mainstream fame in the mid-nineties. After being discovered by The Notorious B.I.G. in 1994, she joined Junior M.A.F.I.A., contributing lyrics to their debut album Conspiracy. Two years later, her solo debut Hard Core was released to widespread acclaim. The album featured unapologetic and aggressively sexual lyrics which Lil’ Kim quickly became notable for.

While riding the high of her successful debut album, Lil’ Kim was expected to turn in a new album in no time. However, the murder of The Notorious B.I.G., her mentor, and who she had a tumultuous relationship with, hit her hard. The album serves as a memorial to him as the title suggests.

During the time between her first and second albums, Lil’ Kim achieved newer heights of fame for her style. Her bold, colorful, and high-glamor fashion choices earned her the title of Fashion Icon! She carried her stylish ensembles over into the era of her sophomore album. Indeed her image and sex appeal sparked a huge controversy, but Lil’ Kim remained unapologetic in her looks and sound.

Release Delays And Album Style

In the summer of 1999, multiple songs that were set to appear on the album were leaked. The high-profile leak remains one of the most infamous in music history. Undeterred, Lil’ Kim and Diddy returned to the studio to create new magic. This ultimately led to multiple delays with the album’s release. She recorded The Notorious K.I.M. between 1998 and 2000 before releasing the album on June 27, 2000.

The press tour for The Notorious K.I.M. also led to significant anticipation for the musical return of Lil’ Kim. The rapper continued to reiterate that she was insistent on revealing her creativity and versatility. Ever since her debut, rumors circulated that The Notorious B.I.G. was responsible for Lil’ Kim’s rhyme and flow. She wanted everyone to know about her lyrical pen game. While she stated that the album would surely put those claims to rest, she also wanted the world to know that the album would be highly reminiscent of her mentor.

While promoting the album on BET Rap City Basement, Lil’ Kim praised B.I.G. for influencing her greatly. “BIG helped me with a lot of my stuff. He showed me how to rap. He gave me the formula,” she said. “And all I did on this album was run with the formula.”

The Notorious K.I.M.’s Legacy

The Notorious K.I.M. was an album meant to cater to Lil’ Kim’s wide fanbase. Although her debut, Hard Core, was a commercial success, Lil’ Kim was dissatisfied with the lack of airwave play. She decided to create a more mixed sound with her sophomore work so that older and younger fans, as well as DJs could play her music. The Notorious K.I.M. doesn’t shy away from her explicit lyricism, but there are songs on the project that were significantly toned down and without any curse words. Thus, Lil’ Kim became embraced by a wider group of fans.

On this album, Lil’ Kim maintained her feminist stance with tracks like “Suck My Dick” and “Single Black Female.” She kept her sound fresh and evolving with songs like “No Matter What They Say.” Furthermore, her emotional and vulnerable side was highlighted on “Hold On,” a deep and moving song about her rocky life with B.I.G. All in all, Lil’ Kim fought for her place at the top with the album, and over two decades later, it remains an iconic staple in rap history.

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The Notorious B.I.G.’s Debut Single “Party & Bullsh*t” Turns 30

July 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

This year marks 30 years since the release of The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single, “Party and Bullsh*t.” Biggie’s classic song was released on June 29, 1993. Before he adopted his now-legendary stage name, he was officially listed on the single as BIG. “Party and Bullsh*t” was produced by Easy Mo Bee, who later contributed beats to multiple songs on Biggie’s iconic debut album, 1994’s Ready to Die.

“Party and Bullsh*t” appeared on the soundtrack for the 1993 film Who’s The Man?, alongside tracks from Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Erick Sermon, Heavy D, House of Pain, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth. It was Biggie’s first single before he would take over the ‘90s and release some of hip hop’s greatest songs and most legendary albums.

About The Song

The track borrows its title from “When the Revolution Comes” by The Last Poets, a well-known group of spoken word artists and musicians. Hip hop’s most profound lyrics have drawn inspiration from The Last Poets and their politically conscious subject matter. They have been featured in songs by Nas and Common.

In “When the Revolution Comes,” the Last Poets criticize those who “party and bullsh*t,” viewing them negatively. Biggie flipped this perspective into a positive means of expression by crafting a celebratory song focused on having a good time. “Party and Bullsh*t” also samples “UFO” by ESG and “I’ll Be There” by Johnny Hammond. Today we revisit The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single for its 30th anniversary.

The Song Jump-Started Biggie’s Career

biggie debut single — American rapper Notorious BIG (born Christopher Wallace) attends the 1995 Billboard Music Awards, New York, New York, December 6, 1995. (Photo by Larry Busacca/WireImage)

On “Party and Bullsh*t,” Biggie showcased his talent, skillful rhymes and distinct flow. While Biggie’s debut single was influential, it did not chart and never received any Gold or Platinum certifications. However, it was a breakthrough moment in Biggie’s career. He had not quite developed his sound yet, but the song was quintessentially The Notorious B.I.G. in its commanding delivery and vivid imagery.

“Party and Bullsh*t” might not sound as polished as some of Biggie’s most successful hits like “Juicy,” “Hypnotize,” or “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Still, one could recognize his raw talent in the earliest moments of his career, including his debut single. The track’s catchy chorus also helped introduce him to a much wider audience, allowing him to grow and eventually dominate the ’90s rap scene. “Party and Bullsh*t” laid the foundation for The Notorious B.I.G.’s career.

The Impact Of Biggie’s Debut Single

“Party and Bullsh*t” was the first glimpse of The Notorious B.I.G.’s unique rapping style and clever bars. It also displayed his ability to create hit records. In the full scope of his career, Biggie could write hit songs from the beginning. He later went on to push boundaries with his albums, which resulted in greater success. The song remains an essential party throwback song today.

“Party and Bullsh*t” has found its way into modern music and has been sampled numerous times inside and outside hip hop. Rita Ora notably sampled “Party and Bullsh*t” for one of her biggest hits, 2012’s “How We Do (Party),” although resulting in a copyright lawsuit years later. Rappers like Busta Rhymes, Young M.A. Cypress Hill, MF DOOM, Jean Grae, and Joell Ortiz have also incorporated Biggie’s classic debut single into their music. Rap fans continue to enjoy the classic hit “Party and Bullsh*t” even thirty years after its release.

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[WATCH] DJ Clark Kent Says Biggie Was Killed Because 2Pac Lied About The Quad Studios Shooting

May 31, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Famed Hip Hop radio personality Angie Martinez has been using her Iconic Records podcast to talk to those notables who were close to the Notorious B.I.G., with the fifth episode entitled “My Downfall” where she interviews legendary Brooklyn DJ Clark Kent.

Martinez spoke with Clark Kent about his work on BIG’s last LP, Life After Death, in which the song “My Downfall” took on a different meaning following the rapper’s untimely death in Los Angeles. Kent says that he didn’t even remember he did the scratches on the album and delved into BIG’s diss track aimed at Nas.

Kent went on to allege that “Biggie is dead because 2Pac lied,” and stated that 2Pac’s “lies” about Biggie setting up the Quad Studios shooting led to Biggie’s death.

Clark Kent asked why ‘Pac would lie knowing “1000%” that BIG had nothing to do with the robbery/shooting, but says that he did it “because he didn’t want to tell what really happened.”

Go to the 24-minute mark to hear Clark Kent’s commentary with Martinez about the ‘Pac and Biggie beef that led to the Brooklyn rapper’s death.

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What Was The Highest-Selling Hip Hop Album Of The ’90s?

May 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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

biggie '90s hip hop — 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.