Ready To Die

Many really good songs. Bit much sometimes with the sex noises

Mix of NYC and West Coast styles works to quite good effect. One likes the thickness of the voice, which seems to suit the posturing. There are places where one might've preferred a bit more tunefulness to the sound effects or the spoken word bits. And one confesses to being distracted (mostly in a good way) by the sexiest bits.

'Steve Huey from AllMusic gave it five stars, stating "The album that reinvented East Coast rap for the gangsta age, Ready to Die made the Notorious B.I.G. a star. Today it's recognized as one of the greatest hardcore rap albums ever recorded, and that's mostly due to Biggie's skill as a storyteller".' OK. I guess The Notorious B.I.G. was a pivotal figure in that gangster rap scene that also saw the likes of 2Pac and Mobb Deep emerge. I voluntarily mix East Coast and West Coast here--make of that what you will. And yet today, in spite of its "reputation", this album feels more like a "historical document" than a truly timeless record. Legendary songs and details abound. But it's too damn long. And the music on it didn't age that well, contrary to many other East Coast legendary rap albums, going from Wu Tang Clan to Mos Def. Oh, and it's an album filled with too many unnecessary skits, as everyone knows (including reviewers who gave this a 5-star grade). The art of truly "essential" albums should try to be a little tighter and more cohesive. Including for rap, a genre (in)famously known for yielding overlong LPs. In spite of fortunate exceptions here and there, of course... To write this review, I used the same template as the one I used for the first Joan Baez LP, by the way. Make of that what you will, once again. 🙃 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential records, rounded up to 4/5 8.5/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: more than 200, approximately - I've temporarily lost count here. Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one, even though it almost didn't make the cut. 1994 is one of my most favorite years for music: I've selected *45* albums for that year, and *Ready To Die* is at the bottom of that sublist--the last record on it, actually). Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter, or just a little more (many other albums are more important to me)

posiblement el culpable de que els raperos de ara es posen "lil" o "big" al principi del apodo. Vine a por gangsta rap, recibí gangsta rap. "From the Beretta, putting all the holes in ya sweater" I felt that. En totes les cançons es dispara o es parla de disparar, este tio es un genio 5/5 Acabe de vore que 3 anys despues de este disco li van donar balasera. Live fast die faster.

BIG is a nihilist. I have had this album for years and don’t revisit often because of that. But it is a stone cold classic, the beats are amazing, the rhymes are excellent.

The usual kind of over-the-top bravado. Amusing but nothing special.

2,5

already

This album is tied for my favorite Hip-Hop album of all time with Enter the Wu Tang(36 Chambers). From top to bottom, there are no skips on this album(minus that one interlude). Biggie does an outstanding job of painting a vivid picture of his early life in Marcy Projects and of the lavish life he is now living in this album. Favorite Tracks: Unbelievable, The What, Who Shot Ya

Biggie is a legend, but I didn’t love this album. To be honest, I’m probably just not cool enough to connect with this.

Biggie has this incredible way of being extremely real, such a good storyteller. There's a few songs that really lets him down as they're quite sexist and it makes it hard to relate.

I hated every song! Yeah, yeah... Minus 5 stars

Good music but it was weird listening to the sex noises on the airplane when I wasn't sure about my bluetooth headphones - 8/10

feel like evaluating this as artwork, its really good, not what id usually listen to tho 8/10

Didn’t like it as much as his previous albums. Maybe it was the remaster? The production felt too clean somehow. 6/10

2/10 - What the heck is this intro. One of the strangest things I have listened to. Starting with the birth of a child, then a fight between two parents and then a shooting, then idk. One More Chance is a weird song. I have surprisingly heard part of Juicy before. Most of these songs were just so uncomfortable to listen to. There were way too many sex noises and so many of the songs were just about sex and cheating/being cheated on. I usually do not like rap music but this is significantly worse than the rap music I usually dislike

Was kinda ok. I don’t love his style. Mainly very much didn’t enjoy the song that was mostly moaning

Biggie is one of the greatest rappers ever, and this is his best work. Essential east coast hip hop. 9/10

FUCK YES!!!

The interlude threw me for a loop. I think the album gradually got better and redeemed itself at the end. Went out with a bang!

Juicyyyy

Surprisingly personal and emotional. While the album sounds a bit dated, it is clear why Biggie is considered one of the greatest of all time.

The album kicks off with a short film worthy intro. From birth to poverty to scarcity to trauma to violence to prison to freedom. The album then dives into the hedonistic daydream of wealth and sex that characterizes a lot of rap. Amazing and electric album, perfect flow and well constructed beats. The graphic nature of the album suggests they don’t want anyone to listen that can’t handle it.

If you don’t know, now you know

Not a great Biggie album

God rap

I've been robbing motherfuckers since the slave ship...

The guy was clearly talented but not sure what he'd do without curse words, it would only leave 20% of the album

i did not like it

5/10 I had some fun listening to this. Not something I would have listened to on my own. 4-19-2024

Thank fuck someone ended it before I had to step in

Masterpiece

Good Rap album not something I would really dig into again, I guess I would like the songs to have a faster rhythm.

Never listened to Biggie but given his reputation I honestly expected more.

Warning Juicy Big Poppa Suicidal Thoughts

favourite song: big poppa great album if a little bloated

Maybe Biggie desired to be murdered so he didn’t have to end his own life. I mean, that doesn’t imply he actually wanted to die, just that he welcomed death all the same. I’m into the vibe, but I think it’s not my style overall.

Its an interesting album as far a music history goes.

Misathanthropy in one sustained (and jarring) key

Great lyricist but this is a pretty weak album outside of Juicy and Big Poppa. Same type of rhythmic beats over and over. 2.5/5

Not for me. I'm sure it's a great example of it's style though.

I enjoyed a lot about this album. Also, I did not enjoy a lot about this album. Gats and mysogyny pew pew pew

Insanely fire album. Had to take a star off for the unrestrained woman hating though :/

Good beats but the lyrics get weak over time.

Such a negative album, made me angry

This album is ok, I would not consider it a must listen

suboptimal skits, top tier talent

Biggie's debut. Raw and aggressive gangster rap delivered in crisp and creative rhymes. Catchy beats. The tracks running from "Juicy" through "Big Poppa" in the middle of the record is as impressive as 90's hip hop gets.

Biggie had some good tunes, I admit Juicy and Big Poppa are iconic tracks. Hypnotize too, but it’s not on this album. Still, I just can’t listen to a whole album of this, I can’t. It’s not for me.

Really really great album. Consistent all the way through. Weird ass interludes, but I thought it was really good. Fav tracks: suicidal thoughts, big poppa, things done changed, gimme the loot.

honestly pretty juicy album best songs are gimme the loot, machine gun funk, big poppa (duh), aaaaaand the list ends there said it was juicy when I was 3 songs in little did I know the album would just get bad and stay bad this is not music I like all that much but that doesn’t mean it’s not well made method man should’ve never had a career don’t know if he did because I’m not gonna look him up and risk learning anything meaningful about him but whoever put him on the album try again pal song I hate the most- respect please don’t let this get played within a 1000000 mile radius of my funeral also the end is a blowjob and that’s the best part of the song parting comment I just wanna say that as a song one more chance is very relatable for me

best songs: juicy, big poppa

If I’m going to listen to misogynistic rap from the 90s it’s going to be Big L. Ready to Die did not age well and in fact has exceeded ready to die status and is firmly Ready to be Forgotten. Gimme the Loot is still great.

Another quick 5. This is about as good as it gets for formative hip-hop. Intro track is a bit goofy, but from that point on it is hit after hit with little down time; just straight flow from start to finish with classic instrumentals. What I love about Biggie is that his lyrics are so smooth that you can't help but sing along. And yet, there are a lot of technical elements on display -- he just makes it seem so natural. On top of that, he wrote great songs with solid hooks and had amazing production / beat selection behind him. Things Done Changed: going over how much things have changed in his world since he was a kid and how out of control the environment has gotten. Gimme the Loot: a story about Biggie and his alter-ego making a living by robbing the well-off. Warning: a story about others seeking him out after he has made it. Oddly, I feel like I've never heard this version of One More Chance. Not sure how that is possible other than the rip I had from pre-Spotify days didn't have the right track in there.

Great, album. Like a lot of rap albums there is way too much filler in between songs. Kind of like the intro but I get they are telling a story. For me it's a 4 stars.

Definitely some classics on this album that even I have heard plenty of times. GIMME THE LOOT! I didn't appreciate the porn blasting in my headphones while mowing the lawn. The beat in Unbelievable is top notch. Not generally a rap fan, and this honestly didn't do much to change that. He's got some serious flow and the lyrics are full of emotion, but I just doubt I'll ever listen to this again. That being said, the hits are great, the beats had me bopping, and I enjoyed it more than I expected to. It just takes some active listening to appreciate everything. High 3 personally.

Biggie has one of the most powerful voices in all of rap and the whole album certainly makes you listen to him. This is one of the few early 90s rap albums that I actually really liked. They usually don't do it for me with the repetitive beats in each song, but the beats on this album were awesome. This album was filled with bangers including Juicy which is an all time jam. The end of Respect where he was getting fellated was really weird in my ears.

Hell yeah best flow in the game. Not gonna leave a long review just gotta say this album is chock full o classics. Easy ass 5. One of the best hip hop albums out there. Obligatory fuck Puff. Shoutout to Method Man for being the only feature on it. The What fuckin rules.

It’s audacious, mean, full of skeletons. Not massive on a lot of the skits but they paint a tapestry of a violent upbringing in 80’s New York. It’s a classic for a reason, ahead of its time and for its time simultaneously.

Too trashy for me. I didn't really see the appeal.

To be honest, this album let me down. Based on the description 1001 provided, I was hoping for something that was above the norm for rap. But what I got instead was the same misogyny and narcissism that I've heard from mid-90s rap albums before.

Not my cup of tea

Feels so dated now. Misogyny was more on trend back then…

not really for me YNN

Classic hip hop album. Some of the tracks are not top notch, but it’s all pretty good. I would pay for revised versions of so many hip hop albums that got rid of the skits/intros/interludes. Takes you out of the groove.

4.5. Phenomenal album. Lots of real, serious, dark material here. Also some more light hearted tales and humor sprinkled in. Would be a 5 if “Respect” and “Friend of Mine” were not on the album. Still one of the greatest hip hop records of all time.

Too long, embarrassing skits, hasn't aged well. The flow shines through. But holy hell this didn't she well.

Classic

I made it through but man it took like 4 days

One of the best albums of all-time

Technically and production wise its a great album, a treat to listen to if you don't mind the language; but the lyrical content is just trash for someone that does not come from a black, urban, gangster background.

Biggie isn't really my sound, and the violence and anger don't resonate with me much. But there were some positive songs in there, and the flows, hooks and beats were quite good. Biggie was clearly a very talented rapper and I respect the hell out of him for that. Great storytelling too. Three stars.

5/5 Chyba nie słuchałem nigdy w całości, ale każdy kawałek jest wart zapamiętania i nie zlewa się z innymi w jedną masę.

If I could give it 0 stars I would. I was 30 when Ready To Die came out. Wasn’t a fan then and that hasn’t changed.

Good stuff, but hard to sit through the whole album in one go.

Misogynistic, aggressive, nasty, racist shit. Awful music.

Älä mieti rap albumia kuunnellessa soinnun kauneuksia.. Muista atmosfääri ja ylimielisyys.. naisvihasta ei haittaa….

Beats og flow så det holder, men lengden og skitsene drar litt ned.

Really hope my neighbors don’t think I was blasting porn after that listen.

Don't remember this album being like 15% intros and skits! Still great, but not quite a 5

Fuck this East Coast bullshit. I’m WEST SIEEEEED 4 Eva. Doggystyle, chronic, Chronic 2001, lethal injection, that’s my shit. 2pac and Biggie was a manufactured rivalry. They were both in drama club! This is all shug knight fake gangsta nonsense. 2 stars for the beats. But fuck biggie and Tupac

Biggie melded the gangster style of NWA with the grimy NYC style of KRS-ONE and put that on top of some of the slickest production to date (F*ck Puffy though) He brought a real life feel to gangster rap and a sincerity that a lot of the OG west coast rappers never seemed to capture until 2Pac came along. I never really got into the whole Beef thing and its a sad state of affairs that only brought sorrow, but who cares wtf a stupid white boy from the midwest thinks. This is Biggies best record. I feel like after he blew up, and puffy got his god complex, they turned into more Hip-pop.

Jesus. To think my parents (who never would have listened to this, and while I know most of it deeply, probably a first full listen for me now) would only think this is glorifying the violence and misogyny. How long before The Wire, before this week and the week before. Glorious funky tracks.

This has always been one of my favorite albums. The lyrics hit me differently this time around. I'm grateful to hear Biggie's story, as it is an important very American story about poverty and violence.

This is album is universally apraised as THE quintessential hip hop album. If you don't like it, it probably means old school hip hop is not your style. I'm pretty biaised because im a big fan but this is an easy 5/5

The good kind of rap. I don't like rap though. Interesting tidbit from wikipedia, this was his debut album and the only album released while he was alive. The high quality blowjob sounds at the end of respect were not really necessary though.

A classic. Biggie is a realist. And being a realist means having equal amounts of humor, sarcasm, intent and wrapping all this up in a delivery second to none.

I hate that interlude

This album is a classic and I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the annoying skits

4.6

East Coat Rap is so clear to me in the 90's. Yes the West Coast had NWA and Tupac but even he was from New York. I just think whoever was producing those beats in New York was just absolutely on fire it is some of my favourite music to listen to. Although Biggie isn't my favourite he truly does have a unique voice which partnered up with the right beat can make some classics as evidence. This album is really really good especially at certain points and there are some brilliant songs on the album, but I can't be hypocritical. Some of my favourite rappers from the time usually just rap about how good they are at rapping or about how good they are killing people (not that these are needed at all) and Biggie does both of these. But for the same reasons I disliked some of Skepta I do struggle with this. Something about hearing how Biggie talks about women, especially considering his size, it is really off putting. Songs like Juicy are incredible it has a nice beat that can almost distract you from what he is talking about and what you do notice are funny or just well done. But the songs that aren't blended with a great beat are rough and you struggle to like him as a person. Thankfully he is quite self observant and it is interesting hearing the situations these people are in especially after finding out what happens to him. I think overall 90's hip hop was great, they really did care about the albums and this is no exception. Although I would love to give some of the less popular songs some recognition my stand out songs are pretty generic. 4/5 Stand Out Songs: Gimme the Loot Juicy Big Poppa

I wasn’t in the mood for another hip hop album but this was good. The laid back tempos, his smooth voice, his story in rhymes, and the backing tracks all fit together to deliver something that still holds up. I’ll say, I was surprised to read that One More Chance was released as a single. Man, some things have actually changed for the better since 1994. 4.0

There are some good beats and his lyrics/flow is easy to follow. I remember when "Big Poppa" came out, but it sounds different to me now. Dated, I guess. Not my thing, but overall good. 3.6

6/10 solid rap album but there’s so much blatant misogyny that I was just rolling my eyes for a large portion of this

I don't love 90s rap 😐

A seminal hip hop album. Lost a star due to terrible skits and sex noises.

#177. I think this guy being considered one of the best must just be the death hype. Ain't no way. This is middling at best. And one of the lines is "you look so good, I'd suck your daddy's dick." Bruh.... what the fuck is that shit? 2/5: the fuck outta here with that shit. Song added to playlist: Big Poppa I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

Really good!

Don't quite get the hype tbh, thought it had a few good songs but not consistent and some of the lyrics I found cringey and didn't really resonate with me

I'm too old for this shit.

Biggie was, without a doubt, incredibly skillful as an artist, that being said, this is the type of album where you take out the standout songs and put them in your own playlist and ignore the rest

Great Album.

The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, "Ready to Die," released in 1994, stands as a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop and remains a timeless classic in the genre. From its gripping narratives to its impeccable production, the album solidified Biggie Smalls as one of the greatest rappers of all time. In this review, we'll delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and highlight its pros and cons. Lyrics: Biggie's lyricism on "Ready to Die" is raw, vivid, and brutally honest. He paints vivid pictures of street life, crime, and the struggle for survival in Brooklyn. Tracks like "Gimme the Loot" and "Warning" showcase his storytelling prowess, while "Juicy" and "Big Poppa" reveal his ability to seamlessly blend braggadocio with introspection. His wordplay, clever metaphors, and smooth flow captivate listeners, keeping them engaged throughout the album. Music: The musicality of "Ready to Die" is diverse, drawing from various influences including funk, soul, and jazz. Tracks like "Machine Gun Funk" and "Unbelievable" feature infectious grooves and catchy hooks, while songs like "Suicidal Thoughts" and "Everyday Struggle" utilize melancholic melodies to underscore Biggie's introspective verses. The album's beats are expertly crafted, providing the perfect backdrop for Biggie's lyrical prowess. Production: The production on "Ready to Die" is top-notch, thanks in part to the legendary work of producers like Easy Mo Bee, DJ Premier, and The Trackmasters. The beats are gritty, yet polished, with booming basslines, crisp drums, and soulful samples. The album's seamless transitions and cohesive sound contribute to its overall impact, creating a sonic landscape that perfectly complements Biggie's storytelling. Themes: "Ready to Die" explores a range of themes, from the struggles of inner-city life to the allure of wealth and success. Biggie delves into topics such as crime, violence, poverty, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The album also grapples with themes of mortality and self-reflection, as evidenced by tracks like "Suicidal Thoughts" and "Everyday Struggle." Ultimately, "Ready to Die" is a complex portrait of life in the streets, offering a gritty yet poignant glimpse into Biggie's world. Influence: The influence of "Ready to Die" on hip-hop cannot be overstated. It set a new standard for lyricism, storytelling, and production in the genre, inspiring countless rappers and producers in its wake. Biggie's unique style and larger-than-life persona helped to redefine the image of the rapper, paving the way for future artists to embrace their authenticity and vulnerability. The album's impact continues to be felt today, serving as a touchstone for hip-hop artists and fans alike. Pros: Lyrically captivating: Biggie's storytelling and wordplay are unparalleled, drawing listeners into his world with every verse. Stellar production: The album's beats are expertly crafted, featuring a diverse range of influences and impeccable sonic quality. Authenticity: Biggie's raw honesty and vulnerability make "Ready to Die" a deeply personal and relatable listening experience. Influence: The album's impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable, solidifying Biggie's status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Cons: Misogynistic themes: Some tracks on the album contain misogynistic lyrics and objectification of women, reflecting the pervasive sexism present in much of hip-hop at the time. Glorification of violence: While Biggie's vivid storytelling sheds light on the harsh realities of street life, it also risks romanticizing and glorifying violence in certain tracks. Limited perspective: The album primarily focuses on Biggie's own experiences and worldview, potentially neglecting the broader social and political issues affecting his community. In conclusion, "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. remains a landmark achievement in hip-hop history. From its compelling lyrics to its stellar production, the album continues to resonate with audiences nearly three decades after its release. While it grapples with its share of flaws and controversies, its impact on the genre is undeniable, solidifying Biggie's legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

legendary song Juicy on this album

The majority is the album is excellent. Notorious B.I.G. is a fantastic rapper and the production is unique and engaging. Unfortunately, it does drag a little in the middle.

Goed album, iets te lang en veel van hetzelfde

every time i see my body i pass away. with the way i live my life its a miracle i make it through the day. im tired and wired to look for something to play, not something to heal my dismay. just the way i stay. every morning i pass away, its an act of mourning the boring way scorned i wake. im laying in wake, alive and awake but inside i pray my heart burns like a cigarrette stake. im waiting for accidents, im frail and fleeting, and every night i pray in my sleep that my heart stops beating. i taste the sweet season in dreams, it still takes like acid and feels like linen. mi vida es un maravilloso crimen. passing by, the birds see my crying eyes and shine like beacons. i kneel down and grasp the sand. it falls through my hands. i grasp the sand again, wondering how long ill last. i really like this album but the sex skits are awful

Not my type of music, but actually it has something in it. It's good for some morning chill to get that good energy.

I had heard a lot of great things about this album, and my first listen definitely backed that hype. The beats are great, biggie's flow is iconic, and it all goes together very well. This album is on the long side, but it never feels boring. 10/10 Favorite Songs: Gimme the Loot, Juicy, Big Poppa, Respect No least favorite songs

VMP

Mojo - Rap!

This is the 5th Hip Hop album in 2 weeks, and my second one in a row. My music algorithm is definitely switching up because of this.

good thing he died before i got to him. this shit is meh bruh

Having seen the B.I.G. biopic, I get the importance of this album, and it has some good cuts. It also has a lot of fluff and interludes that seem purely designed to build an image, and I found it more of a distraction than an enhancement to the listening.

Not for me - I didn't listen to a one song all the way through and was never a fan of the whole skit thing.

Quite good, but one off for the misogyny

I hope his mom's breast cancer went away

This album is basically everything that is wrong with modern day culture. Terrible from start to finish.

Bruh Moments from this album: 1. “I got the cleanest, meanest penis” 2. Biggie really starting to go hard in Fuck Me (Interlude) when she starts talking about all that food 3. Fuck Me (Interlude) in general 4. “They call him Two-TECs, he tote two TECs” 5. “You look so good, I’d suck on your daddy’s dick” 6. The fucking blowjob at the end of Respect. This is a good song, but I had to save the censored version bc I don’t wanna listen to a full minute of Biggie pretending to get sucked off whenever it comes up on shuffle. 7. The Raven-Symone line in Just Playing?????????

Why did rappers in the 90s/early 2000s think it was a good idea to include skits of them fake having sex?? Was everyone that horny back then? Nothing worse than trying to concentrate at work while moans and dick sucking sounds from Biggie’s album come through your headphones. Aside from being criminally horny and pathologically violent, I thought this was a decent album with some good moments and classics.

Flow:5 - can’t top this Bars:3 - shooting people or riding a his bitch Skits:1 - absolute L 9/15=3/5 Some classics on this album (big poppa / juicy specifically) that are all time and no one can debate that

My Spotify wrapped: I’m extremely confused Me: you’re confused? I’m fucking confused bro

Every rapper who dies early is contractually obligated to have songs like “I’m never gonna die!” Or “shoot me until I’m dead”

"Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. feels a bit like a hip-hop mullet: business in the front, party in the back. The album kicks off with Biggie laying down some heavy groundwork, and it's here you might find yourself wondering if you accidentally wandered into a lecture rather than a legendary album. Sure, there's depth and grit in these opening tracks, but they might have you checking your watch, waiting for the beat to drop or at least something to make your head nod uncontrollably. But hold up, don't skip just yet—because once you hit the album's midpoint, it's as if Biggie flips a switch. Suddenly, you're in the midst of a block party, and every track is hitting harder than a New York slice at 2 AM. From "Big Poppa" to "Juicy," the latter half of the album is where Biggie reminds us why he's one of the kings of East Coast hip-hop. It's smooth, it's infectious, and it's everything you hoped for when you hit play. Yes, the album showcases Biggie's unparalleled flow and storytelling prowess, especially in its knockout second half. But the initial rounds? They might leave you a bit bewildered, tapping your foot impatiently on the subway platform, waiting for the express train to the hits. Maybe it's me, but no... maybe it's Biggie. Either way, when it bangs, it bangs—but getting there might feel like a bit of a trek.

I hated the skits on this thing, although the highlights are pretty amazing

This is another classic album I’ve never listened to so it was fun to finally get it despite hearing big poppa all the time in various settings. After hearing this, I’m definitely more of an east coast over west coast 90s rap fan because I prefer this much more than the Tupac albums I’ve gotten so far. Some of the skits go on for too long (the intro 3 minutes jesus) but they can also be really funny (fuck me interlude) but the real star of the album is the brutal songwriting paired with really chill production. Things done changed, one more chance, big poppa, and juicy were my favs.

Not my thing, felt really long and repetitive

Classic

NOPE

One of the G.O.A.T.

Pretty damn good

Undeniable talent. Gone too soon.

some the lyrics made me regret this being my International Women’s Day album and that interlude had me feeling like a prude love the instrumentals and his rhythm it’s so fun how many indie musicians i listen to have referenced this i will definitely listen to this again 👍had to mute the outro to Respect

Wasn’t much of a Biggie fan, but this album changed my perception. Best tracks to me are Things Done Changed and Everyday Struggle. Of course the lyrics are misogynistic. If that surprised someone, I don’t know what to say.

Maybe the first hiphop album I actually enjoyed. Biggy has a unique style and a great vibe. I don’t resonate with all themes but overall it’s lyrically amazing. Favourite songs: - Juicy - Big poppa - Friend of mine

Too much slurping put me off

Decent lyrics at time but don't really want to listen to this other than big poppa. Hate the skits

Yeah sure. This should be here but not that psyched on the misogyny etc

Not my cup of tea, but the production is solid. Samples are from everywhere and the beats are tight and infectious. This record is very close to being a concept album and is almost overshadowed by the history surrounding BIG. His name is ubiquitous with rap of that era and style and you can hear the DNA from this album through countless other records even today.

Think I’ve heard of the artist but not really the album. Quite enjoying the start of the album. Wasn’t ultimately my thing but listened to the whole thing.

Interesting storytelling, some enjoyable songs, stellar use of language.

Whenever I hear this album I always feel like he was writing my story: “ I love when they call me big papa; I wear 13’s if you know what I mean”; “damn,_______ want it stick me for my paper”. … No, it doesn’t. Matter of fact if I would have called any woman I know a “bitch,” they would ”bring pain, bloodstains on what remains”. His talent is unquestionable. This is a good album but it flow like fantasy. Much like the Curtis Mayfield song that starts this album, this album holds up for those who live in the culture, which I do not.

Not sure how to rank this one. I really couldn’t listen to it all the way through. I doubt I’ll put this one on again. Also, tons of tracks seem to be blocked by Spotify. I guess this just isn’t my jam.

Thoroughly enjoyed the Biggie album. But I don’t quite connect with him as much as I do 2Pac, Wu Tang, and some others of the era. Just a little bit too much macho swagger for me. Still undeniably great stuff. Though the track “fuck me” reveals some refreshing self-awareness about all that. Hilarious!

Decent

A classic, but like many albums of any genre from this era, bloated and overly long.

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background It's growing on me as I listen. Some of the lyrics are a bit eye-rolling and more than a few of the melodies are lifted (plus the sampling), but I like a lot of the grooves. I'm never going to be a huge rap fan. Not quite as good as Tribe Called Quest in my book but a worthy listen in my book. Solid 3.

Classic rap album. 2 starred songs

Biggie smalls baby

OMG.

Some stuff from the legendary B.I.G, cool. Not sure I think as highly of this as the rest of the world, but it was pretty decent still. As seems mandatory with all 90s rap, it contains all the profanities you'd expect along with blowjob skit songs, and promises of extreme violence. I think B.I.G. has a very nice rap style/flow as well that stounds out from other artists from the same era. The album didn't start out that strong, but had a real nice streak of my favourite songs with 'Machine Gun Funk', 'Warning' (which sounds like a complete rip-off of 'Hood Took Me Under' by Compton's Most Wanted, by the way), and 'Ready to Die'. The hits weren't my favourite songs, but in general the album held up nicely throughout the whole record with barely any real low points (apart from the sex skits which feels a bit too juvenile). All in all, cool record, 4 stars it is!

I often feel during my reviews that I end up thinking that the sum is more than the parts for an album, i.e. one gains something form listening to it as a whole. For this album it's the complete opposite. I was looking forward to this album and B.I.G is a seriously skilled rapper. While some song are clearly 5 star material (Juicy, Big Poppa), the skits are horrendous, the album too long and the hype man annoying. The subject matter also gets worn thin during the albums long running time. This is getting a 2 because I would not put this album on. I will however pick the good songs out of the album and listen to it separatly.

Staple album, previously listened many times. Found biggie and others around the same time of 2014 or so.

Best rap album of all time.

I was ready to hate this. Here's why: 1. The Omnipresence of Bad Boy Acts in the 90s, the glossy videos, and general, undefined loathing of Diddy--ho ho go hee hee hee. 2. The Westside is the best side. Years later, when the media created East vs. West Rap War had a body count and the pernicious, historical gangsterism of the Music Business has been laid bare, and listening with ears removed from those days and it's static, I dug this record quite a lot. Great beats, good instruments, and thoroughly inventive lyrics delivered with confidence and grace in human/not capitalist concerns. People love the ostentation; I love people coming true.

Biggie likes sex

I didn't realize how hardcore Biggie was. I thought it was all going to be like pop stuff I associate with Puff Daddy.

Wow. An inspired pick on the list. Possibly the most iconic hip hop album of all time.

"Really though, I got the cleanest, meanest penis" Lyrical genius right there.

Not The best of biggie

Possibly the worst record I've heard on this 1001, even including "Bongo Rock". Utter trash. Embarrassed to be listening to it. Hope to never hear it again. Amusingly earlier today I was telling a co-worker how gangster rap ruined the genre... I like all sorts of rap and hip-hop, just not interested in pop pop pop and sex noises (unless it's Zappa's "Make a Sex Noise"). Maybe there's a track here or there that isn't total garbage, but I'm sorry, if you can't rap without putting an expletive every ten words, you might want to find a different line of work.

Rolled my eyes when I saw the length, but ended up enjoying every minute of it. Something about the style and the flow is infectious, and a few of the tracks brought a genuine emotional response out of me

Not sure how to rate this one because it's wrong on so many levels, but has some songs that I like. With rhymes like jail & Patti LaBelle...you can't go wrong?! Pimping ain't easy, but it sure is fun!

Biggies skills were smooth. The skits are terrible and the videos are worse. West coast did it better.

I’ll admit that hip hop is not my forte. There’s some that I like and while I can appreciate this it never really grabbed me and it was way too long.

odustajem, ovo sam ocito nije moj zanr

Goat

Hyped a lot, yet not at all to my liking. I really tried, listened through. Boring or annoying. All the same to me. Seems I am no gangsta ;-)

Not a rap fan

Didn't finish. Like the old school beats. Vocabulary seems to be limited. Narcissistic. Our current culture makes sense in light of this album.

Love me some biggie. De interludesene kan han drite i tho

Insanely produced, not necessarily for me all the time. Definitely suits one of my vibes! Love.

Alright alright, a standout album of its genre, so they say and they're probably not lying, but it's not for me. And that's even before fully paying attention to the lyrics. And, as it turns out, some of the ~sounds. While I like me some beats, my life has no connection to this music's content and I'm extremely cool with that.

Well... Dunno. Beats, style, all good. But skits and lyrics, not my thing. So since I am not an OG I only give 3/5.

Horrible, would give it zero stars if I could. Just strings of profanity to a drum machine

I was looking forward to listening to this album but unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it. A lot of good songs were ended by over production of sex and unnecessary shit. My favorite song on the album was Respect however again at the end if you decide to not skip after the song ends you have to hear a girl get talked into giving a sloppy BJ.

Great production. Not really my taste but I can appreciate it. Wouldn't listen again.

god

Not for me

You cannot go wrong listening to Biggie. Truly a classic album from one of the O.G.s... literally. Fantastic album.

Something I can never appreciate

3 There are some songs I really love the flow of, but I can't forgive the mid 90s

Biggie commands your attention so much, it's such a nice rap album that isn't just comfortable staying in the background, but at the same time, it has a great ambience and atmosphere, just louder, like a charismatic friend constantly talking to you

I really wanted to like this, but it's just so nihilistic.

No more hip hop please. It's just not for me. I've tried with all the records people claim are 'the best' but I just can't stand it. The misogynic lyrics, abject violence, self aggrandizement, terrible tropes of 'look how dangerous I am' and 'look how much money I have'. It's all just laughable. This record is no exception. I wanted to like this album; part of the fun of this project is finding something that you didn't think you would like but end up enjoying. I was sort of hoping this record might make me enjoy hip hop a little more. Alas, no. It was the same thing I've heard over and over from hip hop artists for the last 30 years. Parts of this album were actually gross, which isn’t something you can say about a lot of music. Like who needs to hear him getting a blowjob? Especially one that he forced the girl to give after she repeatedly said no. No thanks, hard pass from me.

The hits on this are iconic. Too bad the skits and everything else is pretty cringe. 2/5

Why are there uncomfortable skits of fucking? 😭 Other than that, this album is amazing, albeit a bit outdated. The beats and lyricism is amazing. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true. This is a Hip Hop classic. It’s still a five because I don’t want another 4 Star album rating.

Such a strong A-side, excluding the intro and the skit. All the tracks up to and including "Juicy" are violent, melancholy, and yet also fun and celebratory. Weary criminal undertakings but with fun wordplay in a party song package about finally making it as a wealthy and famous rapper. The B-side is less strong but still consistently solid all the way through. Biggie Smalls was a great rapper who set a tight, multifaceted tone of knowing relief and good times amidst violent chaos. 4.2 rounded down.

muss ich nicht haben

Wow. Knowing very little, in the grand scheme of things, about rap and hip-hop, I don’t think I could tell you what makes this a standout example of its genres. But do know art when I see it, know an artist when presented with one. The concept of this album (loose though it may be at times), is well considered. Starting with Biggie’s birth and childhood, and ending with his suicide, it explores all aspects of his life, past and present. He tackles his criminal past, love, sex, fame and wealth (which I was confused about since this is his debut album and he presumably hadn’t achieved widespread fame yet; think I’m missing something there), poverty, stress, and much more. It’s a mosaic of his life, and each track feels like it was intricately written and produced to tell a specific part of it. It’s quite engaging. His delivery feels buttery-smooth while still conveying the emotion of each track. He’s not rushing or trying to impress the listener with how fast he can rap. He wants to be heard and understood. Where some rap can turn an uninitiated listener off with its references to other parts of the culture, fast deliveries, or just otherwise unfamiliar musical concepts, this album and Biggie himself stay rooted firmly in the moment of each song. The samples are brilliantly used to the point where I couldn’t always tell what was and wasn’t a sample. I cannot say enough about this album. It’s long but never overstays its welcome. It’s funny, it’s serious, it’s entertaining, it’s tragic. Absolutely no doubt 5 stars. I need more. Standout tracks: Intro (reminded me of Dark Side of the Moon’s “Speak to Me”), Things Done Changed, Machine Gun Funk, Ready to Die, One More Chance, Juicy, Everyday Struggle, Unbelievable, Suicidal Thoughts

Again, another album I wasn't really expecting to enjoy, but did. My first exposure to sampling used across an entire album that really added to it was Paul's Boutique by The Beastie Boys. This album had that feel. It was at times a little repetitive, but stuff would still surprise me.

The impact and influence this had is so clear to see

Very aggressive and crude. But okay it’s 90s HipHop.

Great album. Total surprise.

Psychopathic Phunk

Was so desperate for the beat to do something different... I get the idea but it also reminded me why I used to hate rap. I think the genre has grown in a much more creative and interesting way, and I also think rap wouldnt be the same without him.

I just can't understand this stuff. It doesn't feel like music. It's a beat with a hum and words that are overloaded with dark emotions that don't resonate with my experience of the world. I tried, got about 4 songs in. Sorry Mister Big.

One of the greatest MCs of all time. One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Incredible honesty. Biggie really wrestled with his street life and his guilt for living that life here. People saying it's just about fucking and killing aren't listening at all.

It's been a long time since I listened to this album. I'm not sure if it's the nostalgia or not, but the music and rap are still very solid. I would have rated it higher but the length created by skit elements. The voiceover skit and referential track sound to start or end a track doesn't appeal to me now and it didn't when this came out.

I forgot I liked rap honestly. This album made me remember how good rap songs could be. As we follow big’s life we find our more about him. It reminded me of loads of films form the 90s.

I mean. I can absolutely understand why he was a big deal. This isn't really my favorite genre either and there were several songs I strongly disliked, but there were some undeniably solid tracks as well. 3/5

Somehow I've never listened to this whole album. It's certainly aged a lot, but it is still great. 3.75 stars.

Seminal gangster material. Shame it didn't work out too well for this talented individual.

Witty dark lyrics, but other than the hits I don’t find this to be a good listen

Not for me and given what happened to him, odd to hear for the first time.

Not my style but I did like Ready To Die.

Im not a rap enjoyer but this was really good 4

Overall, I really wanted to give this a 2. Lyrically, every song is amazing. And the beats and lyrics and beats on the singles are perfect. But the beats on the other songs are really disappointing. But lyrically it's too special to be given a 2.

Not at all musical, (or to my personal taste), but I can see how his lyrics would resonate with a younger audience. Obviously the man had a huge ego, but his words paint a picture.

nope

GOAT

I debating a 5/5. I'm doing it.

Okay, I get it Biggie, you have a gun and you’re not afraid to use it. 2 stars.

Dat Amang goed kan rijmen vind ik knap, maar zijn timing is waarom hij voor mij de beste rapper ooit is. Niet alleen qua rap, maar ook qua muziek is dit album deel van de bakermat van hip hop en daardoor voor altijd legendarisch natuurlijk. Die baslijn van juicy blijft altijd onweerstaanbaar, wel jmmr dat het een sample is, net als veel andere kruidige beats van hem. Wat ik het leukste aan hem vind is dat je aan z’n stem kan horen dat hij tonnetje rond is

Top tier. Niet voor niets een van de grootste rappers aller tijden. De ene beat nog harder dan de andere. De ene line nog vuriger dan de andere. De manier waarop deze man op de beat springt, bars spit en speelt met woorden is ongekend. Je zou het kunst kunnen noemen.

Goed

Solid classic

Biggie was certainly a generational talent—his flow, his wordplay, his attitude, his storytelling, all just awesome. Anything he set out to do on this album, he succeeded in doing. What knocks it down from 5 stars to 4 is some of the skits. Not all were bad, but I’ll never forgive Puffy for making me listen to the 30 straight seconds of wetness at the end of “Respect.”

few songs I new but most were new. Other than the slop noises in the interludes just a solid old hip hop album

I dont like hiphop and yet im still giving this album 5 stars. If you don't know, now you know.

Mans was only 22. Whack. Gritty, crass, and one of the best hip hop albums of all time.

It was ok

Great tracks!

Einfach ein Blowjob als Übergang

Some great songs, production and use of samples. Enjoyable listen even if personally struggled with the language and misogyny.

Obscenity doesn’t equal artistic courage.

Some good songs on this record. Overall a bit longer than I probably prefer. Biggie's vocal deliveries are so smooth, gotta have one of the most recognizable voices in music. That being said, I did get a bit bored even if this album does end on some bigger songs. The sex and blowjob interludes are bizarre - no idea why anyone would want to hear these parts every time they spin this album. I enjoy Biggie from a singles perspective, not sure about a whole album at this point.

I wasn't sure if this would be my thing but mannnn... the deeper into the album i got the more i enjoyed it. could do without the sex skits tbh but other than that it's a vibe all the way through

Iconic hip hop album, some of Biggie's biggest singles, such an interesting album to listen.

No.

The music is good, the lyrics flow, but the skits are bad. The album is just too long and Puff Daddy's presence is a drag...

Didn’t enjoy anything about this. It’s not at the bottom of the barrel like NWA are but still an easy 1 star.

Such a great album. Not normally a huge fan of hip-hop. But could listen to this over and over again.

Great Rap from the 90's.

I know that this man was a Huge symbol for many future rappers and that his style of rap has been used by Many famous current Rap and Hip Hop artists….he deserves their praises and the honors they bestow upon his memory. May he Rest in Power….this is just not music I listen to or have been exposed to…not my jam but mean no disrespect…

No

92/100 Slightly generous 5 but a 4 would be harsh

It's okay. Didn't feel compelled to skip any songs, so there's that. He's seems to be very interested in being rich and f'ing b*tches. Fave songs 'Big Poppa' and 'Suicidal Thoughts' 3/5

Great album, classic tracks, B.I.G had a great voice.

7,1

3,8/5

Niet mijn kopje thee. Sterker nog: ik kan hier niet naar luisteren, bareugh.

A monumental album which helped cement my lifelong love for hip-hop.

What's not to love about Biggy!!!

Originaler Rap und entsprechend wütend.

I guess he was a prophet. Some of his hooks are soooo good. "If you don't know, now you know" is a favorite phrase of mine. On the whole though . . . pretty dated.

Rap???

Not into gansta rap, all the BITCH, FUCK, NIGGAS, MF, ASS, BLACK STEEL, BIG BOOTY lyrics are not part of my world, I have never been an aggressive man and always hated the alpha males who brag and hit instead of trying to reflect upon themselves. Add that is not the political rap that I do get, go and fight the system like e.g. Public Enemy instead of focusing on your own genitals and how tough you are. So I can try to review the music which is i general nice, good samples, nice rhythms. But it does not work, all this gangsta shit annoys me too much. 2 stars.

Couldn’t connect to the content of this album and didn’t listen to it in its entirety.

World class! The interludes were great, but definitely not safe for work. There are a lot of great tracks with fresh beats in the back half that I had never heard before.

Ready to Die is just an absolute epic. I am somewhere between a 4 and 5 on this.. it could do really do with getting rid of the sex noises I lean towards a 5 though because his rapping is simply so much fucking fun to listen to, against the gritty backdrop of his NYC drug dealing backstory. The beats are great and Juicy might be the best hip hop song ever? Certainly one of my favourites Yeah this is a 5. If you don't know, now you know!

notorious b.i.g. should absolutely be part of this list! his ready to die album contains one of his biggest songs, "big poppa," and is a double album that could've been shortened. truth be told, i don't think i've ever heard of a debut double album before! the song "everyday struggle," written by him, is possibly showing him at his most vulnerable but also revealing his frustrated commentary toward society. the songs that included misogyny and/or objectification and/or overt sex noises, well, i could do without those. but continually, the samples chosen for this entire album were by black artists. there were a few exceptions, but there are so many black artists used that notorious b.i.g. must have done this purposefully.

This is undoubtedly an incredibly influential hip-hop album. As someone who isn't even much of a fan of hip-hop and rap music, I recognized a few of these songs or lyrics from these songs that have long-time significance in pop culture. That said, the album just didn't do much for me. Biggie can definitely rap, no doubt about it, but I just didn't find myself really personally appreciating the content.

Not really for me, but I guess that’s the whole point. All in all it was great.

Weirdly prophetic title. Still a solid album. Very funky.

Too many recordings on this album. No lyrics, only statements to a good beat. What comes to mind is singer had a hard, troubled, unhappy life. Not an album a parent, grandparent, brother or sister would be bragging about.

I don‘t like rap

The misogynism was bad then and it's jarring now. The skits are cringe as hell. The threats of violence are eye roll inducing. But the music is great, the flow is great, the production is great. A snapshot in time.

One of my favorites. Bought this album and lost it like three times. Finally bought it on vinyl a year ago hopefully for the last time.

I got the cleanest, meanest, penis. - En sætning som har været i mit baghovede i 9 år. - Er det passende at kalde det en ear worm?🤔 - Det var i en Ja Rule sang! Overraskende nemt og spændende lyt.

Laidback flow der minder om G-funk. Mangler hooks der hænger fast og adskiller hvert track fra hinanden. Jeg mangler at blive “trukket” ind af musikken. Voldsomme lyrics der handler om kriminalitet og mord. Den tilbagelænede lyd og ekstreme tekst giver en foruroligende kontrast.

bangin, hypy

Starts with a presumably biographical skit - chronological music under dialog “People are getting robbed and shot!” “I’m robbing and shooting people!”

To be clear, I don’t like rap. That said, this one wasn’t bad… until THAT song. Who in their right mind heard that and thought, “sounds great, let’s put it in an album?” For that, this gets one star.

Typical rap. Can't quite get into it either. Heavy topics touched.

It's a shame biggie was stolen from us so young. Such an immense talent with amazing flow. One of the greats and this debut is so killer. RIP

Lots of nostalgia but it was hard to get through the sex noise. It is easier to enjoy the songs individually. I know it's supposed to be a biography, so that's cool. Parts of is it just felt like he was trying to be controversial and it was difficult to enjoy. I do remember what a big deal this was when it came out. Pretty ground breaking. Just not good music to me.

Not for me. Music was good. Can’t relate to lyrics

Not my thing, but fine.

This album shines despite its gaping flaws. The skits are atrociously uncomfortable and heavy handed. The lyrical content is misogynistic and braggadocios. But the execution of the songs themselves is flawless. Buttery smooth vocals paired with catchy rhymes and bubbly boom bap beats. Lovely background vocals lift a lot of the songs up as well. Every single song on this album is a hip hop classic with good reason. That's very difficult to pull off. The strengths are so strong that it gets 5 from me even despite its blemishes.

Man, does this guy talk about his dick a lot.

Trim a little off and you have an amazing record

Good structure, and nice touch in the Intro with the progression of music genre till the HipHop, but I'm not a fan of listening this kind of Rap and less one Full CD.

a hip hop album hasn't floored me this much in so long. its 5 just for gimme the loot

ES EL ALBUM QUE MAS ME HE ESCUCHADO EN MI CONSCIENTE VIDA AMOR ETERNO BIGGIE

Great Album.

Not a rap fan

Keine gute Rezension möglich, da nicht alle songs bei Spotify und trotzdem nicht richtig durchgehört. Ersteindruck 3/5.

- Ich habe Biggie Smalls das erste mal vor 20 Jahren gehört und zwar im Soundtrack von dem großartigen „Hardball“ mit Keanu Reeves. Der Track „Big Poppa“ spielt hier eine wichtige Rolle. Ich fands damals direkt geil, auch wenn es noch einige Jahre dauern sollte, bis ich mir selber das Notorious B.I.G. Best-Of bei iTunes runterladen konnte/durfte. - Bei der Frage 2Pac oder Biggie war ich immer eher auf der Seite von Pac. Insgesamt hat mir der Westcoastrap immer etwas besser gefallen. - Was ich an Biggie aber immer geil fand ist sein wahnsinnig chilliger flow. - Insgesamt fehlt mir ein bisschen die Abwechslung - Warum das Album von der Rolling Stone auf Platz 22 der 500 besten Alben gewählt wurde verstehe ich ehrlich gesagt nicht und schreit mir nach Konzessionsentscheidung: „Oh shit! Wir brauchen noch ein Hip-Hop Album. Ja gut, dann nehmen wir Notorious B.I.G…“ - Insgesamt cool, aber ich hör dann doch lieber das Best-Of Rating: 2,75-3/5

- Ich höre sehr alte Rap-Alben mittlerweile wie viele Rock/Pop Klassiker. Nämlich irgendwie immer mit so einer Art Meta-Filter. Das führt dazu, dass ich nie wirklich "nur" die Musik wirken lassen, sondern der Gesamteindruck und vor allem die historische und kulturelle Bedeutung sehr hohen Stellenwert hat. Ich würde es gerne ausklammern, kann ich aber nicht. - Jetzt mal am Beispiel meiner zurzeit bis zum Erbrechen gehypten Run The Jewels: Ich würde mir niemals Zuhause, in der Stadt oder beim Sport ein Song von Biggy anschmeißen, sondern eher von RTJ, weil die Musik mir einfach besser gefällt. Dennoch finde ich das Album Ready To Die (was fast einstimmig von allen Musikmagazinen auf der ganzen Welt als bestes HipHop Album aller Zeiten gehandelt wird) als "Kulturprodukt" total spannend und interessant. - Die Art und Weise wie Biggy flowt, rappt, Interludes benutzt, Humor mit düsteren Themen verbindet und textet ist Genreprägend. - Ich finde es ist ein Album (und Künstler) wo man zu keiner Sekunde daran zweifelt, dass das, wovon er rappt, absolut der Wirklichkeit entspricht. Sei es Depressionen, Gewalt, Drogen, Sex. Der Typ und das ganze Album ist (abseits natürlich vom Humor) Authentizität pur. - Um mir die Tracks im Alltag zu geben, fehlt mir aber ein bisschen mehr Energie in der gesamten Produktion. Es ist wie bei vielen frühen HipHop Alben. Hier ist eben der Text im absoluten Vordergrund. Komposition, Dramaturgie, Beats sind nur mittel zum Zweck und das gefällt mir persönlich leider nicht so gut. 3/5

Joar hat mich irgendwie nicht abgeholt. Ich muss mir zwischendurch nicht anhören, wie geballert oder Head verteilt wird. Beattechnisch geht auch nicht allzu viel ab, finde ich, vieles klingt gleich und verschwimmt im Einheitsbrei. Rap-technisch ebenfalls schon Besseres gehört. Auf den Text habe ich wenig geachtet, kann mir aber gut zusammenreimen, worum es so ging. Rating: 1 / 5 ⭐

Tracks Started to sound similar but wasn’t able to listen fully.

Not my style of rap, but not bad.

Incredible album, that drags very slightly in a few spots. Still a 5 star banger.

Good Drum base. Explicit lyrics.

I’m not a huge rap fan, but Biggie’s rhymes and flow are impeccable.

One of my favorite hip hop albums of all time

Filled with standout lines and killer beats, but just too long for its own good, as is common with this era of rap.

Ei tosiaan huonointa ysäriräppiä vaan aika hyvää, jonkinlainen raskaus tässä kiehtoo. Toisaalta tosi vähän jäi mieleen paitsi kaikki dick-jutut. Vois muuten olla kolmonen eli hyvä, mutta mieleenpainuvuuden puuttumisen takia pakko antaa vähemmän.

Ensimmäinen kerta, kun kuuntelen tämän ison kaverin levyn kokonaisuudessaan. Seurauksena jonkin asteinen "revelation" - sanojen käyttö ja ääntelyn esteettiikka kantavat koko 1h 16min ajan. Biiteissä turvaudutaan, luojan kiitos, suhteelliseen minimalistiseen kaavaan: yksinkertainen komppi + pari melodista elementtiä. OK, hitit Juicy ja Big Poppa ovat minulle liian letkeitä, ja levy kaipaisi vielä paria Gimme the Loot -tyyppistä mantraa. Mutta harvoin kukaan artisti kykenee yhdistämään yhtä tasaisen laadun tällaiseen skaalaan aitoja tunnereaktioita. Artistin suhde seksiin on vulgaari muttei brutaali, ja Suicidal Thoughts ON lakonisen mietityttävä.

If it weren't for the words "motherfucker," "Nigger" and "Shit" this album would be about five minutes long. So it's the "truth" from the hood....what a shitty life. And why glorify it on a recording? Rhythmically interesting at times, but mostly....who gives a shit. Rap sucks.

Okay, doch heftige Texte

Nix für mich!

Not for me

Like his voice and his style. Sadly lyrics seem to be a look into his ultimate death.

10/10

Overhyped? Definitely, but at least I can understand what is being said. Though I almost didn’t get that far because Intro is just god awful. Thankfully, the rest of the album isn’t as stupid as that track but it is rapping about the typical material found on a rap album. Only gets a 2 because I can understand the lyrics.

Firstly, I find it tragic that any 24 year old’s life was taken in such a violent way. The album. Nauseating. Not sure if it’s the horrendous skits, the appalling lyrics or the consistent call to violence that I hate the most. The violence is glamourised and celebrated far too much. I don’t believe in censoring artists material, but I have a choice, and I will never choose this. If that makes me a boomer, then so be it.

One of the greatest albums of all time? Unlike the people in that fateful car, I must be missing something. I just don't see what there is to like, or dare I say, admire about overtly sweary morons like this. Boring and tedious are just some of the positives for this effort. If I was remotely interested in going to town with what I really want to say, I might find myself riddled in shotgun pellets by some disgruntled muthafuckin hip hop fan. As for the interlude which sounds like a recording of BIG having sex? Just too much for me. Update: now up to the 'Blow job' interlude and I've had enough of this dead twat. I'm actually glad he isn't around anymore to make any more of this dogshit and have turned it off. Can I give it 0?

did not care for the language, therefore only listened for 1 minute & 45 seconds.