Reviews (page 6 of 14)
The best thing this challenge has done for me is get me into liking rap and hip hop, and I understand that this is one of those rap albums you have to like but I found it largely boring. It was ok I guess but not what I like to hear in rap. It does things right it just isn’t for me
Top track: Juicy / One More Chance
3.4 2x fun and good tracks
già sentito😝😝😝😝 e spacca
insanely impressive album on all fronts for such a young artist at the time. strong production and an unmistakable voice
I did not enjoy this record, pretty much at all. The only true redeeming quality is Biggie's flow, and thats only if you don't really pay attention to what he's rapping about. Gangster rap is a product of its time, and unfortunately, I don't think it holds up at all. I couldn't imagine pulling this out at a social function and trying to convince my friends and family that the sex noises at the end of "Respect" are actually some deep introspective look at gangster culture. Its just a fat man getting some sloppy toppy from a prostitute. 1/5.
Filled to the brim with classics, grooves that justify an 1hr 15 runtime. Hard to say anything bad about it, just a whole vibe
Good raps good beats bad skits
Another confirmation I'm not into classic hiphop
the balance of the beats and the lyrics is god tier
Biggie is so damn convincing and charismatic, if I have one qualm it’s having met impressionable young men who took this as license to be thugs. They were gonna find that green light somewhere, that ain’t Biggie’s fault, but much like Scorsese’s gangsterland films, there’s the trade-off of depicting the highs as SO HIGH and the lows kinda tucked away - the parts you come back for over and over are not the lows. Somehow Biggie’s fate makes this even more appealing for a certain sort. Anyhow I’d kinda been done with the gangsta rap several years before Ready to Die hit the zeitgeist, so I’ve always appreciated Biggie from a remove. Undeniable storytelling chops, delivery, flow, timing, etc. But wow, what a long album! I get the financial incentive here probably demanded packing this to the 70+ minute max CDs could afford but daaaamn. So many skips! And that jackass Combs popping up here and there to do what, guest vocal? Miss me with that shit. Cut this down to a 35 minute collection and it’s a classic 5 stars, but with the bloat and Combs, I just can’t get there.
One of the few albums I didn't force myself to listen to every track. I try not to consider myself a prude or a puritan, but I can not handle lyrics this explicit
OK. 2/5
Great beats and rapping. Not loving the gansta/misogyny stuff.
Déjà vu... or I suppose in this case, déjà entendu... Here we have yet ANOTHER debut rap album that runs too long and is littered with superfluous skits. Could someone please explain the obsession with this formula? And the obsession with avocado appliances in the 70s? I've never understood that one, either. I don't want to fail this, but I'm struggling to find a reason not to... I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't listen to it again, it's too long, the skits are an unnecessary distraction, the lyrics are one-dimensional (and base)... Biggie may have flow; it's just too bad he couldn't use his talent for something more... wholesome.
Meh. While I’m sure this was significant for some it did nothing for me. It was too long, and nothing stood out that I would want to replay again.
It's a great album, even with the skits.
Rap/Hip-Hop is not usually my area but... I enjoyed the beats and sample choices, there was a smooth groove to each track and the vocal delivery was deliberate, confident and purposeful. Not really directed solely at this album but I do find continuous swearing becomes a little tiresome. The lyrical themes are also limited; at one point there is a line about being stereotyped, which is buried in an album that constantly talks about drugs, guns and treating women poorly. This lost the album a couple of stars. And who wants to listen to slurping sex noises? Yes, I know, I don't understand the genre, but this stuff drags down the album.
Too much penis
Um clássico do Hip Hop. É um produto do seu tempo, mas ainda é legal de ouvir. QKZXHBB Hades.
4.75
*No music on this album. Merely RAP and foul language
A rap god is born for a brief shinning moment.
On ne peut passer à côté de cet album. Cependant, j'enlève un point pour les skits absolument dégueulasses. Note: plusieurs chansons de cet album sont non disponibles au Canada sur Spotify, dont The What.
Really misogynistic and creepy. Talented rapper but I felt very uncomfortable with a lot of the songs.
I really liked this one. Didn't expect that! The skit at the end of Warning with them both realizing they have red dots on their head is funny > Oh, shit > What? What's wrong? > What's that red dot on your head, man? > What red dot? > Oh, shit! You got a red dot on your head, too > Oh, shit!
Also not my speed
Nisam mogla slušati ovo, jbg. 1/5, 1/10
Was kinda nodding off until Juicy hit and this long album picks up way more after that. Plenty of tracks I would cut, but overall it’s bumpin. Minus one star for making me hear head or an imitation of head. Don’t know which would be worse.
So it seems now I have become my parent. Just as my parents could not understand my rock and roll, I don’t get this music. While some of the messaging may be the same as it relates to sex and drugs, my music was a bit more discreet on the topics. The huge disconnect for me though is the obscene glorification of violence and the degradation of women. I get it, it’s real and raw, but that doesn’t make it acceptable. Sorry.
I love buggie's sense of rhythm in his line delivery. The beats he chooses and the way he interacts with them are awesome. Some of the lyrics are witty too. I want so much to put rank it higher. The skits and the flow of this album are painful though. Over an hour and it feels like half of it is cartoonish sex or violence things.
Nope, couldn't get through it. I don't think I'll ever enjoy this genre of music.
A classic to many, I didn’t vibe with it as much
American dog shit!!!!
ok, a classic one.
Bleh. It's gray and rainy today and I was hoping for music to match the weather. Oh well.....off to work I go. It's fine for mid-90s rap; I've just heard too much of it lately. 2.5/5
enjoyed it more than I thought I would
Blown away by the flow and lyricism here. Those lyrics are poetic and abhorrent. 4/5 and I'll likely never listen to it again.
Classic Biggie - 4.5/5
Ahhh more songs about committing crimes and dicking chicks down. Biggie's probably my favorite of the rappers of the era, but Jesus Christ some of these tracks are so stupid. The album is ok, not my type of thing. I dont hate it but I don't love it. Although I like Biggies style, I really didnt click with any of this album. Maybe one or two of the songs really drew me in, but I lot of it didn't hit. Standouts are "Big Poppa" and "Respect." Gotta give this one a 2, it was below average for me. I don't really want to revisit any of it.
I turned it on. Skipped through it. Its as bad now as before. Turned it off
1. Intro - 1.5 2. Things -1.5 3. Loot - 2 4.funk-1 5. Warning - 1.5 6. Ready - 1.5 7. Chance - 1 8. Fuck - 0 9. What - 1 10. Juicy -2 11. Struggle -1 12. Bitch -0 13. Poppa - 2.5 14. Respect -1 15. Friend -1.5 16. Unbelievable -1 17. Suicidal - 0 18. Shot - 1 19. Playing - 1.5
Good but rap doesn't sit right with me - I'll never be able to sing along!
3,7
I couldn't listen to all that. I listened to the first song but that was all I could take
This album is a movie. It's easy to hear how Biggies effortless flow, punchy lyrics, and creative storytelling still have a heavy influence on hip-hop today I will never complain about another Mac Miller interlude ever again. 5 outta 5 Classic
I feel like I've been traumatized by proxy. There's all the violence and bravado and misogyny that freaked people out in the 90s, but there's also a lot of creativity and vulnerability and candor that makes you felt like the machismo is compensation.
On one hand, Biggie is one of the greatest storytellers in all of rap. His rhymes are deceptively complex, he’s easy to understand, and he paints vivid landscapes of the life of an east coast gangster. He changed the genre forever. On the other hand, I’ve always found the production pretty muddy and uninspired, and tiresome after an hour. RZA or Dre or any number of others would have been incredible. Or imagine some of those early Fugees or Nas songs with Biggie at the helm. Tupac’s works suffered from the same issues. It’s still a stone cold classic. I just wish it went a little harder. He deserved better.
3.5/10
Not my bag at all, tried listening to it, but rap and opera are the only two genres I struggle with. It’s a no star for me.
This album is probably great for someone who is really into rap, but for me it's just OK. It's definitely iconic though. 3/5
Porn CD with a few musical interludes. At least it was entertaining
So passé. Why are we still idolizing people like him?
Good ol' oldschool hiphop
Absolute amazing album. From the lyrics to the production to the stories that he tells. Yeah there's a few ridiculous interludes, but the rest of the album stands so strong
14-year-old boys would love this album
Nop, odeio isto. Next
This gets a lot of criticism for glorifying abuse, homophobia, and crime, and we can all agree that Biggy was probably not the nicest dude. But, I mean, it’s Ready to Die, what else would you think this would be? I actually like the overly hypersexed skits. This album wouldn’t have such a sense of humor without them. I’m tremendously not a fan of rap, but every time I play Ready to Die, I always wonder if it’s the best rap album ever made. No other album from any genre feels so deeply autobiographical. You know who Biggy is after listening to this. And, despite the crazed world Biggy lived in and conveys here, his word choice is always so spot on, you can’t help but smile even when he’s describing something terrible. I always hear something new on each listen too. Biggy would tell all naysayers against Ready to Die to go take dirt naps. I won’t go so far, but I will say, this is worth the hype. Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.
I'm just accepting of the fact that rap/hip-hop by and large isn't my thing. But. This has some truly great production. There's so many sounds and samples and bits and bobs to discover while I'm trying to ignore the spoken word part.
Maan if it wasnt for the random sex noises and questionsble lyrics… I really dont know if I should give it a 4 or 5. If I look at the Rap Albums i have at 5, I think of all of them as flawless. This, while having some of the best Hiphop songs ever recorded, is not flawless sadly. If I could cut the weird lines, noises, Puff out of the record it would be a 10/10
First time listen. Enjoyed although a bit long and feels dated at times. Not my vibe but might have loved it back when it was first released.
If not for the sex skits, this would be a perfect album
My first vinyl ❤️
A couple of bangers, but too long and of course misogynistic, in my opinion.
Could never get into biggie. Not my thing. Hilarious BJ cutscene, though.
Pucha, íbamos bien igual al principio, luego escuché las letras, los gemidos, los tracks de transición entre canciones y luego ya no pude más. Meh.
(89/100)
East coast 90’s hip hop.
3.5
Another classic album this time by biggie!! So good and so many good songs!
Pretty good rap album. I expect it to grow on me potentially but i'm usually a greatest hits guy with biggie.
Really dang good... but not quite a 5 for me. No real complaints with it, just that after looking through the tracklist, a few songs haven't made a huge impression after a few listens. 8/10
East Coast 90s hip hop at it's finest, super listenable tales of his experiences (or fiction writing) on the street. His smooth voice makes for a calmness in all of his raps. One of the top albums in the genre from this period for sure. Great storytelling in his raps that keeps the listener interested.
Skemmtileg og flott plata
Mér finnst ég vera töff að hlusta á þetta.
This one didn’t really change my mind. I appreciate the sampling and his style, but East Coast and gangsta rap just aren’t my thing.
Super Nintendo Sega Genesis
Nope, sorry. Not my genre.
He had the cleanest, meanest penis. Some classic hip hop grooves on this, Juicy, Big Poppa, Me and My Bitch are iconic. A real blend of provocative outbursts and a reflective piece on a crazy chaotic life. Could have done without the annoying pager noises and the shagging
I do not fuck enough for this
Ok for what I listened too, but couldn’t get through it all. Wouldn’t listen again.
Just could not get into it. Some cool music and beats but lyrically ugh
One of those albums I've seen the cover of my entire life and known I needed to listen to. Biggy and this era of rap are my blind spot but I have been learning more and more over the last 2 years or so. Fantastic album. The amount of things that had me going "that's from this??!?!" alone makes it a masterpiece. Favorite song: Juicy & Big Poppa
Too long … and really not my thing.
too many sex sounds lol
I had forgotten just how legendary Biggie was. Every song on here burrows into your ear and forces you to bop along to the beat. I might not ever be able to truly relate to the lyrics, but that doesn't matter here. He tells you his story, and you can't help but relate in whatever way you can. "Big Poppa" is the show stealer here of course. The album as a whole is probably 4 stars but bumping it to 5 because, RIP Biggie.
I'm not a fan of rap, but I suppose this is probably a very good rap album. I did not enjoy listening to it.
I’m blushing ……
he’s too cool for me tbh
Eh
Quite long
So happy this was to start. Even better than I remember. 5/5
I do not like literal fucking in my fucking ear when I'm listening to music. Why do I have to hear this big fat nigga fucking and getting sucked off just to also hear "You look so good I'd suck on your daddy dick?" BIG NIGGA PAAAAUUUUUSSSSEEEEEE GODDAMN! Anyway other than that this album is good, I definitely hear, feel, and understand the influence it holds.
13/09/2025 Didn't really blow my mind, but better than we have in today's standards. Spotify listeners: 22.6 million
Good beat but this man had way too much drama in his short life.
Silleen musiikillisesti olo yllättävän monipuolista ja vaihtelevaa mutta sanotukset oli aivan kauheita. Ja miksi yhtäkkiä jotain seksiääniä😥 En nyt muutenkaan vibaillu tätä.
A classic among classics
a little too raunchy for my taste
Der er nogle enkelte kæmpe bangers på den her, men generelt lidt overrated imo. Meget god rapper
For lang men Biggie er en fed rapper og der er mange gode beats!
A bit much sucking of the dick, otherwise fine!
Idk not my thing
i mean come on. what, you're gonna deny this? christ. deserves to be one of the 1001? yes yes yes, it does it does!
Jättebra! Bra texter, otroliga rim, bra story, men låtarna var kanske liite lika varann ibland. Fett bra dock
Notorious creative talent paints a picture of struggles he faced during the time of the Album.
Gritty. Very good grooves
Gangsta-rap. På en mandag. Suk.
Really liked this. Aside from things here and there I’d never really listened to his music, but this was great. I’m no Hip Hop connoisseur by any means but I know what I like and this album had me nodding throughout. Like a lot of albums of its kind, it outstays its welcome. There’s some gumph on it, but it’s still a solid 4.
Highlights: Things Done Changed, Warning. In a nutshell: a softer kind of gangsta. On Ready To Die, Biggie proved that a rappers don't need to be brash on a hip-hop album. You can still connect with listeners by the songwriting, the flow and the beat. Lines like "There's gonna be some slow-singing and flower-bringing if my burglar start ringing" (Warning) are genius! Tracks could have used some trimming (cringed at the intro of One More Chance). But that's my only complaint. Overall: 5/10
# 563 : Ready To Die Ready to Die – Influential, Iconic, and Kind of a Chore Ranked #22 on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Albums of All Time? Sure. But for me, it was more like #22 on the “Glad That’s Over” list. I can appreciate the influence, the beats were solid, and Biggie’s flow is undeniable—but I still don’t get rap. The content didn’t connect, and after an hour of the same three words, it started to feel like a lyrical treadmill. Too much violence, too much swearing, and not enough musical variety. It’s edgy, but not in a way that feels artistically useful to me. The title track was the best of the bunch, but even that couldn’t save the rest from being a bit of a slog. Verdict: Two stars… maybe. Glad I listened. Won’t be listening again. If you have to listen to this, look out for: Ready To Die Listened: 08/09/2025
dude - it's hard to listen to other rappers and think they're nearly as tough or scary as biggie - bro is so hard and these beats just make so much space for him to just talk the hardest street talk you've heard. any this came out decades ago!
Can appreciate what a rapping talent B.I.G. was although couldn’t necessarily resonate with the subject matter. And could have done with a few less of the ‘interludes’. Might not be sticking this one on for the fam!
You can hear how influential this is
Not a big fan of the content. Catchy tunes.
Good but all the songs sound the same to me
Insane
One of the all time greats of the hip hop world with a decidedly ok album. High points are one more chance, juicy and big poppa. However in-between there is a lot of weak production and stop start melodies. Biggie is always great but 2 thirds of the tunes here are dreck.
Wanted to rate this higher, as I like a lot of Biggie Smalls, including several tracks on this album, but almost all of the lyrics are about having sex (including a gross soundbite of a BJ), killing people, and finally, killing yourself.
This is one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time from possibly the most talented rapper of all time. Nobody comes close to Biggie for having it all - lyrical dexterity, brilliant, intricate word play, ingenuity and the smoothest flow imaginable. My only advice - skip the skits… 5⭐️
Interesting listen. Classic Biggy. This came out when I was 20. How did I miss it.
I get its significance but it does not hold up well. It has a lot of the bad 90s rap staples (unpleasant skits that make this awkward to listen to around others, too long, repetitive) and just doesn’t do it for me. I’ve never been a big biggie fan. Some of it is good, but isn’t a great overall listen and I’m not going back to it
Great album
8/10
Listened to this album many times and really really enjoy it. Of the story rap albums from the 90's, this is one of the best. I always picture Biggie walking down the street while rapping on this album. Makes it sound so easy
Ett till rapalbum från tidigt 90-tal. Ok, det är sköna beats och BIG har en skön röst/flow. En del låtar riktigt najs. Men fy fan vad tröttsamt det är med "skitarna" och tyvärr omöjligt att inte höra de sunkiga texterna. Det sexuella innehållet är så satans cringe.
En del texter har innehållsmässigt inte åldrats superväl och visst är skitsen jobbiga, men det här är verkligen en av världens bästa rappare så allt sånt är förlåtet.
ew
Hell yes
Legend
Not my thing
There's no doubt that Biggie was incredibly talented, but the relentless misogyny wasn't cute in the '90s and grates even more now.
Great album, hearing Who Shot Ya? on the remaster is tough knowing what is to come for him and Tupac
Absolutely insane album, really wish we could have got more from Biggie. The potential he displayed here really is quite like nothing else, just his rapping, his wit, and everything else going on make this one of the most amazing debut albums in hip hop.
to be fair he was in his early 20s
GTA Momento
It’s so good. Irresistible flow, excellent samples. Again, skits suck like they always do but it is what it is. Biggie’s a legend he can do what he wants.
Classic beats, chill era. Absolute top. Every game suddenly became GTA San Andreas. Also helps in making a tasty dinner according to my mom
5/5 Legit one of the most influencal, lyrically impressive hip hop albums EVER created. Shit like this is why Biggie's considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. It sucks that he left us in 1997 while only being 24 years old, I wonder how many other bangers he would've put out if he was still alive. I think the important part when listening to "ready to die" is that you shouldn't hold it to today's standards, especially when it comes to certain topics displayed on this album, like sex, violence and mysogyny. These things are as present today as they were in the 90s from all I know, people just shy away from reality cuz it's comfortable. I said it before about Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP and I say it again now: If you're too busy with complaining about the cussing & controversal themes in music, you should quit being a pussy. Get your head out your ass, this is hardcore hip hop - what did you expect?
Hood classic. I'm not a rap person but can appreciate it, especially given the lore around. Great beats on most tracks, too
Biggie wasn't the first rapper to get personal and vulnerable on a record - he wasn't even the first to commit suicide on wax (that's Scarface) - but he was the ingenious pioneer of rap as memoir. Before Eminem was letting the world know about his mom problems and female dilemmas, B.I.G. was discharging lines like: 'Fuck the world, fuck my moms and my girl / My life is played out like a Jheri curl, I'm ready to die'; 'Born sinner, the opposite of a winner / Remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner.' The debonair yet aggressive flow, the ability to voice two characters on 'Gimme the Loot' and 'Warning,' the appeal born from self-deprecation and comedic timing, all add to the mystique of an artist who has no misgivings about who he is.
Can't really listed to this after the P Diddy diddling revelations
Classic. Darker than I expected. Fun tracks too
the best album
This 5 comes with an asterisk. Yes, it's a little bloated, yes, the skits are lame, yes, we don't need Puffy as a hype-man... But Biggie's lyrical gift and his flow are just unreal. Absolute classic of an album.
классика жанра. маэстро у микрофона. но честно говоря, немного состарилось произведение. есть монотонные трэчки + отвратительные скиты про половую жизнь Бига. и ладно если бы такой скит был один....
lots of swearing...
Seminal
Some big hits on there but I can only handle the N word so many times. You know its a gangster rap album when 80% of the lyrics are the N word.
didnt listen, have heard before
As not a fan of rap I could at least understand what he was saying. It is not that I dislike the concept of rap and this one was rather enjoyable, but I can't listen to things with that many bad words. So, for that reason... 2 stars.
Classic 👌
I wasn't much of a fan of the content of the songs, or the parts of the songs that weren't rap. However, the music was good, and more often than not a bop.
Ready to Die is cited as one of the best rap albums of all time, and certainly of 90's, and it deserves the title. B.I.G's flow, lyricism, and laid back style were fresh for east coast ganger rap, and became genre defining after its reception. The tracks are well mixed and produced, with satisfying beats and killer samples.
Great to follow along with the story of a recovery from prison but back into the criminal world. Then the rest of the album comes and it's tough lyrically. The flow is top tier.
Really cool album that truthfully I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did. Love the storytelling here. 7.4/10
No private session used for Spotify. As typical with this genre, I feel like a eavesdropper as the frequent use of the N word makes me feel uncomfortable that and the misogyny. Not my thang.
bangers/but not my type
Great album, almost no notes. Back to back bangers throughout, only issue was random sex noises in middle -- why was this needed? Besides that, really enjoyable album that I'm excited to relisten to more than once.
Favourites: Things Done Changed, Machine Gun Funk, Ready to Die, One More Chance, Juicy, Me and My Bitch, Big Poppa, Friend of Mine, Suicidal Thoughts
This is a masterpiece, despite the sadness of much of the subject material and ultimately the fate of the artist.
Didnt get to listen to full album due to being unavailable but what i did hear was great
“You look so good, I’d suck on your daddy’s dick” 10/10
This album is honestly mind-blowing. I’ve always loved rap, but the 90s weren’t my cup of tea — maybe because I grew up in Serbia during a time when NATO was bombing the country, and that era just felt heavy in a very different way. Still, listening to Ready to Die feels like stepping into the peak of hip-hop. Biggie isn’t just a name — he’s a legend who left an impossible footprint in only 24 years of life. What really strikes me is his presence. The way he breathes through verses, how the words roll off his tongue with perfect clarity — smooth, but sharp. Most fans would call him one of the greatest lyricists, and while “lyricist” can mean different things to different people, I think Biggie’s power was in how real he sounded. He wasn’t ahead of his time; he was right on time for the 90s, embodying the voice of that generation. But as an individual, he was an old soul — someone with weight and wisdom beyond his years. He had two kids, two women, a marriage, a reputation as a straight-A student, still fearful of his mom, yet carrying the complexity of an entire era. And then there’s the title: Ready to Die. His most iconic album, named almost prophetically, because he died so young. You can’t separate the music from the tragedy — it makes his legacy echo even louder. Biggie didn’t just shape 90s rap; he made it timeless, leaving behind something raw, human, and unforgettable.
Favorites: Juicy, Everyday Struggle, Big Poppa Even though I'm west side 'til I die, I gotta admit this is an amazing album. The elite production combined with Biggie's hypnotizing flow and elite lyricism results in an hour-long project full of classics. 8.5/10
Top 5 rap album of all time, its pretty long but it was great to finally hear the hit songs as an album and as a whole. It's very explicit though!
I've heard it before and this is a fairly solid album, but not so much to my taste that I'd really feel inclined to listen to it again. HOWEVER there's a couple moments on this album that makes it completely unlistenable... I remember one of them going into it and skipped before it ruined too much for me, but I forgot the second part and :--) jfc. Would've gotten another star but I don't wanna listen to a blow job Best song the one that goes Live for the funk Die for the funk
beats yes rhymes yes hard yes misogyny yes (it was common at the time... but gawd, I hated it even then)
La fin de l'album est moins bon, mais c'est très bon dans l'ensemble. 4/5
Misogynistic, violent, homophobic… look, the beats are good as hell and I love a 90s flow. Biggie can rhyme with the best of them, arguably is the best of them and will always be incredibly influential. But lyrically I simply cannot get behind him. I generally am not a fan of Interludes, and this album is no exception. They not only add nothing to the experience, they actively detract from it. If I’m being generous, the album is an interesting study in self-loathing.
A wild ride. I've never actually listened to the whole thing all the way through, only ever catching the singles. Insane how much of a legacy this album and culture and era has, even today. I was tripping when I saw that it was making shawty and timbs jokes, and honestly disheartened at how a good day in the man's life was one without violence. Is it good musically? It's less than the some of its parts. Is it good as art? It's sublime. It's raising the bar for what I SHOULD call a 5 star.
Neat
not for me
#DÍA 27: 1001 Discos Que Hay Que Escuchar Antes De Morir (English Translation Below) Pues toca uno de los álbumes más míticos del Hip Hop, un clásico que ya había escuchado pero que ha sido todo un placer volver a disfrutarlo. Se trata del histórico debut de The Notorious B.I.G., una pieza fundamental en la historia del Hip Hop. Aunque caótico en su concepción —mostrando dos actitudes distintas en el rapero, una más relajada y otra más hardcore—, fue un éxito para Biggie que lo hizo posicionarse como una de las figuras más influyentes de la cultura. Algo que siempre me ha resultado impactante de este LP es la facilidad del rapero para, no sólo soltar piezas de su realidad de la forma más cruda y sin filtros posible, sino su capacidad para encajarlas en un flow que está lleno de ritmo, energía y que es reconocible al instante. Gimme the Loot es uno de los temas más reveladores del disco, una canción que a menudo se menciona como una de las mejores en pintar el crimen callejero. No solo eso, sino que es una perfecta muestra de las habilidades de Biggie como narrador, que dan un aspecto cinematográfico a todo el álbum, además de cómo usa su voz para diferenciar entre los dos personajes que ilustra. Por otro lado no le falta hablar acerca de su puesto dentro del Hip Hop, como en Juicy, donde revela que no le avergüenza haber podido alcanzar un buen nivel económico pese a ser algo que pudiese ser visto como negativo, considera que sufrió suficiente para llegar a ello. Es interesante dentro de la lista de canciones el contraste entre los temas más agresivos y punzantes, como Ready to Die, y los más relajados y con mayor accesibilidad, como la clásica Big Poppa. No obstante, el disco cierra en un momento realmente oscuro con los pensamientos más negativos del rapero, que terminan con su suicidio hipotético, un tema bastante extraño en comparación al resto del LP y difícil de olvidar. Un clásico en toda regla, la potencia en el flow de Biggie, la calidad de las instrumentales, la fuerza narrativa… Pienso que pierde algo de fuelle en los últimos minutos, con Friend of Mine, cuya misoginia no es ignorable, o Unbelievable, que parece una de las pistas menos trabajadas y es más olvidable. Eso sin contar los skits de sexo que son… Bastante incómodos. Favoritas: Things Done Changed, Gimme the Loot, Machine Gun Funk, Warning, Ready to Die, Juicy, Everyday Struggle, Me and My Bitch, Big Poppa, Suicidal Thoughts Menos favorita: Friend of Mine #DAY 27: 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die Well, here we have one of the most legendary Hip Hop albums, a classic I had already listened to but that was an absolute pleasure to revisit. It’s the historic debut of The Notorious B.I.G., a fundamental piece in Hip Hop history. Although chaotic in its conception—showing two different sides of the rapper, one more laid-back and the other more hardcore—it was a success for Biggie that positioned him as one of the most influential figures in the culture. Something that has always struck me about this LP is the rapper’s ability not only to spit out pieces of his reality in the rawest, most unfiltered way possible, but also to fit them into a flow that’s full of rhythm, energy, and instantly recognizable. Gimme the Loot is one of the album’s most revealing tracks, a song often mentioned as one of the best at depicting street crime. Not only that, but it’s also a perfect showcase of Biggie’s storytelling skills, which give the whole album a cinematic feel, along with how he uses his voice to distinguish between the two characters he portrays. On the other hand, he doesn’t shy away from talking about his place in Hip Hop, as in Juicy, where he reveals he isn’t ashamed of having reached financial success—even if it might be seen as a negative—because he believes he suffered enough to get there. Within the tracklist, it’s interesting to note the contrast between the more aggressive and hard-hitting songs, like Ready to Die, and the more laid-back and accessible ones, like the classic Big Poppa. Nevertheless, the record closes in a truly dark moment with the rapper’s most negative thoughts, ending with his hypothetical suicide—a rather strange track compared to the rest of the LP and one that’s hard to forget. A true classic in every sense—the power of Biggie’s flow, the quality of the instrumentals, the strength of the storytelling… I think it loses a bit of steam in the final minutes, with Friend of Mine, whose misogyny can’t be ignored, or Unbelievable, which feels like one of the less polished and more forgettable tracks. Not to mention the sex skits, which are… quite uncomfortable. Favorites: Things Done Changed, Gimme the Loot, Machine Gun Funk, Warning, Ready to Die, Juicy, Everyday Struggle, Me and My Bitch, Big Poppa, Suicidal Thoughts Least favorite: Friend of Mine
The Notorious B.I.G.: Ready to Die: This shit is boring. Very samey, and frankly there are a lot of just sex sounds that are both uncomfortable and really out of place that take you out of the album. Like not mid song, the song will just be an interlude of sex sounds. The synths are pretty cool but they are very repetitive, and along with some solid samples they are the only thing saving this album from a 1. This just ain't it. Notorious M.I.D. 3/10
I found this difficult to listen to at times. Too much mysogony for my liking. Although musically and the cadence of rapping was quality. Mixed thoughts about this so 3 stars.
Good authentic stories, but a little self-indulgent.
Not my personal taste but i like the mix of funk/disco backing added into certain tracks
yeah another hip-hop album that’s not really my thing
Not my thing. Yes, Biggie's rhymes are impressive, but as a woman, I struggle with too many of the lyrics.
Can’t believe this is my 40 year old stance but did not enjoy the violence & graphic sex references. Well known tunes absolute bangers of course (Juicy, Big Poppa)
Absurd yet rooted. Sharp and boisterous lyrisism paint vivid pictures of a life both in the streets and in the first stages of limelight. He was a hometown hero yet big enough for the world stage. A masterpiece, even if the skits amd overly sexual nature of some of the interludes didn't age particularly well.
Great album, few bangers I never gave a chance before. Could definitely do without all the gooner sex interludes and outros imo.
I liked this album. Didn't t love it but enjoyed it a lot. I enjoyed that all the songs felt authentic to biggie's lived experience, and often led into each other with some short skit or scene about life in the hood. I wasn't the biggest fan of how the album had one speed the whole time, would have loved some variety to pack some punch into a few key points or themes. That being said all the tracks were solid so hey, if it ain't broke don't try to fix it. Shout-out to how he sampled artists like the Sugar Hill Gang and the Beastie Boys(?), and then has like 3 of the transition skits about just, fuckin'. My favorite tracks were the ones with the most catchy backing track like Respect, but my favorite was for sure The What with the train whistle sample.
This one rocked. Flow was on fucking point, I love how casually Biggie was able to just, deliver shit, made it sound so damn effortless. Some of the skits went on for so long though T.T idk if there needed to be that much sex, and some tracks just kinda blended between the rest. But when it hits, it *hits*. Favorite Tracks: Machine Gun Funk, Juicy, Everyday Struggle
Nope
Jeez i thought misogyny, violence but a nice beat. What is this all about and then there was a track anout suicide and it occured to me that this guy hated himself and it all made sense, hope he found some peace.
The talent is evident, the flow and beats impeccable. Less enthused by the stereotypical 90s lyrics and skits, but still a good album.
I Googled "Notorious B.I.G. Freud" and was surprised no-one has written a massive treatise about Biggie's phallic obsession. It sounded good, but the constant disrespect for women did my head in.
Jeez, this album is a struggle on every level!
A raw and authentic album that, with strong storytelling and genuine East Coast rap, cements Biggie’s status as one of the greats. The production is varied and atmospheric, and the lyrics feel both personal and sharp. An important album in hip-hop history. 4/5
Well this is why the parents were up in arms!
Super Dope
It was important for me to separate art from artist for this record, the Puffy influence is strong, and can harm the experience if you're sensitive to the reality of recent events and information. I've always liked Biggie, but I've never heard an album through. This was an experience akin to watching The Godfather for the first time. It's a masterpiece created for adults, that children will definitely enjoy if they can get their hands on. It's raw, honest, and extremely cliché gangsta rap, sex, drugs, and suicidal thoughts are the core of this record, but it comes from a place of experience, it's genuine and that can be shocking. There's a lot of rappers out there with a story to tell, where Biggie stands out is in his complete domination of the word as a concept. From meaning to sound, the way he plays with words feels so effortless, beautiful, and cunning. It's a talent that has inspired a lot of modern day greats, directly or indirectly, and hearing this in an album that starts itself off with an appreciation for hip-hop roots is just such a delicious flavor for the ears. This is already a classic kind of album, and it shows appreciation for similarly stunning previous projects— all the way through. I wasn't expecting to enjoy listening to this so much. The production is arguably really good in some tracks as well. We can say dated without sounding terrible, as it holds strong today regardless. 4.6/5
Not my kind of music.
Pretty good, but definitely feels dated now. Understood how this is foundational for a lot of rap that followed
I have to admit, this album was actually pretty cool to listen to. Back in the 90s, I never gave it a chance because it was so trendy and commercial, especially with suburban kids who thought they were gangsters. That audience always turned me off, and I was more into other styles of music back then. Revisiting it now, I realized it has really good production and is better than I expected, especially for its time. The album uses a lot of great old samples of funk, jazz, and R&B, which adds a lot of depth. Another pleasant surprise was seeing DJ Premier involved in the production, as I’ve always enjoyed him. Overall, it was a much better experience than I anticipated.
Love this album, biggie just destrpys on this
Super Nintendo
Not a single weak verse.
Sigh!
I don't condone the misogyny. However, The Notorious B.I.G. is clearly very talented and it shows on this album. Lots of variety, all done very well. I love the dual vocal tracks on Gimme the Loot, I never would have guessed that he did both parts.
Great
se me hizo i¿un toquesin largo, pero muy bueno.
Quite good
All of the songs are bangers. Biggie was ahead of his time. Rest in Piece, Biggie.
One of my favourites
Much like the other albums in contention for the best hip hop in the last 30 years, the lyrics didn't age well. I acknowledge that, but if we listen to it in context, appreciate the storytelling, flow, production and beats, this is peak hip hop. I wish today's hip hop still sounded like this.
Nie wiem. Niektóre kawałki były całkiem niezłe, ale całość napawała mnie takim niesmakiem. Te sample seksualne, nie tego się spodziewam. Bez nich byłoby 6/10, a tak to obniżam to 4/10, bo nic tej płyty nie ratuje a sporo ją pogrąża.
I quite like his vocal delivery and general (musical) vibes, but the actual content is awful, and the skits are fucking tedious.
Superb. One of the best voices and flows in rap ever - the old soul confidence, jazzy cadence and clever moribund lyrics that will either dazzle, tickle or gut, but never bore you - who likely was just scratching the surface of greatness when his life was cut short. So many classics on this debut, however like many albums of the CD era, is a little too long and redundant for its own good. Could have dropped 2-3 tracks easily and made this a perfect album, but alas. The morbid title is prescient and apt, given the death obsession that runs through nearly every track on here. A legend.
An absolute banger. The first time I've ever listened to a biggie album....I risky get why people think he's one of the greats
This album just made me sad for so many reason. For the difficulty present and beautifully expressed, and also for the horrible treatment of women and over sexualization/devaluation of women. Certainly some incredible talent, but hard to get through the sounds of degradation.
Not really my vibe, but I still enjoyed it a little. Some vocals were disturbing though, I really didn't need to hear a blowjob.
I hated it.
Not my favorite genre, but a good example of it
Good
I was quite excited to give this a spin again. Things done changed and Gimme the loot are absolutely superb. But man, the album is way too long and extremely, uncomfortably sexist. Tricky innit: a legendary flow and inimitable voice - but a lot of fairly wack productions and some very questionable material.
Had some trouble getting into this one and it's hard to pin down why. I'm hoping I can get another change with Biggie.
yet another iconic song that i was not ready to hear bc i never knew the name omg “i said a hip hop a hippy…” maybe that was just a sample lol… some cool flows and samples/interpolation, definitely feels like the blueprint for a lot of later hip hop really like The What ft. Method Man and Juicy Respect is good too Album is dragging a little for me. usually i like longer songs/albums but i feel like i’m reaching my limit for one sitting/hip hop album some VERY questionable (read: misogynistic) lyrics and some skits didn’t hit
Highlight Song/s: Things Done Changed, Warning, Juicy and Big Poppa I honestly thought this was going to be a lot better; I guess I'm just not a huge rap fan, if I don't like the top hip-hop albums or think majority of the songs are mediocre. Perhaps I need to lower my expectations. But I would say this one is a good album.
He's no Tupac, is he?
Can see why it's a highly rated album but can't get past the content.
I really enjoyed this album, but the skits brought the rating down by 1 star- they were gross and did not age well.
I can see this being more shocking for the time when it was released. Some of the transitions/interludes took me out of it, but I think they were added to make the tracks a story about life? Maybe it was a Diddy addition... I thought it was a decent old school rap album.
Amazing record. Loved the production and enjoyed Biggie's flow. I liked the samples that were put together here. I couldn't really enjoy the misogynistic lyrics which also encourages domestic abuse. The skits were also weird as hell. Favourite Track(s): Machine Gun Funk, Juicy Least Favourite Track(s): Unbelievable
1 - Porquería total
Nem pensar!!!!
Only really knew lore about Biggie and listened to the singles that made it to a broader audience, so I thought I owed it to the man to listen to this one. Like the intro - hints at the tone and time period and background of the music. The whole album is definitely a vibe - recognized a lot of lyrics from being called out by other rappers. Testament to Biggie, fo sho. Didn't know much about this album before and glad I listened. Still don't feel knowledgable to rate this against the world of rap catalog, but two thumbs up, would recommend.
I mean I think it's just not for me, but trying to listen objectively. Couple songs with good rhythm and melodies, some good bass lines. I liked Juicy, Big Poppa, and Respect. But overall, I was just bored for most of this album. I am definitely not a fan of all the random conversations and sex sounds? mixed in throughout the album. Not everything is for everyone and that's okay, this album just wasn't for me.
One of the most overrated rap albums ever. Too long, raps about the same thing over and over, and just felt unnecessary to me. There's bops but they only go so far. Many better rap albums in the 90s.
From the intro, with top billin', subway noises, and west coast trolling, this album hits hard. One of the classic examples of golden era hip hop, skits and all.
Not really my thing, but gave it a try anyway.
bla
Entendo que é um álbum bastante sincero no estilo de vida do Big Small, fiquei chocado com algumas músicas (sexo explícito, misoginia, crimes), mesmo assim embora com seu valor, tenho a sensação que envelheceu muito mal. Suicidal Thoughts é sufocante.
Didn't give it my full attention, but what I heard I liked.
Love everything on display. The production is catchy and the rhymes practically trip over each other.
I never got around Biggie's music back when I was on a hip hop kick a few years back for some reason, I guess I was put off by the length of the album then. Now though I'm kicking myself a bit for not checking it sooner because this album is obviously awesome (Diddy notwithstanding, even if he had a big role on this album...). I mean, it's nuts to me still that he was only 22, its his debut and he sounds and raps like he was 32 with the kind of confidence and how forthcoming he is, he just goes for it and sounds effortless on all these songs which some have similar vibes and others which go wayyyyy into another sound entirely (Juicy, One More Chance, Me & My Bitch). That's another thing, the variety in the album and how he could adapt to a different sound or theme, one song he raps about his crimes playing two different characters and a little later he is talking about how much things have changed for him and his wife with his success and neither feel out place. Although if we talk about out of place.. I can do without the Fuck Me skit or the end of Respect, but I mean it's really two small things when placed against how the rest of the album is. Just a great listen all around
A lot of these songs are iconic and essential listening for anyone who calls themselves a hip hop fan. The others range from deep cuts that are underrated and should have gained more popularity and respect to absolutely the most disgusting shit you’ve ever heard. Biggie, shut the fuck up about all the sex shit. It’s gross. Why was there a thirty second ASMR of dick sucking at the end of a banger like “Respect”. I enjoyed all of the ones that weren’t blatantly misogynistic. Obviously also excluding the interludes, they were wild. Still, really solid record. Love it. 4/5
I know it's iconic and Biggie was an incredible rapper, but I'm just not a big fan of 90s gangsta rap and couldn't listen to it all.
1.5
Just way too foul for my taste
Biggie was a skilled rapper in terms of how he flowed and put together rhymes, but his vocabulary was apparently limited to profanities, epithets, and guns. Every song is about killing, stealing, or pimping, and without anything else on his mind, and no particularly great beats or hooks outside of maybe “Juicy”, over an hour of this is enough to drive me up the wall. And it ends with the rapper fictionally killing himself. I liked the movie-like progression of the album sequencing but otherwise, this was a tough, tough listen. Plus, the P. Diddy of it all makes it really hard to go back to this. I tried, I really did, but this was simply NOT for me.
Cmon man. This is maybe THE quintessential 90s hip hop album.
No review needed.
wonderful
Ooh, my first 5 star! The funny thing is, there isn't much left to say about it. The skits are a terrible waste of time, they've always been pointless. For some reason, it was the style at the time. But the juvenile dipshittery can be overlooked because of the sheer talent on display. The weaker tracks are only weak because they exist next to things like Gimmie the Loot and motherfucking Juicy, you know? It's a classic for a reason. Fuck Puffy for real, though.
Wayyyyy more sounds of sex than I expected. Great rap. Good beats, funny lyrics, really bigs himself up a lot. Lol, get it. Very good, except for the really specific sounds of sex. Felt a bit much. Yo but the track Suicidal Thoughts is really good. And Big Poppa is famous for a reason. Juicy is great, too.
1994. A Hip Hop Legend with an album that will always remain. The immediate style and grace, depth and humor. How far could he have flown if given more time rapping? Its full of hits and its one of the best rap albums of all time.
Me gustó pero las letras mhhh mucho lo mismo, mucho putear, etc. Nota: 2.8
A very good gangsta rap album with a foreboding title... BIG was shot before his 2nd album came out. 4* quality even though not really my thing.
Perfect. But damn what was that blowjob hahahaha
> the Beatles
biggie has such a great flow. loved this. iconic record.
For me the topics in the lyrics a just gets kinda lame. It’s not done with a bit of humour and just comes off weird. Beats are worse than Dre
Classic album, a few very popular tracks !
4.5. The highs are very high and the lows are better than most rap still. Maybe too much talking for my liking and that one song that ends with you listening to him having sex is a bit weird. Definitely not my proudest fap.
Perfect.
I get to go into this one semi-blind, as I’ve only ever heard the singles. I can see why Biggie is up on the rap Rushmore. Incredible flow and clever wordplay. His gangsta image is a lot more serious than Snoop, unfortunately the production on this record is a lot less distinctive than the golden era G-Funk. I was instantly impressed. Only downside is this kind of hyper-violent sexist gangsta rap wears on me after a while. Small doses, and I’m in.
Decent Hip-Hop. I don't know anything about Hip-Hop.
4.5/5
B I G
Mmmhmmm juice! 🧃 Me and my brother grew up listening to hiphop together, but I’ve always been more of a west coast girlie while he’s all about east coast rappers. Maybe I just can’t handle the cold?!
Not for me.
Monotonous and low minded
This is not my jam at all but this man is a legend and his influence must be acknowledged. Also for Hypnotize alone (I know it’s not in this album but still) - 4 stars
⭐️Juicy
Felt like a biography. Enjoyed a few of the songs. The intro was fun conceptually but not to listen to. The noises at the end of Respect were atrocious I hated that. Best song: Things Done Changed Notable(s): Me and My Bitch, Big Poppa
Biggie's talent is undeniable. The flow is impeccable. Cadence wizardry and clever rhymes that are both obvious because they work so well and unpredictable because the bars are not a rigid structure. Unfortunately, I just don't really care for gangsta rap. The topic is tedious and a whole album of it is exhausting. Though Gimmie the Loot is admittedly a pretty good song, definitely seems like a street rat anthem. It's also pretty different in styling from all the West Coast rappers so far like NWA, Snoop, and Dre. The album can be really introspective, gotta really think about how gangsta Biggie wanted to be when you have songs like I'm Ready to Die and the haunting Suicidal Thoughts. Also the skits suck. My favorite is probably Machine Gun Funk. It's a great album, just not my personal favorite.
Not really my kind of thing...
Not bad, but not great.
Amazing listen. Too much sex. To be played under very specific scenarios. 3/5
Too long- lessens the impact
My type of rap!
Pretty good, not my typical cup of tea but decent enough.
3 or maybe a 3.5? I already liked a lot of these before, but never listened all the way through. Not really a lyrical analyst kind of person so some of the stuff less tasteful stuff doesn’t bother me if the vibes are good enough. The last 4 or 5 really had me nodding my head.
1 ⭐️. Not my style. Too dirty.
Sick flow. Love the old school beats
I was nervous to approach this, uncertain about how the lyrical content would hit and especially icked out by the participation of Diddy, but this album is undeniable. It's such a pleasant listen. All the production, the beats, the little synth hooks, Biggie's voice, it all just blends so fucking well I can't resist it. Absolutely a must-listen. #167
A high watermark of 90s rap that's let down by some truly heinous skits and a run time that's maybe a smidge too long.
I really liked this album. One of Biggie’s only records. If it weren’t for that interlude, it would be absolute gold. It’s worth noting that P. Diddy is an abomination. At least he didn’t produce the whole album. 4 stars for “Ready to Die”.
Much more into this, with regards to hiphop
5.5 - Legendary
I get it, I've just never vibed with it.
Just an absolute classic. Gets a bit weaker near the end.
The record was surprisingly good!! While some of the interludes were ridiculously sexual and very uncomfortable, the rest of the songs held up very well. And I LOVE 90’s hip hop. This is a good record!
Possibly my favorite album of all time or at least very close to it
Iconic album, still hits hard, good stuff
Great album, knew more songs than I thought
Not really my style; gunshots, babies crying, sex, etc. Important narratives on the state of society but wasn't especially enjoyable to listen to. It does include some iconic and great songs like Juicy and Big Poppa, which don't seem to align well with the rest of the album - which is perhaps why they're so great.
I can appreciate it, but this isn't really my kind of music
banger
Cool
Hiphop holy grail voor boomers en alleen al daarom stond de plaat me altijd een beetje tegen. Maar als ik de bias aan de kant zet, dan is dit gewoon een heel sterk album, packed met hits, hits en nog meer hits. Ietwat aan de lange kant en zoals alle hiphop platen van die tijd soms iets minder interludes en dan was het een masterpiece geweest.
Hard, onbeschoft, grappig, pijnlijk, vunzig. Op Ready To Die komt alles langs. Veel storytelling en erg cinematisch. Veel bangers en naast Method Man geen features. B.I.G. staat z'n mannetje en is net zo gevaarlijk als dat ie zwoel is. GIMME THE LOOT, GIMME THE LOOT!
Alright, bij het vorige hiphop album hadden we al established dat het niet echt mijn genre is. Maar dit album heeft mij wel echt verrast! Het begint direct bij de intro. Eerst een geboorte naspelen, dan de thuissituatie en daarna wat gangbanging vond ik erg sterk en leuk gevonden. De nummers wisselen elkaar af van grappig (het begin van one more chance en eigenlijk de rest van het nummer), the real deal en ook wat serieuzere introspectives. Van die laatste vind ik Suicidal Thoughts een heel sterk verhalend nummer. De beats zijn vrij rustig met vooral een focus op de tekst, zoals het bij de oldschool gebruikelijk is. Het is wel een lang album, maar zeker de moeite waard. East side!
Gewoon dikke hiphop
WAARSCHUWING Luister dit album NIET in de auto. Ik luisterde Warning toen ik aan het invoegen was op de snelweg en dacht dat mn auto een meltdown had. Zieke paniek voor een paar seconden :0 De rest van het album was wel tof om in de auto te luisteren. Voelde me helemaal gangster
Great album!
3 or maybe a 3.5? I already liked a lot of these before, but never listened all the way through. Not really a lyrical analyst kind of person so some of the stuff less tasteful stuff doesn’t bother me if the vibes are good enough. The last 4 or 5 really had me nodding my head.
This music hates me for being female.