"Hypnotize," "Mo Money Mo Problems," "Sky's the Limit," "Kick in the Door," "I Got a Story to Tell."
If you ask most Hip Hop heads to name the "Greatest of All Time," a few names always float to the top. But only one name consistently commands the room with just two syllables: .
Several projects were released by his estate and Bad Boy Records to showcase unreleased material:
If you only listen to one album in Biggie’s catalog, this is it. Ready to Die is a concept album chronicling the cycle of poverty, crime, depression, and hedonism in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill projects. It begins with the sound of a baby crying (birth) and ends with a gunshot and flatline (death).
The album acts as a semi-autobiographical narrative of his life, spanning from his childhood struggles and drug dealing to his rise to fame and fear of death. 2. Life After Death (1997) The Notorious B.I.G. -Biggie Smalls- - Discogra...
After his passing, several projects were released by Bad Boy Records using previously unreleased verses and new collaborations.
Released on September 13, 1994, was a game-changer in the hip-hop landscape. The album's raw, honest lyrics and Biggie's smooth, effortless flow resonated with listeners, making it an instant classic. Singles like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa" catapulted Biggie to stardom, and the album went on to sell over 4 million copies in the United States.
Released alongside the biographical film Notorious , featuring rare demos like "Microphone Murderer" and classic tracks. Core Characteristics of Biggie's Style
Released on September 13, 1994, under Bad Boy Records, Ready to Die is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. At a time when the West Coast dominated the rap charts, Biggie single-handedly put New York back in the spotlight. "Hypnotize," "Mo Money Mo Problems," "Sky's the Limit,"
Biggie formed the group Junior M.A.F.I.A. to help launch the careers of his childhood friends from Brooklyn, most notably Lil' Kim. While it is a group project, Biggie’s heavy involvement, songwriting assistance, and vocal features anchor the entire album. "Player's Anthem", "Get Money"
: A motivational track reflecting on his journey.
A controversial "collaboration" album featuring a wide range of guests Biggie never worked with in life. The King & I (2017): A duet album with his widow, Faith Evans
A unique entry in the featuring his widow, Faith Evans. This duet album creates an AI-assisted, emotional conversation between the living and the dead. Tracks like "NYC" (feat. Jadakiss) feel like a spiritual sequel to "Brooklyn's Finest." Ready to Die is a concept album chronicling
It showcased his maturation, moving from street-level narratives to glamorous "shiny suit" rap, while maintaining gritty storytelling.
The album achieved multi-platinum status and established Biggie as both a street lyricist and a mainstream pop star. Posthumous Studio Albums Life After Death (March 25, 1997)
Released just weeks after his murder, this double album was a massive commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200.
Appearing on the King of Pop's HIStory album was a massive pop-culture milestone, cementing Biggie's status as a global superstar.
, released during and shortly after his life, along with several posthumous compilations and soundtracks. Studio Albums Ready to Die
