He died 10 years ago today. Was killed by some asshole in a drive-by shooting.
I love Biggie. A lot of people think he's overrated and claim that he gets the respect he does because he died so young. That's a complete crock of shit, and those people don't know what the hell they are talking about.
Biggie had a well-documented criminal record, and much of his experiences were inspiration for his rhymes. Biggie pretty much made it as far as he did based on his street credibility, and he owes a large debt to The Source magazine, a periodical which featured him in their "unsigned hype" column after they got a hold of his demo tape. Biggie was considered a top notch battle rapper, and he was known for his impecable flow, distinct delivery, and witty lyrics. He's considered a major influence on many, many rappers (think about it, how many rappers have you heard talk about Biggie?) and Big Daddy Kane even said that he thought Biggie was so talented that he inspired Kane to get back to rapping in the 90s! Ready to Die is an undeniable classic that features some of the greatest "storytelling" rhymes ever written.
I think of a song like "Juicy," and realize that it was pretty much played at every school dance I went to from the time I was 14. It's arguably his most well known song, and it has a really feel-good theme about sticking to your guns and following your ambitions. If year after year, a group of 16-year-old girls are able to recite every word to the song, then I'd say his legacy is being pretty well preserved. Biggie is one of few rappers to have immense crossover appeal.
The Gangsta Rap life is obviously the coolest lifestyle to live. Good thing it is so glorified these days.
True. I mean, most people opt to live in a crime-infested, poverty-stricken neighborhood because they feel it is the most comrotable lifestyle. That environment also has no influence on teh decisions they make.
The Gangsta Rap life is obviously the coolest lifestyle to live. Good thing it is so glorified these days.
what is the "gangsta rap life"...and who has glorified it?
_________________ “You’re good kids, stay together. Trust each other and be good teammates to one another. I believe there is a championship in this room.”
-Ernie Accorsi in his final address to the NY Giants locker room before retiring as GM in January of 2007
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:32 pm Posts: 6527 Location: NY. J Gender: Male
Biggie was the man. i cant believe it was 10 friggin years already, wow.
I 'll never forget the first time i heard hypnotized, Unreal. Tupac maybe the the most popular but Biggie was a touch better for me , just to bad not enough material. Brooklyn's finest right there.
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2004 3:09 pm Posts: 10839 Location: metro west, mass Gender: Male
FINALLY. A real rap thread.
Biggie is without doubt the greatest rapper of all time. His beats and lyrics...just the way he flows. Unstoppable. His voice is easily distinguishable from the rest. An absolute pioneer in hip-hop.
_________________ "There are two ways to enslave and conquer a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt." -John Adams
Biggie managed to make Ready to Die, for my money the best rap album ever made. Styles and trends have changed since then, but I don't see any reason to believe Biggie wouldn't be able to keep up with them. If he were alive today, I'd like to imagine Biggie wouldn't be making confused aging-rapper opuses like Hip Hop is Dead; he'd be making the best snap music you ever heard.
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Biggie Smalls
