Released: September 13, 1994
Label: Bad Boy ∙ Arista
Genre: East Coast hip hop ∙ gangsta rap ∙ hardcore hip hop
Producer: Sean “Puffy” Combs ∙ Mister Cee ∙ Bluez Brothers ∙ DJ Premier ∙ Easy Mo Bee ∙ Rashad Smith ∙ Lord Finesse ∙ Poke ∙ Darnell Scott ∙ Chucky Thompson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace..
Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, 2013
Debut albums are always our first introduction to an artist, but for an artist like The Notorious B.I.G, an up and coming emcee from Brooklyn…it came naturally. The Notorious B.I.G. (Born Christopher Wallace) was truly one of the greatest hip hop storytellers that has ever lived. His lyricism and flow was truly unmatched and by 1994, he signed to Sean “Puffy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records label and the rest was history. His features on Dolly My Baby by Supercat, Real Love Remix by Mary J. Blige and his own record Party and Bullshit instantly made him a star in the making.
We’re not calling him the greatest just cause. The lyrical themes fall under the categories of violence, women, alcohol, weed and drug dealing. Big’s lyrics usually was always autobiographical, meaning he LIVED what he rapped about (they don’t make them like the OGs anymore).
Ready to Die peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 15 on the Billboard 200 charts respectively. The album has since been certified 6x platinum by the RIAA! Unfortunately, this album was the only album released during Big’s lifetime speaking that he was murdered before the release of his sophomore and final album Life After Death (see the album revisit for more information) https://markizdj.com/2023/05/21/the-notorious-b-i-g-s-life-after-death/
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die.
Intro
Written by Christopher Wallace
***Intro contains additional voclas from Lil’ Kim.
The album opens with the Intro, which briefly chronicles Big’s life (obviously based on true events,) and journey up until the recording of this album. The song contains multiple samples of songs that represent each phase of his life. It’s sort of like the origin of Christopher Wallace.
***Intro contains samples of :
- “Superfly” by Curtis Mayfield
- “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang
- Top Billin’ by Audio Two
- Tha Shiznit by Snoop Dogg
Things Done Changed
Written by Christopher Wallace
Things Done Changed is a story of how the streets have evolved or changed over the years from what he is/was used to. He also discusses on how the societal norms have shifted over time in regards to fashion and lifestyle Honestly, the song has a heavy socio-political perspective on how the crack/cocaine epidemic turned Black communities upside down in the mid to late 80s-early 90s. Big’s goes crazy on this record, largely because his stress levels are extremely high because his mother had breast cancer.
***Things Done Changed contains samples of :
- California My Way & Summer Breeze by The Main Ingredient
- Vapors by Biz Markie
- Lil Ghetto Boy by Dr. Dre
- U Don’t Hear Me Tho’ by Rodney O and Joe Cooley.
***Things Done Changed was sampled for :
- Sports, Drugs & Entertainment by Cam’ron
- Make Her Feel Good by Teairra Mari
- White Chalk by Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Gimme the Loot
Written by Christopher Wallace
Gimme the Loot is one of Big’s most celebrated records, and rightfully so. From a lyrical perspective, the song speaks about Big and his right hand man committing multiple robberies and having zero remorse for any of their victims. Big does an amazing job at portraying two characters in the song (stick up kid 1 & 2,) to the point where people thought that another rapper was featured on the record due to how high pitched his voice was.
***Gimme the Loot contains samples of:
- Smokin’ Cheeba-Cheeba by Harlem Underground Band
- Don’t Change Your Love by The Five Stairsteps
- Coldblooded by James Brown
- Singing in the Morning by Ohio Players (was later removed after a lawsuit regarding samples)
- Throw Ya Gunz by Onyx
- What They Hittin’ Foe? by Ice Cube
- Just to Get a Rep by Gang Starr
- Scenario (Remix) by A Tribe Called Quest
***Gimme The Loot was sampled for:
- Sicko Mode by Travis Scott & Drake
- Plastic by Future & Lil Uzi Vert
- Custom Made (Give It to You) by Lil’ Kim
Machine Gun Funk
Written by Christopher Wallace
Machine Gun Funk was one of Big’s favorite songs, and the older I get I totally understand. Lyrically, the song shows the importance to succeed between selling crack or rap! The production on this song is easily FIRE.
***Machine Gun Funk contains samples of:
- Something Extra by Black Heat
- Up for the Down Stroke by The Horny Horns (later removed after a uncleared sample lawsuit)
- Chief Rocka by Lords of the Underground
***Machine Gun Funk ws sampled for:
- Christ Conscious by Joey Bada$$
- Round and Round by 702
Warning
Written by Christopher Wallace
Another wonderfully produced track by Easy Mo Bee, Warning has Big rapping as two characters again where he’s having a phone conversation with his friend who is warning him about a set up plan that is in the making.
The song was released as a double A single with Big Poppa, the song peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Rap Songs, 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs & 6 on the Hot 100 respectively.
***Warning contains samples of :
- Walk on By by Isaac Hayes
- Thinking by The Meters
- Freak of the Week by Funkadelic
***Warning was sampled for:
- Get Em High by Kanye West featuring Talib Kweli & Common
- Get Money by Junior M.A.F.I.A. featuringThe Notorious B.I.G.
- Fall in Love (Your Funeral) by Erykah Badu
- I’m Supposed to Die Tonight by 50 Cent
- She’s Hot by Blackstreet
***Warning was covered in:
Warning by Nicki Minaj
Ready to Die
Written by Christopher Wallace
The title track has the rapper discussing his experiences in life and how he’s ready to not live anymore. The realization that no one can save this man from his thought shows you how fed up he actually is with everything and everyone in his world. Big later states that the song’s meaning is basically about him wanting to leave his old life of struggling and criminal activities are over.
***Ready to Die contains samples of:
- Hospital Prelude of Love Theme by Willie Hutch
- Sing a Simple Song by Sly and the Family Stone
- Yes, I’m Ready by Barbara Mason
- Ain’t No Half Steppin’ by Big Daddy Kane
- Two to the Head by Kool G Rap & DJ Polo
Check It Out by Grand Puba
- Singing in the Morning by Ohio Players (was later removed after a lawsuit regarding samples)
One More Chance
Written by Christopher Wallace
***One More Chance contain additional vocals from Total.
Goodness gracious, the papers! Where the cash at? Where the stash at? Nigga, pass that!
The Notorious B.I.G., Gimme the Loot, 1994.
The beginning of One More Chance will forever be crazy lol, because the answering machine was off the HOOK. 🤦🏾♂️😂 Like the women on the machine were literally talking about him sleeping with their best friends Lyrically, the song speaks about Big’s sex life with the ladies from his past, while discussing his sex game and the size of his penis. With that comes attachment from women, especially since his relationships are centered around sex. Hence the ladies asking Big for one more chance.
***One More Chance contains samples of:
- Hydra by Grover Washington, Jr.
- All This Love by DeBarge
***One More Chance was sampled for:
- Miami by Will Smith
- Oochie Wally by QB Finest, Bravehearts and Nas
- Day One by Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams and Pusha T
- Gimme That featuring Maino by Lil’ Kim
One More Chance / Stay with Me (Remix) was a total game changer for Big, giving one of his biggest hits on the pop and R&B charts, peaking at number 2 and 1 respectively. Also, the song was tied with Michael & Janet Jackson’s Scream for having the highest debuting single in the history of the Hot 100 chart at the time.
The remix featured Big’s wife the legendary R&B singer Faith Evans and an uncredited feature from the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. The remix has a totally different beat, chorus and new lyrical content.
***One More Chance / Stay with Me (Remix) contains a sample of DeBarge’s Stay with Me
***One More Chance / Stay with Me (Remix) was sampled for:
- Foolish by Ashanti
- U Don’t Have to Call by Usher
- More Than Just Friends by Mariah Carey
- Girls, Girls, Girls (Part 2) by Jay-Z featuring Chanté Moore
Fuck Me (Interlude)
Written by Christopher Wallace
***Fuck Me (Interlude) contain additional vocals from Lil’ Kim
[Lil Kim]
Uuh, yeah, uh, oooh, oh yeah, mmm, yeah
Oh fuck me you black mothafucka, oooohh yeah!!! MMMMMM, Aaahhh
Oh fuck me you black Kentucky Fried Chicken eatin’
Ohhh, ooohhh, yeah
You mothafuckin’ gangsta killin’, mutha fuckin black mafia ass
Muthafuckin, you, ohhhhh my god
You chronic smokin’,Oreo cookie eatin’, pickle juice drinkin’
Chicken gristle eatin’, biscuit suckin’, MUTHAfucka
V8 juice drinkin’, slim fast, blendin’ black greasy muthafucka
OOOHHHHH
[Biggie]
What’s my name?
[Lil Kim]
Biggie!
[Biggie]
What’s my name?
[Lil Kim]
Biggie!
Oh yeah
(Sound of Biggie and Lil Kim falling off the bed)
[Biggie] I’m sorry
[Lil Kim] Ahhhh….
[Biggie] Oh shit. Damn
[Lil Kim] (laughing) Jenny Craig eatin’ muthafucka
[Biggie] (laughing) Fuck you bitch…
***Fuck Me Interlude contains a sample of:
- Jodeci’s Feenin’
The What (featuring Method Man)
Written by Christopher Wallace ∙ Clifford Smith
The What is a collaboration with Big and fellow New York rap legend Method Man where the two go back and forth spitting braggadocios raps together.
The What contians samples of:
- Can’t Say Enough About Mom by Leroy Hutson
- Overnight Sensation by Avalanche
***The What was sampled for:
- Big Momma Thang by Lil’ Kim featuring Jay-Z
- The World Is Filled… by The Notorious B.I.G. featured Carl Thomas, Puff Daddy and Too $hort
I’m Goin’ Down (Remix) by Mary J. Blige featuring Mr. Cheeks
Juicy
Written by Christopher Wallace
***Juicy contains additional vocals from Total
WE ARE NOW AT THE GREATEST HIP-HOP SONG OF ALL TIME. Juicy is the one Big record that’ll always get a party jumping and i honestly cannot trust anyone who DOES NOT KNOW THIS SONG BLACK OR WHITE!
From a lyrical perspective, Juicy is a rags to riches tale where Big discusses his childhood living in poverty, selling drugs, criminal activity & his musical influences, to his success being a music artist & the lavish lifestyle he can now live since those hard times are all over. A rise to the top story will always be
Released as the lead single from Ready to Die, Juicy gave the rapper his first number 1 single on the Hot Rap Singles chart, number 14 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart & his first top 40 hit on the Hot 100 chart, peaking at 27 respectively.
***Juicy contains a sample of:
- Juicy Fruit (‘Fruity’ Instrumental Mix) by Mtume
***Juicy was sampled for:
- Swish Swish by Katy Perry featuring Nicki Minaj
- The One by Tamar Braxton
- Let It Go by Keyshia Cole featuring Missy Elliott & Lil’ Kim
- A Dream by Jay-Z featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans
- Wait a Minute by Ray J featuring Lil’ Kim
Everyday Struggle
Written by Christopher Wallace
The feel good vibes of Juicy ends with Everyday Struggle. Lyrically, the song kicks off with the rapper not wanting to live anymore. He touches on the daily obstacles he faces regularly from selling drugs, preparing for a child on the way, with stress getting the best of him.
***Everyday Struggle contains samples of:
- Either Way by Dave Grusin
- Don’t Change Your Love by The Five Stairsteps
Everyday Struggle was sampled for:
- Everyday Struggle by Faith Evans featuring Raekwon
- All Good by Lil’ Kim
Me & My Bitch
Written by Christopher Wallace
***Me & My Bitch contains additional vocals from Sybil Pennix
Me & My Bitch is a love story record where Big talks about his woman that’s his ride or die, literally. He describes a woman that’ll held him down and will get active over if need be! It is a dramatic love story that showcases how immaculate Biggie’s storytelling was for sure. Definitely one of my favorite highlights from the album.
***Me & My Bitch was sampled for:
- Luv U Better by LL Cool J
- Where I’m From by Jay-Z
- I’ll Be There for You/ You’re All I Need to Get by (Puff Daddy Mix) by Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige
- Suck My Dick by Lil’ Kim
- M.A.F.I.A. Land by Lil’ Kim
Big Poppa
Written by Christopher Wallace
Big Poppa is another classic record from Ready to Die, which is based on Big’s many nicknames. It is honestly one of the smoothest hip hop records period, & Big’s wordplay was so mellow and fire that we can see why he had his ways with the ladies.
The song was released as a double A single with Warning, the song peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Rap Songs, 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs & 6 on the Hot 100 respectively.
***Big Poppa contains a samples of :
- Between The Sheets by The Isley Brothers
- Dolly My Baby (Bad Boy Extended Remix) by Super Cat
Big Poppa was sampled for:
- Excuse Me Miss by Jay-Z featured Pharrell Williams
- Lean Back by Terror Squad
- Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) by Jay-Z
- Run It! by Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana
- Player’s Anthem by Junior M.AF.I.A. Featuring The Notorious B.I.G.
We Ride by R. Kelly and Jay-Z featuring Cam’ron, Noreaga and Vegas Cats
Respect
Written by Christopher Wallace
***Respect contains additional vocals from Diana King
Respect pays homage to Big’s Jamaican roots from a production standpoint, featuring dancehall singer Diana King.
***Respect contains samples of:
- I Get Lifted by KC & The Sunshine Band
Respect was sampled for:
- Shy Guy by Diana King
Friend of Mine
Written by Christopher Wallace
***Friend of Mine contain additional vocals from Lil’ Kim
Friend of Mine showcases why and how Big views women the way he does because of the scandalous women he’s dealt with in the past! He discusses how women have slept with him and friends of his, so that changed his perspective and views on how he should treat a woman. Whew chile.
***Friend of Mine contains samples of:
- The Jam by Graham Central Station
- Seventh Heaven by Gwen Guthrie
- Vicious by Black Mamba
Unbelievable
Written by Christopher Wallace
Produced by DJ Premier, Unbelievable was a last minute addition to the album, and thank God it made the album because the production is truly immaculate. The gangsta rap record is a classic street banger that was released as a B-side to Juicy.
***Unbelievable contains samples of:
- Impeach the President by The Honey Drippers
- Kitty With the Bent Frame by Quincy Jones
- Your Body’s Callin’ by R. Kelly
Unbelievable was sampled for:
- Marcy Me by Jay-Z
- Unbreakable by Michael Jackson featuring The Notorious B.I.G.
- Rock Da Spot by Redman
- Kick in the Door by The Notorious B.I.G.
Suicidal Thoughts
Written by Christopher Wallace
The final track of the original version of the album was Suicidal Thoughts., which is where we witness Big’s final moments before his fictional death in the song. From a lyrical perspective, the song has Big calling Puff Daddy late at night to explain why he’s going to take his own life. After a life of feeling unloved, committing so many crimes with drugs and extortion and Puff tries to talk him down with no success unfortunately.
The song is honestly a very haunting and ironic record due to the sounds effects of someone committing suicide and the fact that Big actually passed away three years later. Big’s follow up album Life After Death picks up after this exact song.
***Suicidal Thoughts contains samples of:
- Lonely Fire by Miles Davis
- Outside Love by Brethren
Suicidal Thoughts was sampled for:
- Life After Death Into by The Notorious B.I.G.
- Death by Cam’ron
Who Shot Ya?
Written by Christopher Wallace
Who Shot Ya was originally recorded for Mary J. Blige’s My Life, but didn’t make the cut because it was considered too violent. Keith Murray was asked to record an alternate version, which is now known as the K. Murray Interlude.
The song was eventually recorded and released as a single in February of 1995, which gained some controversy after Big’s former friend Tupac Shakur interpreted the song as a taunt at him, especially speaking that it came out around the time he was robbed and shot at the studio building lobby he was booked to record (Quad Studios) at in New York.
From a lyrical perspective, WSY actually refers to Big warning people to not fuck with him, and if you do..the consequences will be there. The song eventually added more fuel to the fire for the rap community’s East Coast/West Coast rivalry. While the song did not chart on the charts, Who Shot Ya? was certified Silver in the United Kingdom.
***Who Shot Ya? contains a sample of:
- I’m Afraid the Masquerade is Over by David Porter
Who Shot Ya? was sampled for:
- Brooklyn by Mos Def
- Dance With Me by 112
Alone in This World by Faith Evans
Just Playing (Dreams)
Written by Christopher Wallace
In the words of my best friend Denell, Just Playing (Dreams) is the most Gemini response to a song ever, and I have to agree. The concept of “Dreams” is Big going through a list of his favorite R&B singers, giving vivid descriptions of what he’d do to them:
- Patti LaBelle
- Regina Belle
- Jasmine Guy
- Mariah Carey
- Mary J. Blige
- Chanté Moore
- Whitney Houston
- Chaka Khan
- Sade
- Tina Turner
- Toni Braxton
- Patra
- Zhané
- Terri and Monica
- SWV
- TLC
- En Vogue
- Xscape
- RuPaul?
- Raven-Symone?
Now Big has said some off the wall stuffThe themes of sexual assault, pedophilia, date rape and domestic violence were not okay, and is deemed a very controversial record since people were not okay with it…….even though the song is very satirical.
In today’s world and even before that, the answer was always uhn uhn.
***Just Playing (Dreams) contains samples of:
- Blues and Pants by James Brown
- Spinning Wheel by Lonnie Smith
***Just Playing (Dreams) was sampled for:
- Barbie Dreams by Nicki Minaj
- Touch the Sky by 50 Cent
- Dreams by Lil’ Kim
Ready to Die is truly one of the greatest Rap albums of all time, and rightfully so. The album not only solidified Big’s stature as a rap God, but it made it easier for New York to reclaim the throne for gangsta and hardcore hip-hop. The way Big’s lyricism was, it was truly like smooth ass storytelling (something that is missing in today’s hip hop.
Ready to Die is an album I sure almost any Black man from the streets can relate to and that’s why the only Christopher we acknowledge is Wallace because he LIVED what he rapped about. It’s giving authenticity! Biggie made Ready to Die sound like a cinematic experience, and that’s why I think it’ll always be an album I can always revisit. -MW.
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