Guest Blogger: Sadiya J1

Biggie Smalls also known as The Notorious B.I.G. was an American rapper raised in Brooklyn, New York. 15 years ago, The Notorious B.I.G. passed away in Los Angeles. Although he rapped mostly about drugs and being a thug he also made songs about love and society. Biggies earliest album “Ready to Die” tells the experiences he had as a young criminal. Biggie sounds deadly serious with every word that he says. In the song “Ready to Die” Notorious B.I.G. is trying to prove that he doesn't give a care about anyone and will do anything he has to make it. The deliveries in his lyrics are always pretty convincing. "Juicy" my all-time favorite song by him, the beat and the lyrics flow nicely together with each other and create a relaxed feel. Another thing I like about his music is that all his songs are really smooth with a catchy chorus. “Suicidal thoughts” is a really powerful and thought provoking song. Most people compare Biggie to 2 Pac Shakur because they were out the same decade and made similar music. Throughout his albums, Biggie raps about growing up, death, guns and troubles in the "hood" like 2 Pac but his great story telling ability and rhyme delivery separates him from the rest of the rappers. When I listen to the song “Everyday Struggle” there is one line that is particularly memorable it always makes the hairs on my neck stand. That line is, "I don't wanna live no more" it just sounds like a cry for help. Some critics believe that biggie made it cool to rap about crime, drugs, and women; I think that is ok in moderation. But people took it to the extreme and started rapping about that and that only. Rappers stopped telling stories and started rapping about why they are so great and all they do is drugs and make money. Even though Biggies rap career was only 4 years, no one has rawer lyrics than him. His music is worth the money and time because he was so original, his songs were head-nodders that you could vibe to and they were sure to go over well with the mainstream crowd and get on radio stations as well.