Ready to Die is the debut studio album of American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released September 13, 1994 on Sean "Diddy" Combs Bad Boy Records as well as the first release of the label. Recording sessions for the album took place from 1993 to 1994 at The Hit Factory and D&D Studios in New York City. The partly autobiographical hardcore hip hop album tells the story of The Notorious B.I.G.'s experiences as a young criminal, referring to himself as "the black Frank White". The record gained strong reviews on release and became a commercial success, reaching quadruple platinum sales. It was significant for revitalizing East Coast hip hop at a time when the genre was mostly dominated by West Coast artists. In 2006, Time magazine named it one of the 100 greatest albums of all time. It was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Big Poppa" at the 1996 Grammy Awards. It also won 2 Awards at the Billboard Music Awards. Never before had a rapper burst onto the scene quite like Notorious B.I.G. did in 1994. With Ready to Die, Biggie struck a cord nation wide. His amazing delivery, mixed with blunt reality, created an album so solid it put him into the rap stratosphere. His slick approach to hardcore rap, and his massive presence bloat Ready to Die into a rap masterpiece. It stands as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. Lets see if it still holds up. (Hint:Hell Yea)
1. "Intro"
Takes A little too long to start up, but it ends up being a really interesting start to this album. I'm already hooked.
2. "Things Done Changed"
Great Song from Biggie on how much "things really have changed"
3. "Gimmie the loot"
Biggie trades rhymes with a higher pitched version of himself, and the result is a hilarious tale of robbery, and shootouts. My favorite line is "I wouldnt give fuck if you're pregnant/Give me the baby rings and a #1 mom pendant", i like it, cause I'm a sick fuck like dat. (Side Note: I'm note THAT messed up, i just appreciate a good joke.)
4. "Machine Gun Funk"
Not as great as the previous song, but its still one badass song.
5. "Warning"
Very good song about someone planning on taking Biggie out (and not on a date) and with Biggie explaining on how he'll handle them (Hint:It's veeery violent) great song, that leads to an even better song.
6. "Ready To Die"
Biggies magnum opus, i don't give a fuck what ANYONE says, this song kicks ass, from his flow, delivery, rhyme cadence, production, and metaphors, this is one of the best songs on here, and that's saying something.
7. "One More Chance"
I prefer this version, over the version that plays on MTV. This version is also much dirtier, but im a dirty muthfucka so i like it. (im coming off as pissy/distgusting today am I?).
8. "Fuck Me"(Interlude)
Skit that includes Lil Kim and Biggie fucking. I wonder if this was real?....Actually i don't.
9. "The What"
Meth and Big team up, and come out with a great song. I was only 4 when this album came out, but from what i've learned, this song was a pretty big deal back in the day.
10. "Juicy"
The single that catulpulted Big from just a rapper with a buzz, to a rapper with a hit single. This song is a classic, and shows Biggies rise to the top.
11. "Everyday Struggle"
This semi-autobiographical track, shows Biggie, and how much stress is in his life. Great song.
12. "Me and My Bitch"
This shit right here? This the shit!! love this song. great storytelling. it's basicaly a gangsta love story. Love the way this song ends.
13. "Big Poppa"
Used to love this song, but now its just Meh. It doesnt fit with the rest of the album. (I blame Puff)
14. "Respect"
I..Hate..This..Song.
15. "Friend of mine"
I really like this song
16. "Unbeleiveable"
Great DJ Premier beat. Biggie own this song with lines like
"B-i-g, g-i-e, aka, b.i.g.
Get it? biggie
Also known as the bon appetit
Rappers cant sleep need sleepin big keep creepin
Bulelts heat-seekin, casualties need treatin
Dumb rappers need teachin
Lesson a - dont fuck with b-i, thats that, oh i, thought he was wack
Oh come come now, why yall so dumb now
Hunt me or be hunted, three hundred and fifty-seven ways
To summer sautee, Im the winner all day
Lights get dimmer down biggies hallway
My forte causes caucausians to say
He sounds demented, car-weed scented
If I said it, I meant it
Bite my tongue for no-one
Call me evil, or unbelievable"
17. "Suicidal Thoughts"
I got a confession....Track 6 is not his magnum opus THIS IS. (Actually it's a tie)
Great song.
18. "Who shot Ya"(Bonus Track)
Oh yes, the song that started it all (Meaning the west coast feud)
even though its a bonus track, its still top quality. This song is intense.
19. "Just Playing"(Dreams)
Cool song, It's about Biggie fantasizing about fucking his favorite R&B singers. Funny ass song.
What makes Ready to Die so great? It is maybe because it's the most complete rap album ever made, and this being his very first effort, ever! The range of emotion, and depth is astounding. From the freighting display of thievery in "Gimme tha Loot", to the pure pimpery of "Big Poppa", to the Back in the day tale of "Juicy". The album starts strong and ends even stronger. Each track has a story to tell that is intricate, and each track brings out a different emotion. There are absolutely no tracks that could be considered trash. This is something that maybe no other album could claim, not even Life After Death. While there are only a few songs that are mega hits, there are 12-13 that are magnificent rap songs. The album is rich with lively street tales of murder, robbery, and drug dealing, and a rough childhood. But more importantly Biggie plays these themes out as important messages, as he has essentially has "grown up" and in turn cast aside these things, because of his raps. Biggies approach is to tell you about the life he lived, through lyrical storytelling, instead of glorifying the life, he reminisces about his past, a harsh and dangerous past.
Notorious B.I.G. blows up on this album. His talent is extraordinary. He possibly possesses the greatest delivery ever. His smooth flow is remarkable. And his lyrics are blunt and powerful. His flow is maybe his best skill, as he can flow through each line with great speed and still bring emphasis to certain words or phrases. His skills are limitless, from changing speeds, or tone, to rapping hardcore, or smooth. But maybe his greatest attribute is his staggeringly brilliant word play. Biggie meshes unique words like a chemist mixes chemicals. Biggies style is pure and original, and basically just legendary.
Score:100 out of 100
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