Notorious BIGReady to Die

Cinematic East Coast rap from a baby being born at the start to a fading heartbeat at the end. 'Juicy' is rap's greatest rags-to-riches tale, built on Mtume's funk tune. Puffy had to push Big to even record it. 'Big Poppa' is sweet-talking seduction over a lush beat. 'Gimme the Loot' is raw street storytelling where Biggie plays two characters in different vocal registers. His booming voice paired with impeccable timing creates something authoritative and almost novelistic. The only studio album released during his lifetime.