What makes Juicy by The Notorious B.I.G. notable?

'Juicy' is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and receiving significant critical acclaim. Its influence extended beyond charts, shaping the narrative style of storytelling in rap and earning a spot in numerous greatest-of-all-time lists. Released as the lead single from his debut album 'Ready to Die,' 'Juicy' marked The Notorious B.I.G.'s breakthrough into mainstream success. At this point, he was transitioning from underground rapper to a prominent figure in hip-hop, following a series of mixtape appearances and local acclaim.

How many songs are on Juicy?

Juicy has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Juicy

The Notorious B.I.G. · 1994

17 min · 4 tracks · hip-hop

A triumphant blend of slick production and autobiographical storytelling that redefined East Coast hip-hop in the 90s.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Juicy (Radio Edit) — This version encapsulates Biggie's rise from struggle to success, combining catchy hooks with a celebratory tone that resonated widely.
→
Juicy (Remix) — The remix showcases alternate verses and additional production layers, reinforcing its infectious beat while illustrating Biggie's versatility as an artist.
→
Unbelievable — This track highlights Biggie's lyrical dexterity and storytelling prowess, featuring intricate wordplay set against a haunting backdrop, making it a standout on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

The song's strong production and lyrical depth contribute to its lasting influence in hip-hop.

What we noticed

The track 'Juicy' features a prominent use of samples, particularly from Mtume's 'Juicy Fruit,' which creates a lush backdrop for the lyrics.
The verses are structured with a consistent internal rhyme scheme, enhancing the flow and rhythm of the storytelling.
The radio edit maintains a tight runtime, focusing on the most impactful lines and hooks to appeal to mainstream audiences.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 9/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.