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

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, exemplifying The Notorious B.I.G.'s lasting popularity. Its release introduced previously unheard tracks that enriched his legacy and solidified his status as a foundational figure in East Coast hip-hop, inspiring countless artists who followed. Released nearly a decade after The Notorious B.I.G.'s tragic death in 1997, this album serves as a retrospective collection that highlights his enduring impact on hip-hop. It features both beloved hits and previously unreleased material, providing fans with deeper insight into his artistry during a time when his influence was still palpable in the genre.

Who is Notorious for?

Notorious works well if you're into vivid storytelling with emotional depth, dynamic flow with peaks and for late-night drives.

How many songs are on Notorious?

Notorious has 17 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Notorious

The Notorious B.I.G. · 2009

67 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop

A posthumous blend of classic tracks and unreleased demos showcases the raw talent and lyrical prowess of hip-hop's iconic storyteller.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Juicy — This track is an anthem of success and resilience, featuring autobiographical lyrics that recount Biggie's rise from hardship to fame.
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Hypnotize — With its catchy hook and slick production, this song exemplifies Biggie's ability to blend mainstream appeal with intricate lyricism, making it a classic.
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One More Chance / Stay With Me (remix) — This remix captures Biggie's charm and versatility, showcasing his smooth delivery while addressing themes of romance and desire prevalent in his work.
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Notorious Thugs — Featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, this track reflects Biggie's innovative style by merging his flow with rapid-fire verses, pushing the boundaries of hip-hop collaboration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends hits with demos, showcasing B.I.G.'s talent but lacks cohesive flow.

What we noticed

Several tracks include interludes or skits that provide context or commentary on B.I.G.'s life and career.
The production varies between polished studio tracks and raw demo recordings, creating a contrast in sound quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vivid storytelling with emotional depth
dynamic flow with peaks
for late-night drives
celebratory anthems for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification
dislike longer listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Posthumous release that reinforces his legacy and popularity in hip-hop.
Career context: Released nearly a decade after The Notorious B.I.G.'s tragic death in 1997, this album serves as a retrospective collection that highlights his enduring impact on hip-hop. It features both beloved hits and previously unreleased material, providing fans with deeper insight into his artistry during a time when his influence was still palpable in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Nas· Jay-Z· Big L

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Juicy

The narrative shifts from childhood struggles to adult success, portraying a vivid transformation fueled by ambition.

This progression not only outlines Biggie's personal journey but also captures the aspirational spirit of hip-hop culture during the '90s.