In honor of the late Notorious BIG and today's release of his autobiographical film, I'm dedicating today's throwback entry to some of my favorite Biggie videos. The movie is definitely worth checking out, so be sure that you hit up the nearest theater this weekend to see this film. Click the full story to peep 5 of my favorite Biggie videos!
Juicy
Notorious Big's debut single became an instant classic with the inspirational lyrics, clear laid back flow, and excellent use of the "Juicy Fruit" sample. The lyrics clearly guide listeners through Biggie's struggle to his success with signing to Bad Boy.
Big Poppa
"Big Poppa" was the prime example of what a club track should be. It's not overly cliched, too flashy, and overall it's a smooth track. Hip hop artists remain to make videos like these today, but unlike Big Poppa they are exaggerated.
One More Chance
Even though I'm a skinny dude, I must say Big held it down for the bigger brothas. Big had cameo's from damn near every R&B chick at the time from the late Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, Total, and his wife Faith; all asking for one more chance. On a side note, what happened to Zhane, Patra, and Changing Faces, where are they now?
Craig Mack feat. Big, Busta, Rampage, and LL - Flava In Your Ear (Remix)
Classic to say the least. All MC's wreck this track making it one of the best posse cuts ever. Puff kicks off the joint mocking the popular Warriors scene clicking two bottles chanting "Bad Boy come out to play", then Biggie drops a hot verse. Till this day rappers make videos inspired by this signature black-and-white music video produced by the legendary Hype Williams.
Hypnotize
The last music video to feature Big and instantly became a hit. In the late 90's, Bad Boy artists made "mini movies" with their music videos, with this being the first of it's style. The video would later inspire DJ Khaled's "We Takin' Over" video with fairly similar chase scenes.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Takin' Em Back - 1/16: The Biggie Edition!
Seeing is Believing 1/16: New Jeezy, Slim Thug, Q-Tip, and more vids!
On today's vids...
Young Jeezy & Nas's "President is Black", Q-Tip "boogies" with Amanda Diva, Slim Thug "Runs", and B.o.B. will "be in the sky".
Hit up the full story to peep em!
Young Jeezy feat. Nas - My President
I can't think of a better time for this video to be released with Barack's historical inauguration this Tuesday. This is the fifth video off of The Recession, and I'm honored to see life imitate art with this track.
Q-Tip feat. Amanda Diva - Manwomanboogie
Q-Tip releases a video the Amanda Diva featured joint off The Renaissance. This is my least favorite on the album, but it's good to see Q-Tip doing his thing.
Slim Thug feat. Yelawolf - I Run
Slim Thug brings you his first single off his upcoming Boss of All Bosses album. Producer Jim Jonsin (produced "Lollipop", "Whatever You Like") laces Slim Thug on the production, with on the hook sampling a Flock of Seagulls 80's hit "I Run (So Far Away)". Slim Thug's newest LP is slated to be released March 24th.
B.O.B. - I'll Be In The Sky
Newcomer B.o.B. releases his second video, the comic-book inspired "I'll Be In The Sky". The 20 year old rapper/singer/producer is signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint, and will release his debut album Adventures of B.o.B. in the near future. B.o.B. also appeared on XXL's class of '09 issue.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Movie Review: Notorious
Over 12 years ago hip hop lost one of its greatest artists, the Notorious B.I.G. True, Biggie Smalls only had two albums in his discography and two posthumous releases; but the content and music made him a legend. One of Big's strengths was his clear and smooth delivery, and ability to tell stories. Though the stories Big would spit were life experiences, his life prior to his Bad Boy signing still remained mysterious. Fox Searchlight Pictures drops Notorious; a biographical movie which reveals the history of B.I.G., his remarkable rap career, and his unfortunate death.
The movie opens perfectly with a young Biggie Smalls where viewers get a chance to see his early inspirations. His struggle for acceptance to his distant relationship with his Father built his foundation to his early teenage raps. Eventually he began to sell drugs and rap publicly making a name for himself. After doing time and having a daughter, Big decided to focus on making rap music as soon as he's released. B.I.G.'s crew (which later became Junior Mafia), encouraged Frank White to pursue a rap career and once he linked up with Puff, the rest was history. Viewing B.I.G.'s back story shows his fate at becoming a rising star. He was determined to use his witty rap style to make the transition from the streets to the studio, and even had his childhood friend sacrifice five years of his life to help Biggie make it. Throughout all of the changes B.I.G. encountered before he signed, it built his character and gave the audience the chance to see him from a more personal perspective that we didn't get to see while he was alive.
The question everyone had was, will Jamal Woolard aka Gravy be able to emulate Chris Wallace successfully. The portrayal of B.I.G. was on point and at times very convincing. From the charismatic personality to the rap style, Gravy did a great job at portraying the late rapper. On the other hand, there were some other portrayals that weren't as well fit as Big's and Puffs. Lil' Cease was played by a young actor who appears to be a teenager. During the early stages of the movie you assume the character will age as it progresses, but at the end, he still appears to be an adolescent. There's also Anthony Mackie who plays B.I.G.'s former friend turned for 2pac. As far as the look goes, Mackie resembled Pac but Pac has a distinctive persona that is challenging to embody. 
One role that caught me off guard was former 3LW member Naturi Naughton (featured above) as Lil' Kim. After Lil' Kim dedicated spread in KING Magazine, I thought she didn't resemble her. In the film she reenacts Kim and Big's relationship and stage presence causing me to regret my doubts.
When Notorious comes to an end, it seems a bit rushed. However, it goes a little deeper into 2pac and Biggie's feud and the negative effect the media had on it. The film leaves an excellent lasting impression and raised my respect level even higher for the late MC. For aspiring music artists like me, you will find the story inspiring seeing that anything is possible. Like Big said on "Sky's The Limit" he went from ashy to classy, and this film captures it all. There wasn't a dull moment in this film and it brought Chris Wallace's music to life. Whether you're a Biggie fan or not, you will find this film enjoyable.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Seeing is Believing 1/12 - New Jadakiss, Snoop, Dipset, & More vids!
On today's SiB post...
Jadakiss writes a "Letter to B.I.G.", Snoop got "Staxx in his Jeans", Juelz & the Skull Gang get "Aggy", Jim Jones "Byrdgang Swagger", and The Lo kick open "Double Doors".
Hit up the full story to peep the vids.
Jadakiss feat. Faith Evans - Letter to B.I.G.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Takin' Em Back - 1/9
Nas - Nas is Like
I peeped this video interview with Primo earlier this week where he discussed Jay, Wayne, and Nas. As he reminisced about working on one of the greatest hip hop albums, [Illmatic] he stated that if Nas were to do a new project with the same production team as Illmatic (Primo, Q-Tip, LES, etc.), it would be a success. I agree with DJ Premier, tracks like NY State of Mind, 2nd Childhood, and today's throwback joint, Nas is Like; show the chemistry between the two. While I Am and Nastradamus aren't hailed as Nas' greatest material, "Nas is Like" is one of the best joints he put out to date. The poetic lyrics and delivery the DJ Premier laced beat, and the scratches equal pure dopeness.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Seeing is Believing 1/7: New Scarface & Bow Wow Vids!
Scarface hits a "High Note" and Bow Wow & JD "Roc the Mic"
Hit up the full story to peep the vids!
Scarface - High Note
Monday, January 5, 2009
Dope or Nope 1/5 - 50 Gets It In (Updated w/ CDQ)
50 Cent - Get It In
As expected, 50's new joint is here (the radio rip premiered 1/5). It's rumored to be produced by Dre, and unfortunately it's the radio rip the CDQ version is here. Thoughts?
As Seen On: illRoots
Click Here to Peep the Full Story!
Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week 1/5 - Christina Milian
It's been a busy day being my first day back in the office after a two week vacation. As usual I'm droppin off my girl of the week. I don't know why I'm just now posting a blog on Christina Milian since I've been on her since that Ja Rule joint she was on.
Even though she's been MIA, Christina Milian is still one of the baddest chicks in the game. Hit up the full story to peep more flicks. 
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Dope or Nope 1/3- New Game & Buck
Dj Haze feat. The Game & Young Buck - Hate
Ex-G-Unit members link up with DJ Haze to go in on haters. The Game switches his style up on this one sounding a bit like Too Short. Hit up the full story to peep the rest.
Click Here to Peep the Full Story!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Mixtape Madness: New Lloyd Banks Mixtape!
Lloyd Banks & Whoo Kid - The Cold Corner Mixtape
Lloyd Banks kicks off '09 with his follow up to The Halloween Havoc mixtape. Banks & Whoo Kid connect to bring you The Cold Corner. Hit up the full story to peep the back cover/tracklisting, and download link.
Click Here to Peep the Full Story!
Seeing Is Believing 1/2: New T-Pain Vid!
T-Pain & Chris Brown - Freeze
T-Pain collabs with Chris Brown to deliver yet another creative vid. The videos style is similar to "Can't Believe It", and "Chopped and Screwed". All four of the videos released thus far from this LP have been solid.
Takin' Em Back - 1/2
Method Man - Judgement Day
As usual I'm droppin' off my throwback joint of the week. Back when Y2K was approaching, people were going stir crazy. Therefore Method Man based his album theme on the Y2K craze. The video is supposed to be the aftermath of it all. On a side note, remember when Def Jam consisted of Jay-z, DMX, Method Man, Redman, Ja Rule, etc.? The good ole days.
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