Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) Top 8 R&B Influenced Songs

Biggie only had 2 solo studio albums but those 2 albums (I won’t count “Born Again” because he didn’t have input on this album because it was posthumous and some of the collaborations are suspect) are better than some rappers who have catalogs of 10+ albums. Very profound and very prolific, he was. The Notorious B.I.G. could appeal to many walks of life through his music. His lyrical content ranged from his personal struggles via his upbringing and environment to the materialistic bragging that a lot of people aspire to acquire. He portrayed himself as a family man, a playboy, a gangster, a drug dealer, and the list goes on. Not only were his lyrics versatile, but his style of music that made his music so great. Biggie could rap on almost any track and you had to listen. Here are some of his best songs that incorporated R&B or funk:
1. Party & Bullsh*t {REMIX] — This song uses a sample from Alexander O’Neal. Who else has done that or would even think of sampling an Alexander O’Neal song…and make it work?
2. Juicy — Using the “Juicy Fruit” sample, Biggie caught the ear of everybody because of the sound. R&B lovers appreciated the music but had to pay attention to the lyrics which profiled his upbringing, love for his daughter, dreams of being a rapper finally making it, and his love for his mother. The street could appreciate it because of the delivery and the struggle of no hope for the future, selling drugs, getting arrested, and exploring a brighter path.
3. Big Poppa — Another song using a sample R&B heads could recognize, The Isley Brothers “Between the Sheets”. This song painted Biggie as a lover of sorts. It also spawned him a nickname that would stick forever.
4. One More Chance [REMIX] — DeBarge’s  “Stay With Me”, a song no one had thought to use prior to this single is another smash that’s enjoyable to the ears. Biggie brags so much on this song that every wannabe player, pimp or otherwise had to take notes.
5. Hypnotize — Another song that took the commercial world by storm. This song sampled Herb Alpert. Who would’ve thought…again. It was funky, catchy, and upbeat. He was the first artist to be approved to use this sample.
6. I Love the Dough — Contains a sample from “I Love You More” by Rene & Angela. Another good choice most likely by Puff Daddy. Biggie couldn’t lose when he sampled R&B. As the title says he rapped about lavishness basically.
7. Mo Money Mo Problems — Biggie raps about the perils of being a hip hop superstar, since at this point of his career, he was. This song sampled Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out”. It’s funky, it had a good hook by Kelly Price and people could understand his struggle.
8. Miss U — This song samples “Missing You” by Diana Ross which is sad enough but Biggie talks about a homegirl who died to violence. A hustler’s prayer.
Phenomenal. RIP Biggie
What’s your favorite? 


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