Ready to Die is the debut album by the Notorious B.I.G, released in 1994. There is a smooth almost effortless flow to Biggie’s lyrical stylings. His skills as a storyteller are undeniable and are apparent from the get-go. The album had a troubled recording period which included Biggie leaving for a year and then returning to finish the album on Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs Bad Boy records.
Ready to Die is the only album by Biggie to be released during his lifetime as he was tragically murdered 16 days before the release of his second album, ironically named Life After Death. Hailed by any as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time with easily one of the most iconic album covers ever produced.
The album was one of the titles to put East Coast hip hop back on the scene after the dominance of the West Coast sound. A title every hip hop fan should have in their collection and if you are looking for an intro to the genre Ready to Die is a perfect place to start.
