The Notorious B.I.G. – Born Again

• Category: Album

• Title: Born Again

• Artist: Notorious B.I.G.

• Features: Beanie Sigel, Big Tymers, Black Rob, Busta Rhymes, Craig Mack, Eminem, G-Dep, Hot Boys, Ice Cube, Joe Hooker, Junior M.A.F.I.A., K-Ci & JoJo, Lil' Cease, Lil' Kim, Mark Curry, Method Man, Missy Elliott, Mobb Deep, Nas, Puff Daddy, Redman, Sadat X, Snoop Dogg, Too Short

• Released: December 7, 1999.

• Genres: East Coast Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap, Hip-Hop

Album Background

Release Date and Label

Born Again was released on December 7, 1999, by Bad Boy Records. This posthumous album was released over two years after The Notorious B.I.G.’s death and was intended to keep his legacy alive by using previously unreleased verses and guest appearances from prominent artists.

Artist Context

By the time of this album’s release, Biggie was already cemented as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His first two albums, Ready to Die and Life After Death, were critically acclaimed and had a significant impact on the hip-hop genre. Born Again was released during a period where Biggie’s influence was still highly felt in the industry, even after his passing.

Concept and Inspiration

Themes and Messages

The album features themes typical of Biggie’s music, including street life, success, and his reflections on fame. Given its posthumous nature, there is an added layer of nostalgia and tribute, as the verses were from different periods of his career and combined with features from contemporary artists.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind Born Again was to preserve and celebrate The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy. The album was put together by combing through unreleased material and pairing it with new production and collaborations to create a cohesive project that honored Biggie’s memory.

Writing and Recording Process

Songwriting and Recording

The songs on Born Again were built around previously unreleased verses and freestyles that Biggie had recorded. The recording process involved blending these verses with new beats and features from various artists. Some verses were reworked or adjusted to fit the new tracks, which were recorded in studios in New York and Los Angeles.

Notable Collaborations

The album features a star-studded lineup, including artists like Eminem, Puff Daddy, Lil’ Kim, Nas, Snoop Dogg, and Method Man. These collaborations helped to create a contemporary sound while maintaining the essence of Biggie’s original recordings.

Production Details

Producers and Sound

• • Sean “Puffy” Combs: Puffy played a significant role in the production of the album, ensuring that the project stayed true to Biggie’s original sound while incorporating modern elements.
  • The Hitmen: The production team contributed to several tracks, delivering a blend of classic East Coast beats with contemporary production styles.
  • Sound and Musical Style: The album’s sound is a mix of hardcore hip-hop with mainstream appeal, featuring gritty beats, smooth production, and a mix of old-school and new-school influences.

Track-by-Track Analysis

• Track Listing:

  1. “Born Again (Intro)”
  2. “Notorious B.I.G.” (featuring Lil’ Kim and Puff Daddy)
  3. “Dead Wrong” (featuring Eminem)
  4. “Hope You Niggas Sleep” (featuring Hot Boys and Big Tymers)
  5. “Dangerous MC’s” (featuring Mark Curry, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes)
  6. “Biggie” (featuring Junior M.A.F.I.A.)
  7. “Niggas” (featuring Lil’ Cease and Snoop Dogg)
  8. “Big Booty Hoes” (featuring Too Short)
  9. “Would You Die for Me” (featuring Lil’ Kim and Puff Daddy)
  10. “Come On” (featuring Sadat X)
  11. “Rap Phenomenon” (featuring Redman and Method Man)
  12. “Let Me Get Down” (featuring Craig Mack, G-Dep, and Missy Elliott)
  13. “Tonight” (featuring Mobb Deep and Joe Hooker)
  14. “If I Should Die Before I Wake” (featuring Black Rob, Ice Cube, and Beanie Sigel)
  15. “Who Shot Ya”
  16. “Can I Get Witcha” (featuring Lil’ Cease)
  17. “I Really Want to Show You” (featuring K-Ci & JoJo and Nas)
  18. “Ms. Wallace (Outro)”

• Key Tracks:

  • “Notorious B.I.G.”: This track, featuring Lil’ Kim and Puff Daddy, is a standout for its celebratory tone and memorable hook, paying homage to Biggie’s larger-than-life persona.
  • “Dead Wrong”: Featuring Eminem, this track is notable for its dark, menacing beat and Eminem’s aggressive verse, making it a fan favorite.
  • “Rap Phenomenon”: Featuring Redman and Method Man, this track showcases lyrical prowess and strong chemistry between the featured artists, contributing to the album’s raw, underground vibe.

Awards and Nominations

Awards and Nominations

The album did not receive as many awards or nominations as Biggie’s earlier work, but it was praised for its production and the way it honored Biggie’s legacy.

Sales and Charts

Billboard 200: Born Again debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, showing that Biggie’s influence remained strong.

RIAA Certifications: The album was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA, signifying sales of over 2 million copies in the United States.

Impact and Legacy

Influence and Long-term Impact

Born Again helped to keep The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy alive, introducing his music to a new generation of fans. While it didn’t achieve the same critical acclaim as his earlier albums, it demonstrated the lasting impact of his work and the continued demand for his music.

The album also contributed to the trend of posthumous releases in hip-hop, where unreleased material is often reworked and released to honor an artist’s legacy.

Conclusion

Summary

Born Again serves as a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. and his enduring influence on hip-hop. While it may not have the cohesiveness of his earlier albums, it remains an important part of his discography and a testament to his talent.

Final Thoughts

Although Born Again is a posthumous album, it captures the essence of Biggie’s style and charisma. It’s a fitting, though imperfect, continuation of his legacy, providing fans with a final glimpse of one of hip-hop’s greatest icons.