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Fitting of an emcee that commanded such talent and personality, Biggie was seemingly at his best when allowed to roam free on his own songs, without the hindrance of say a Puff Daddy or 112 to weaken a track. Further, Biggie did not have the opportunity to reach the level of collaborations seen by the likes of Ludacris or Eminem. Despite these drawbacks though, I have attempted to compile here the top ten Biggie collaborations; whether they be album tracks on his own albums, album tracks on other artist’s albums, remixes, or any track for that matter. Collaborations allow us to view Biggie’s work in a different light because there is adaptation to the other artist or artists that create a unique new take on Biggie’s artistry. Further, we can also see how Biggie’s presence affected others featured on the tracks. With these benefits in mind, let me make clear that I sought some sort of duality in these collaborations rather than just a particularly strong Biggie track (an idea I will articulate a bit more upon later).
- 10. Real Love - Mary J. Blige f/ Notorious B.I.G.
- This is Biggie’s first appearance as Notorious B.I.G. (having previously used the Biggie Smalls moniker exclusively). A rather simple few bars by most measures, this collaboration is more evidence of what was to come: Biggie showing his charm and ability to work with an R & B singer and in so doing crafting a smash pop hit. Not really a risky verse, but Biggie used it as a means to keep the flow of the song in tact while injecting a bit of his own flavor.
- 09. Victory - Puff Daddy f/ Busta Rhymes and Notorious B.I.G.
- This song is one of my favorites that Biggie has ever appeared on: try not to get juiced when you hear that epic Rocky sample booming through your speakers. Biggie spits some straight gambino shit. Problem is, despite Busta’s enthused refrain, Biggie carries the track, especially considering that Diddy most likely had Biggie hook up his lyrics for him. As I mentioned previously, I wanted to find songs for this list that showed a give and take between the artists Biggie was collaborating with. On this track though, it seems that (appropriately so) Puff steps back and lets BIG do his thing, while Busta simply acts as the hype man.
- 08. Dolly My Baby (Remix) - Supercat f/ Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, and Third Eye
- A mere eight bars at the end of this catchy Supercat track is all Biggie need to steal the show. Made in 1993, this track follows the formula of a playful posse cut. It is not until his third couplet that Biggie has the track in his back pocket: “Lyrical lyrics that's blowing lyrics out my larynx/ Chubby competitor, quick to kick a chump in the chest.” Like Mary’s track, Biggie is not particularly daring, however the alliteration is proof positive of him stepping his game up.
- 07. Fucking You Tonight - Notorious B.I.G. f/ R. Kelly
- I like to consider this one a concept track. Here we have two musical talents coming together to develop a new approach to a romantic tune. Biggie was always sort of a nasty dude, but R. Kelly was tried to be romantic with his own sexual desires. Pairing these two together seemed natural, and the end of the track (fitting for a track on this subject matter) is its peak. Biggie first laying down the law, “I know you used to slow CD's and Don P's/ But tonight its eight tracks and six-packs while I hit that.” Then R. Kelly adding a few more lines to let the chick know in case she still did not get the picture, “Let's stop the bullshit baby/ Let me take you to the spot, get you hot.”
- 06. Crush on You - Lil' Kim f/ Lil' Cease and Notorious B.I.G.
- B.I.G. does not really have a verse on this one and it does not matter. The most memorable thing about the track (does anybody remember much about Lil' Cease let alone his sub par verses seen here?) is Biggie’s infectious hook. Sung coolly, Biggie delivers the hook as if he were chatting up a dime at the back of the bar. Relax and take notes.
- 05. The What Notorious B.I.G. f/ Method Man
- This track, which sees Biggie paired with Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man, is an example of Biggie adapting to the strengths of another emcee. Consider the nonsensical nature of Biggie’s shit-talking. Indeed, Biggie was as boastful as any other New York rapper – but from the random references (“What you talking bout Willis?”) to the over-sexed boasts (“Niggas know they soft like a Twinkie filling”) – this is Biggie doing the Method Man schtick better than Meth did on the track.
- 04. Flava in Ya Ear (Remix) Craig Mack f/ Notorious BIG, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, and Rampage
- I am pretty sure this was the track Diddy was talking about when he said he invented the remix. Wrong as he may be, this one is a beast. Biggie is first to leave the gates, and despite inspired verses by Busta and Craig Mack, it is truly Biggie that owns the track. Two things stick out to me about this Biggie verse. First, I will always say that LL Cool J is a better emcee than Biggie, but if someone is to make a strong case against that statement, one needs to look no further than this song where LL hides scared in Biggie’s large shadow. Second, this song is a great example of an often-overlooked Biggie trait that personifies his unique talent: pronunciation. Take the following line, “The shit is depressing...pathetic...please forget it, you're mad cause my style you're admiring.” The line on paper is unimpressive, but Biggie pronounces it like nobody else would.
- 03. Notorious Thugs Notorious B.I.G. f/ Bone Thugs n Harmony
- Like The What, Biggie adapts to the style of his collaborators to improve upon it. The soft piano loop drives Biggie through his impassioned verse. Speaking matter-of-factly about his past, Biggie brings incredible nuance to the verse but switching his cadence a number of times. The Bone Thugs chorus in the background give the whole track added weight.
- 02. Suicidal Thoughts Notorious B.I.G. f/ Himself
- Hear me out on this one: this is Biggie acting straight schizophrenic. He is questioning his actions and motives. It is as though the whole track takes place within the inner-workings of Biggie’s brain as separate thoughts are expressed tangentially. All the while, Diddy is trying to stop this duel on the other end of some unidentified phone line. It is one of Biggie’s better tracks, and I am convinced it’s a collabo.
- 01. Brooklyn’s Finest Jay-Z f/ Notorious B.I.G.
- It is as though the gunshots at the start of the track never stop. Each couplet is a blast through the streets of Bucktown. The two emcees competitively rhyme to one-up each other throughout the track. Unlike other collaborations between rappers, where each patiently awaits his turn, verses are chopped down to four or eight bars as the two wrestle the mic from each other. The result captures the boastful tension that Black Republicans could not (though I do love that song). While some of the other songs on this list benefited from featuring artists with styles that differed from Biggie’s, this track’s strength is the incredible similarity between the two emcees. Each rapper is comfortably exemplifying the Brooklyn style. And yeah, Biggie drops one of the cleverest one-liners in history, “If Fay' had twins, she'd probably have two-Pac's.”
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