Ready to Die
Quick Summary
Ready to Die is the debut studio album by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace). Released in 1994, the album is widely considered a landmark in gangsta rap and a pivotal work in the East Coast hip-hop scene.1
The album features singles such as "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," the latter of which earned a Grammy nomination. Ready to Die is noted for its raw lyricism and innovative production, contributing significantly to the revival of New York City-based hip-hop labels and establishing Bad Boy Entertainment as a major force in the industry. The album's success also highlighted the growing rivalry between East Coast and West Coast hip-hop scenes. In 2024, Ready to Die was added to the National Recording Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance.12
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