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Ready to Die

album by The Notorious B.I.G.

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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