The Notorious B.I.G. Album: “Ready to Die: The Remaster [2006]”

"Ready to Die" is an essential album for true rap fans. Yes, Biggie explores the usual gangsta trappings (clothes, bank rolls and ho's, etc.). What separates this work from most the rest of the cookie-cutter rappers out there is that Biggie writes with intelligence, style and wit. His lyrics are what separate this album from the rest of the heap - he expresses himself with the clarity and cleverness more typically found in a classic songwriter. The samples and beats behind the lyrics compliment most of the material perfectly and are a refreshing break from the played-out R&B/Funk West Coast sound. B.I.G. uses humor, intelligence and vivid imagery subtely and lets the listener fill in the gaps. Like Nas' debut album "Illmatic"(also highly recommended!), "Ready to Die" is a refreshing departure from the Top 40-driven rap/hip hop scene predominant today. It's rap that you won't feel embarassed to listen to.

I saw the review posted here about the albums being edited. A comment gave a new link for an unedited version but that one was edited as well. Guess I'm out some money.

Don't download, buy the real CD. Amazon is lying to you.

"Ready To Die" is arguably one of the hottest debuts in hip-hop history. You can argue whether it is better than "Doggystyle", "Illmatic", or the select few other solo debuts to make such a list but there is no arguing its influence on the rap game. With that being known, it's not much of a surprise that P. Diddy and his Bad Boy label decided to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the album by re-releasing it in all its glory with a remastered sound, two bonus songs, and a DVD of its hit videos.

"Ready To Die" sounds better than ever. All the hits are here still, from "Big Poppa" to "Juicy". And for those who might be wondering, the controversial "blow up like the World Trade" line that has been edited on the radio since the 9/11 attacks stays intact on "Juicy". Big's influence on the modern MC is noticeable in nearly every line he drops (and there are some hot ones). His superb duet with Method Man, "The What", which has never gotten as much love as it should, really showcases the two soon to be superstars when they were at their most powerful. Biggie touches many different subjects with "Ready" as he is able to swing back and forth from hustling ("Gimme The Loot") to steady-mackin' ("Me & My B*tch", "One More Chance") and still speak on his paranoia of death ("Ready To Die", "Suicidal Thoughts").

"Ready To Die" was a classic album. It's been one for ten years and will continue to be one so the addition of new material really shouldn't hurt it, right? My only problem is including two new songs at the end does somewhat change the format of the album. The first bonus song, "Who Shot Ya?" was already included on Big's poorly-organized posthumous LP, "Born Again". A better choice could have been the remix to "One More Chance". The second added track, "Dreams" works because unlike the previous one it has never been comercially released. The DVD that comes included with this re-issue features four music videos of the singles from the album and some bonus camcorder footage of Biggie performing "Unbelievable" at a concert in Atlanta. If for some reason, you still don't own "Ready To Die", this is as good a reason as any to go pick it up.

I just have to commend the team who actually worked on getting the release for te fans. It's a perfect element to any hip hop follower. The quality on this new release of ready to die is uncany and the DVD make it even better as a bonus. The videos add to the perfection that this modern day street poet gave to the hip hop world. Rest in peace to the greatest MC to do it in such a short time, The Notorious B.I.G.

Notorious B.I.G. was one of the most gifted rappers i have ever known and it is a shame that he had to die for his career. I should get to this album because if I rave on about how enthusiastically good Biggie Smalls was, I would probably get negative feedback on this review. So, here goes. Ready to Die was a multi-platinum album, if that doesn't say enough. I absolutely love this album to death and it deserves 5 stars solid, not 4.5. Every track on this album right here is bumpin from start to finish, and trust me, you will never recieve any hint of boredom from this here album. Relatively 63 minutes of hard core hip-hop action are shown on this album. He raps around the sole core of his mind and lyrics: the rough dirty streets of downtown Brooklyn. Reknowned the king of hiphop and of new york, this guy deserves some respect. So in Biggie's sake, go out and buy this album, Number 1--you'll enjoy it, and Number 2--It will make Biggie feel better up in the heavens. R.I.P. To The Hip Hop King Of Brooklyn, Biggie Smalls (Christopher Wallace).