“Biggie Smalls is the Illest” by Dr. John Spruill III

22 May 2015

Posted by ProfessU

Happy Birthday, BIG! We still listen to and talk about Biggie as if he was still here physically- a testament to how influential his music and presence was, and continues to be. We sat and listened intently to each rhyme waiting to hear the next witty thing that he’d say, which was indicative of him being a good student- as all MCs during that time truly focused on trying to be slicker than the next. And most of all, the ’90s was a time during which we LIVED in the club, and Biggie’s music provided much of the soundtrack for that period.

Rappers today do not place much emphasis on being witty with wordplay today, which creates a different climate. I believe that Biggie’s music will constantly be the subject of continued discussion as that era represents a defining time in hip-hop. His debut and sophomore LPs was the first time that I’d seen such considerable growth in the music- from a raw, stripped-down LP for his debut, to a much more musically-filled follow-up…a sequence which has been mimicked by many.

The time and effort taken to craft lyrics that were shocking, funny, prolific, and insightful was and still continues to be appreciated, which makes the “dumbed down” lyrics appear even more “dumbed down” in contrast. Dr. John Hamilton recently posted an article regarding many of today’s popular rappers having lyrics that are on or below a third grade level- definitely not the caae when talking of BIG, who was much more diverse than that. Educationally, Biggie’s lyrics and “rapper lifestyle” will be discussed for years to come, and we look forward to continuing to play a role in that discussion.

Happy Birthday, BIG!

One of my faves: