If You Don't Know, Now You Know: Top 15 Biggie Anthems [LISTEN]

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March 9 of each year Hip-Hop laments the loss of one of its most prolific MCs in Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace. And while tomorrow marks the 16th anniversary of the Brooklyn native’s death, we here at Hip- HopWired recall one of his greatest strengths and a large reason why he remains one of the game’s most heralded artists: his ability to create a certified anthem.

With Sean “Diddy” Combs (then Puff Daddy) by his side, it’s no wonder that Biggie was one of a few artists who could repeatedly release heaters that moved crowds from Kalamazoo to the infamous Tunnel night club in New York City. On the same token, B.I.G. built his career and fan base with tracks that spoke to the street cats that held down the corners.

The King of New York clearly had the “it” factor; he was the perfect mixture of talent and bravado. We saw him rise to prominence because of his lyrical skill, but the true magic came after his tragic death, when fans got to see how his music would withstand the testament of time.

Even in 2013, The Notorious B.I.G.‘s music evokes a spirit that takes you back to the golden era of Hip-Hop, when Bad Boy and others reigned supreme. Whether it was his track, a song that he penned, or a feature verse, Frank White was the pound for pound anthem champion once upon a time.

Check out the list below to see his top 15.

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Photo: MTV

15. The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Jay-Z & Angela Winbush – “I Love the Dough”

The object was to get money by any means, and to appreciate the fruits of your labor. If that’s your vice too, chances are you played this at extremely high decibels.

14. Lil Kim – “Queen B***h” (Notorious B.I.G. Reference)

Biggie’s skill ranged past what most fans knew. Little known to most, he actually penned this Lil Kim anthem from her first album Hardcore.

13. Jay-Z ft. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Brooklyn’s Finest”

Hov and B.I.G. made magic on wax that Hip-Hop lovers embraced, but King’s County natives lived. Old heads who frequented east New York City in the ’90s will tell you that “Brooklyn’s Finest” is blasted in ’97 Acura Legend speakers throughout the hood.

12. The Notorious B.I.G. – ” Everyday Struggle”

Mr. Wallace’s ability to relate with the common man made his introductory album Ready to Die that much more relatable. Perhaps no song on that record spoke on life’s pain like this one.

11. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Party and Bulls**t”

This is the quintessential young man’s anthem, made for the days where you just want to have fun and make a few bad decisions…

10. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Ten Crack Commandments”

Biggie gave the game to the folks who dabbled in that baking soda and pyrex life. To this day “never get high on your own supply” is one of rap’s top quotables.

9. Junior Mafia ft. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Player’s Anthem”

What else is there to say? The title lets listeners know what to expect.

8. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Me & My B***h”

The Notorious One was from Bed-Stuy, and he wasn’t the most sentimental when it came to women on his debut project. “Me & My B***h” was Big’s Bonnie and Clyde, and it remains a staple in the culture.

7. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Hypnotize”

From the ill flip of Herb Alpert’s “Rise” to the lavish visual, “Hypnotize” had all of the makings of being an anthem for years to come.

6. Craig Mack ft. Rampage, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, & The Notorious B.I.G. – “Flava In Ya Ear” (Remix)

This is the Voltron of posse cuts; the anthem of anthems, and Biggie killed it.

5. The Notorious B.I.G. – “One More Chance (Remix)”

Biggie had “wanna be players” quoting this in real life. For that alone the “One More Chance (Remix)” receives our stamp.

4. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Big Poppa”

B.I.G. was no longer just the gritty, overweight rapper from Bed-Stuy. His life had changed, and he brought us along for the ride. Even Taco Bell had to pay homage.

3. Puff Daddy ft. The Lox, Lil Kim, & Notorious B.I.G. – “It’s All About the Benjamins”

Bad Boy’s run as a powerhouse in Hip-Hop was borderline mythical. Proof for future generations comes via tracks like “It’s All About the Benjamins,” which Biggie anchors with an awe-inspiring verse.

2. The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Puff Daddy & Mase – “Mo Money Mo Problems”

We can only imagine how Biggie felt knowing he had this one in the tuck. He probably did the Birdman hand rub way before the New Orleans native was a fixture in Hip-Hop.