Throwback Video of the Day: The Notorious B.I.G. – "Big Poppa"
Big Poppa: The Song That Made Biggie a Household Name
When The Notorious B.I.G. released “Big Poppa,” it didn’t just chart—it captivated a generation. The track is lifted from his seminal 1994 debut album Ready to Die. In addition, it marked a defining moment in ’90s hip-hop. Built around a sultry sample from The Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets,” the song fuses luxury, charisma, and unfiltered confidence into one smooth, melodic ride.
“Big Poppa” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Singles chart. Its mass appeal helped make Biggie Smalls a fixture in pop culture. For many fans, this track is their introduction to The Notorious B.I.G.—an artist whose presence was as big as his rhymes were clever.
A Hook That Became an Anthem
“I love it when you call me Big Poppa.” Few lines in hip-hop are as instantly recognizable or quotable. This iconic hook, sampled from Biggie’s earlier verse on Super Cat’s “Dolly My Baby,” carries a sense of charisma that bridges both the streets and the mainstream.
Delivered over Chucky Thompson and Puff Daddy’s laid-back production, the hook exudes charm and swagger. It’s one of the key reasons “Big Poppa” became a party staple—embraced by fans in clubs, on radio, and even at weddings. Its catchy simplicity lingers long after the beat fades.
When B.I.G. uttered those words, he coined a phrase that was destined to outlive him.
The Video: Champagne Nights and Coogi Dreams
The music video for “Big Poppa” is the ultimate showcase of luxury, charisma, and effortless charm. Set primarily in a sleek nightclub, the visuals capture Biggie in his prime — decked out in a Coogi sweater, surrounded by women, friends, and the glow of champagne flutes.
The dimly lit ambiance reflects the late-night, slow groove of the beat. Puffy (now known as Diddy) pops up throughout, hyping Biggie as they throw a stylish, grown-man party. There’s no need for flashy effects or over-the-top antics; the cool, confident presence of Biggie anchors every frame.
What’s most notable is how the video doesn’t chase attention. Instead, it demands it simply through Biggie’s calm control of the space. Even among a crowd that includes Busta Rhymes and Mary J. Blige, he commands the room. As music videos grew more extravagant, even future Bad Boy releases, the understated confidence of “Big Poppa” is a refreshing reminder of how style and substance can coexist.
Lyrical Charm That Still Shines
Every verse in “Big Poppa” delivers quotable lines, whether he’s breaking down the rules of the party or seducing listeners with wit and wordplay. His line, “I got more Mack than Craig, and in the bed / Believe me, sweetie, I got enough to feed the needy,” is delivered with such finesse that it blurs the line between flirtation and flexing.
Biggie doesn’t shout — he speaks. He doesn’t race the beat — he rides it. That calm control gave listeners a new model of rap stardom: not always aggressive, but still dominant. In today’s game, that influence echoes in artists who lean into charisma over chaos.
Cultural Impact and Mainstream Crossover
When “Big Poppa” hit the airwaves, it wasn’t just a success in the rap community. It broke cultural boundaries, reaching suburban homes, dance floors, and radio stations that once resisted hip hop. The track peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, became a No. 1 rap single, and ultimately earned platinum certification.
It also earned Biggie a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996, and while he didn’t win, the nod was proof of his crossover appeal. His ability to craft music that resonated with the streets and the mainstream without diluting his authenticity made him a blueprint for future rap moguls.
As a result, countless rappers have followed this format. In turn, the format led them to platinum releases and a plethora of award show wins.
The Sound of a Classic Era
In retrospect, “Big Poppa” is a time capsule. It’s not just a song — it’s a vibe. It captures a moment when East Coast hip hop began reasserting itself, and when rap’s storytelling evolved into something grander. The sound is smooth but never soft. It’s plush yet grounded.
The laid-back groove of the Isley Brothers sample sets the mood, while Biggie’s rich baritone gives the track its undeniable edge. Today, with genre fusion and retro sampling at an all-time high, the “Big Poppa” formula feels more influential than ever.
Also, you can look back at the success The Isley Brothers had in the early 2000s, and look at Biggie sampling them as one thing that helped open that door.
A Symbol of Bad Boy’s Rise
“Big Poppa” also serves as an early cornerstone for Bad Boy Records. Puff Daddy’s involvement in both production and the video set the tone for the label’s future: polish, luxury, and crossover appeal without abandoning hip hop roots. The song was an early sign that Bad Boy was more than just a record label — it was a cultural force.
Even today, Bad Boy’s legacy is still being debated, but there’s no questioning the impact “Big Poppa” had on the label’s rise. It launched Biggie into the spotlight and gave Bad Boy the kind of hit that established credibility and cool at once.
Why It Still Resonates Today
Part of what makes “Big Poppa” endure is how deeply human it feels. Beneath the smooth delivery and cool persona, there’s a man reflecting on success, indulgence, and connection. Whether he’s playfully flirting or recounting the rewards of his hustle, Biggie does it with a sincerity that still feels genuine.
Even today, when the track comes on, the room shifts. Shoulders sway. Heads nod. It’s more than nostalgia — it’s a recognition of greatness that continues to shine.
Final Thoughts
Watching and listening to “Big Poppa” now reminds us that greatness doesn’t fade — it echoes. The music video’s simple charm and the song’s luxurious production speak volumes without shouting. It’s a testament to Biggie’s enduring appeal that a song from 1995 still feels current in how it moves a crowd.
As hip hop continues to evolve, “Big Poppa” remains a gold standard of how to blend charisma, confidence, and lyrical excellence. Whether you’re revisiting it as a longtime fan or discovering it anew, one thing is clear: when Biggie speaks, the world still listens.