Throwback Video of the Day: The Notorious B.I.G. – "Big Poppa"
The Rise of a Legend: The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa”
By the time The Notorious B.I.G. released “Big Poppa” as the second single off his debut album Ready to Die, he was already gaining traction as the future of East Coast hip hop. However, it was this smooth, infectious anthem that pushed him into the mainstream spotlight. Produced by Chucky Thompson and Puff Daddy, “Big Poppa” is more than just a hit single—it’s a moment of arrival, a declaration that Biggie had truly arrived.
Released in 1995, the single quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the top spot on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. The song also found international success, charting in Canada and the UK. But beyond the numbers, “Big Poppa” became a cultural touchstone.
A Masterclass in Charisma and Lyricism
From the opening bars, Biggie invites listeners into his world with an air of confidence and class. The line “To all the ladies in the place with style and grace” is one of the most iconic opening lines in hip hop history. It’s charming, disarming, and perfectly sets the tone for what’s to come.
Biggie’s lyrical prowess is on full display throughout the song. He effortlessly blends street knowledge with charm, painting vivid pictures of the club scene, romantic pursuits, and his lavish lifestyle. References like “T-bone steak, cheese eggs and Welch’s grape” ground the song in real-world imagery that resonates with everyday listeners while still maintaining his larger-than-life persona.
His flow is slow, deliberate, and silky smooth—the polar opposite of the rapid-fire delivery that many rappers favored at the time. This stylistic choice allows his words to breathe and hit harder, making every line memorable.
Sampling the Classics
One of the key ingredients to the song’s success is its brilliant use of sampling. “Big Poppa” features a sample from The Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets,” a sensual R&B classic that adds a smooth, seductive undertone to the track. This sample choice not only appeals to fans of classic soul but also sets the stage for Biggie’s blend of romanticism and bravado.
The production by Chucky Thompson, with additional influence from Puff Daddy, turns the sample into a hypnotic loop that oozes luxury and swagger. It’s the perfect backdrop for Biggie’s charismatic delivery and further illustrates Bad Boy Records’ formula of marrying street narratives with polished, radio-ready beats.
Visualizing the Lifestyle
The music video for “Big Poppa” perfectly complements the song’s themes. Set in a glamorous nightclub, the video is filled with champagne bottles, beautiful women, and a suave Biggie Smalls in his element. Puffy makes his signature appearances, hyping the crowd and echoing Biggie’s iconic lines.
In addition, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Craig Mack, Treach from Naughty by Nature, and Misa Hylton appear in the video. Throughout the video, they can be found. Among the people partying, they can be found also enjoying the groove. Finally, Puff Daddy appears in a hot tub filled with models.
This visual representation helped solidify Biggie’s image as the suave yet dangerous ladies’ man. It was a far cry from the gritty, black-and-white aesthetic of “Juicy” or the hardcore imagery of “Gimme the Loot.” “Big Poppa” presented a different side of Biggie—one that was smooth, seductive, and aspirational.
Cultural Impact and Mainstream Appeal
“Big Poppa” was one of the key tracks that helped hip hop break into the suburban white youth market. It had enough crossover appeal to get played at high school dances and suburban parties, yet it never compromised its authenticity.
At the 1996 Grammy Awards, the song was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance. While it didn’t take home the award, the nomination was a significant milestone for both Biggie and hip hop as a whole. The track also won at the Billboard Awards, further cementing its legacy.
The clean version of the song made it even more accessible, cleverly replacing explicit lyrics while maintaining the song’s charm. This attention to detail helped “Big Poppa” become a staple on radio stations and in music video rotations across the country.
The Remix and Extended Legacy
Later in 1995, a remix of the song was released featuring Jermaine Dupri. The “So So Def Remix” included a fresh third verse from Biggie. It also saw Dupri taking on Puffy’s ad-libs. The remix gave the track additional life and showcased Biggie’s versatility as a rapper who could hold his own in various sonic environments.
Beyond its chart success and accolades, “Big Poppa” became a nickname that stuck with Biggie for the rest of his career. The phrase “I love it when you call me Big Poppa” has entered the lexicon of hip hop quotes. Thus, often used in pop culture references and even merchandise.
Influence on Future Generations
“Big Poppa” didn’t just cement Biggie’s place in the hip hop pantheon—it also influenced an entire generation of rappers. The song demonstrated that you could be smooth and street at the same time, paving the way for artists like Fabolous, Drake, and Rick Ross, who adopted a similar blend of charisma, lyricism, and style.
The track’s influence can be heard in countless modern songs that use laid-back beats, romantic themes, and suave delivery. It serves as a reminder that hip hop isn’t monolithic; it’s a genre that can make room for love songs just as much as it does for street anthems.
Final Thoughts
More than 15 years after its release, “Big Poppa” remains one of The Notorious B.I.G.’s most beloved songs. It’s a track that captures the essence of who Biggie was. For the record, he was a lyrical genius with an unmatched sense of style and presence. The song blends humor, heart, and hustle into one timeless package.
Whether you’re revisiting it for the 100th time or hearing it for the first, “Big Poppa” serves as a masterclass in how to craft a rap hit that transcends time, space, and demographics. It didn’t just make Biggie a star—it made him a legend.
From the iconic Isley Brothers sample to the unforgettable lines and unforgettable swagger, “Big Poppa” is a cornerstone of 1990s hip hop and a shining example of The Notorious B.I.G.’s genius.