This 2001 debut album was a picture-perfect snapshot of NYC at the time, with G. Dep’s Child of the Ghetto stood out as an unapologetically street-oriented project. Representing the grittier side of Bad Boy Records’ polished roster, G. Diddy, Carl Thomas, Kool G Rap, Lady May, Loon, Mark Curry, Rakim and Shyne. Dep – Child of the Ghettoįeatures: Black Rob, Joe Hooker, P. While the duo had been in the game since the early ’90s, “Living Legends” was a standout moment, a union of the classic and the contemporary. And let’s not even get started on “You Don’t Want Drama.” That track had clubs lit, with its thundering bass and braggadocious bars. “Forever” stands out – a track where they flex their legacy in the game, backed by a powerful Luther Vandross sample. The beats were dripping with that Southern sauce, and the lyricism? Pure Eightball & MJG. This was a declaration from two of the South’s OGs, a reminder that they’ve been laying down hits and putting on for their city way before it was the in-thing. It bridged the gap between the ’90s and the 2000s, and for a new generation, it was an introduction to the lyrical prowess of the Notorious B.I.G. Some purists might’ve preferred the raw, unaltered Biggie, but “Born Again” served a purpose. It gives fans a glimpse into what could’ve been, further cementing Biggie’s status as one of the all-time greats. While it might not have the same cohesiveness as “Ready to Die” or “Life After Death,” “Born Again” is an important piece in the Biggie puzzle. Then there’s “N***as” with Lil’ Kim, reminding us of Biggie’s unshakable presence and style. “Dead Wrong” with Eminem, for instance, was pure fire, showcasing both lyricists in a fierce back-and-forth. An amalgamation of previously unheard verses from Biggie coupled with new instrumentals and guest features. This album wasn’t just about revisiting Biggie’s legacy it was about continuing his conversation with the world. The posthumous release that dropped in ’99. From The Notorious B.I.G.’s landmark debut Ready to Die to The LOX’s Money, Power & Respect and Mase’s Harlem World, we rank the top 10 best Bad Boy Records albums of all time. ![]() Equally impactful were Puffy’s own releases, particularly his debut No Way Out, which showcased his uncanny knack for crafting hits and his vision of hip-hop as a universal language that transcended regional boundaries. The two albums not only set a high bar for lyrical mastery but also pushed the boundaries of what a hip-hop album could be, with cinematic narratives and chart-topping production. Biggie’s Ready to Die and Life After Death became cornerstones, their influence reverberating through the decades. The albums birthed under the Bad Boy banner epitomise the stronghold Puffy and his team held over hip hop. Bad Boy was a juggernaut, a powerhouse that elevated the likes of The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, The LOX and others into cultural icons. The brainchild of impresario Sean “Puffy” Combs, the label carved a unique path, fusing the gritty street narratives of East Coast rap with irresistible pop sensibilities. Out of all the rap record labels that sprung up around that time, Bad Boy Records was one of the brightest shining stars. From game-changing rappers and groundbreaking producers to timeless tracks and classic albums, that decade had it all. The ’90s rap era was a golden age for hip hop.
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