2023

S1.E1 ∙ Who Shot Ya

Sun, Apr 30, 2023

For the Notorious B.I.G., 1995 was quite the year. Not only was the MC preparing to crush the sophomore jinx with his second album, he was in full campaign mode for rap's King of New York title. Initially endorsed by the July cover of the #1 hip-hop magazine in the 1990's The Source, Big led the race with the year's hottest street record being his controversial "Who Shot Ya?" In the premier episode of Iconic Records, we talk to "Who Shot Ya" producer and former Hitman Nasheim Myrick. Junior Mafia MC Klepto gives us a never before told story about which rapper the song was actually aimed at. Rap royalty Fat Joe even joins us to speak on his brotherhood with B.I.G.. But first, legendary hip-hop journalist Bonz Malone reflects on writing that historic cover story for The Source 27 years ago and being a dice roll away from signing Big before Puff.

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S1.E2 ∙ Sky's The Limit

Sun, May 07, 2023

N New York City, no one sits on the throne without a style that's as bold and original as it is flavorful. The Big Apple loves a come-up story, and while The Notorious B.I.G. leveled up lyrically, his fashion climbed in parallel. He ultimately became the face of Coogi sweaters and Jesus pendants. No song exemplified Big's aspirational glow on global culture more than "Sky's the Limit." In episode 2, we break down the beauty of "Sky's the Limit" with Bad Boy R&B group 112 and God's Favorite DJ, Clark Kent. But first, we sit with the architects behind Big's evolution into a fashion icon. Before Big Poppa wore Versace, he rocked pieces from Guy and Shernae Woods's custom line, 5001 Flavors. Just ask superstar stylist and former Bad Boy intern, Mike B. He was there. When it comes to Biggie's true player aesthetic, these are his Day 1s.

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S1.E3 ∙ Somebody's Gotta Die

Sun, May 14, 2023

No album can be deemed a classic without a supreme first track, and Life After Death is a perfect example. "Somebody's Gotta Die" is a master class in cinematic storytelling. The album's opening track was preceded only by its iconic imagery, captured by world-renowned photographers like Michael Lavine and Barron Claiborne. In episode 3 of Iconic Records, we speak with both visual artists about the portraits tied to B.I.G.'s legacy. Then, the brilliance of "Somebody's Gotta Die" is broken down by Mike B and the song's producer, Nasheim Myrick, who shares a never-before-told Biggie story that may make Salt-N-Pepa "Shoop" today.

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S1.E4 ∙ Ten Crack Commandments

Sun, May 21, 2023

We speak with the legendary Preemo about creating the iconic track. Rick Ross and Pusha T join the conversation to discuss how Biggie influenced their coke rap careers. Kleptomaniac also returns to share how street hustling bonded him with Big and eventually led to him hanging out with superstars like Nas and Tupac Shakur.

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S1.E5 ∙ My Downfall

Sun, May 28, 2023

While Life After Death is filled with vibrant singles like "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems," the album's darkness is undeniable. Themes of death dominate, from fictitious murders to Biggie prophesying his own. The song that captures this best is "My Downfall." An ensemble of guests breaks down the brilliance of this descending track. Producer Nasheim Myrick returns to further illuminate Biggie's legacy, followed by Lil Cease, who shares one of his most real interviews about his deep bond with Christopher Wallace.

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S1.E6 ∙ Notorious Thugs

Sun, Jun 04, 2023

When rap aficionados pinpoint the performance that solidified Big as the best MC, it's often his verse on "Notorious Thugs." No one imagined a New York rapper borrowing the staccato, lullaby flow of Cleveland's Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and taking it to another level. Fat Joe reveals that he brokered the historic Bone and Biggie collaboration, with Bone Thugs' manager Steve Lobel confirming. Lil Cease and Layzie Bone also revisit that epic studio session in California, late 1996.

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S1.E7 ∙ I Got A Story To Tell

Sun, Jun 11, 2023

If there were ever a poll to decide the global favorite from Life After Death, there's a strong chance the winner would be "I Got A Story To Tell." Another writing masterclass, Biggie delivered action, juicy drama, character development, and comedic wit, all wrapped in grade-A lyricism. Producer Buckwild discusses his classic collaboration on the track, setting the stage for some of the best Biggie stories from Too Short, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Premier, Barron Claiborne, and of course, Lil Cease.

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S1.E8 ∙ Last Day

Sun, Jun 18, 2023

It's one thing to be a fan of The Notorious B.I.G., but an entirely different gift to have known Christopher Wallace. Whether he was a friend, label mate, mentor, or peer, if Biggie was in your life in any capacity, you were blessed. During these interviews, Angie Martinez asked the toughest question: "Do you remember your last conversation with Big?" The responses were a beautiful mix of shared memories from friends to Bad Boy staff. We begin this tribute to Biggie's final days with the producer of his song "Last Day."

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