“Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G.
Many fans view “Big Poppa” as sort of an introductory track from the Notorious B.I.G. In other words, it is he who is actually the titular “Big Poppa”. But more to the point, this track is romantic in nature. That is to say that for the most part Notorious is addressing a romantic interest. And what he is doing, as they would say in the 1990s, is kicking it to her, i.e. trying to seduce her.
So the scenario reads like he is speaking to in a club. And he is trying to convince her to go home with him. The way he goes about doing so is by presenting himself superior to other males in the venue who are also interested in her. And one of the primary ways he does so is by referring to his impressive cashflow and riches. Indeed the third verse of the track is based on that subject even outside of the realm of romance, with Biggie generally bragging about his “mansion and Benzes” and touting his overall envious lifestyle. Moreover he makes various references to his affinity for weed throughout the song.
So again, whereas the main theme of this song is the rapper trying to pick up a lady, in general it gives us a glimpse into the type of lifestyle which the rest of his extraordinary albeit short-lived musical career was lyrically themed on.
“I love it when you call me Big Poppa”
Synopsis
The Notorious B.I.G. just loves it when people call him “Big Poppa”. And if you are wondering what “Big Poppa” means, it is basically a nickname which alludes to Biggie’s rich and very enviable lifestyle.
Facts about “Big Poppa”
February 20th, 1995 was the day “Big Poppa” was officially released. It appears as the 13th track on Biggie’s hit maiden album “Ready to Die”. That same album features his hit song “Juicy”.
“Big Poppa” topped Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. Furthermore, it peaked at position 6 on the Hot 100 and also appeared on the UK Singles Chart.
Additionally the track has been certified Platinum in America, in addition to its ringtone going Gold.
In 1996, “Big Poppa” was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Rap Solo Performance. However, it lost to Coolio’s iconic track “Gangsta’s Paradise“. Interestingly, his rival 2Pac’s “Dear Mama” was also nominated in the same category.
Biggie is credited as the song’s sole writer. However, it is worth noting that the track samples a number of tracks in it, including “Between the Sheets” by the iconic American group The Isley Brothers. It also samples Jamaican recording artist Super Cat’s 1993 hit titled “Dolly My Baby”.
Who produced “Big Poppa”?
This hit was produced by none other than Biggie’s close friend Sean Combs (Puff Daddy). Diddy co-handled the production with Chucky Thompson.
