“Things Done Changed” by The Notorious B.I.G.
This is one of a number of songs released in the early 1990s centered on how inner-city African-American communities had evolved in that particular era. More specifically, it focuses on how deadly the aforementioned streets have become due to the proliferation of gun violence. In other words, whereas dudes had the tendency to fist fight back in the day, in the era this song was released, they were more prone to shooting.
It is interesting to note that about two years after this track was released, Biggie himself was gunned down to death.
Facts about “Things Done Changed”
This is the opening song on The Notorious B.I.G.’s very successful debut album, which is entitled “Ready to Die”. And it was released by Bad Boy Records and Arista Records as part of that project on 13 September 1994.
“Things Done Changed” officially samples three other tracks. And said tracks are as follows:
- “California My Way” (1974) by The Main Ingredient
- “The Vapors” (1988) by Biz Markie
- “Lil Ghetto Boy” (1992) by Dr. Dre
This song holds the distinction of being included in Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s “The Norton Anthology of African America Literature”, which as noted is a rare feat for a rap song.
There is one particularly-notable line in this lyrics in which Biggie reveals that Voletta Wallace (his own mother) was suffering from breast cancer. Actually it is totally true that his mother did battle with breast cancer. She actually survived this cancer multiple times.
The Notorious B.I.G. had help writing this song in the form of Dominic Owen and Kevin Scott. Its producers, include American hip hop producer Darnell Scott.
Did Biggie release this song as a single?
No. Biggie’s “Ready to Die” produced three mega hits as singles. They are:
- “One More Chance”
- “Big Poppa“
- “Juicy”
FYI: Another song titled “Warning” came out as a single from said album. However, it isn’t really considered one of the album’s official singles. Said song was just released as a promotional song.
