Single Stories: The Notorious B.I.G., “Juicy”

24 years ago this week, The Notorious B.I.G. hit his chart high with the first single from his debut studio album, proving that he was destined to be a musical force to be reckoned with, even if destiny would also lead him to an early death.

Not cool, destiny. Not cool at all.

Credited to Christopher Wallace (a.k.a. Biggie), Hunter McIntosh, Sean Combs, Pete Rock, Jean-Claude Olivier, and Samuel Barnes, “Juicy” was a song which effectively served as an introduction to the Notorious B.I.G., taking listeners through his life up to that point, including his struggles with poverty, his stint as a drug dealer, and his eventual rise to success.

Produced by Pete Rock, who was a little annoyed that he didn’t get the credit for coming up with the beat for the track, “Juicy” wasn’t just a big hit at the time, it continues to be viewed as a highly influential rap song. Indeed, it can be found on best-of lists compiled by Rolling Stone, Blender, Q, Pitchfork Media, and VH-1, so when you hear someone referring to “Juicy” as one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever, there’s no hyperbole involved. It really is.