Image via Complex Original
The Notorious B.I.G. spit his last verse over 18 years ago. Yet, his poignant rhymes are still some of the most treasured (and bitten) in the history of rap. With only two studio albums (not counting the patchwork Born Again LP) under his belt, he is widely considered one of the best MCs to ever spit on the M-I-C. Despite his limited catalog, the critical acclaim isn’t without warrant.
Christopher Wallace was a multi-layered soul—funny, insightful, paranoid, determined, unabashed, refreshing. The self-appointed king of NYC stayed true to his convictions while carving a unique lane in the rap game that has yet to be completely filled since his untimely passing.
Tucked into those mostly dark rhymes of a man who was juxtaposing quickly rising fame with his own mortality is a treasure trove of insightful jewels. And their relevancy still rings true to today’s aspiring youth just as they did nearly 20 years ago.
This summer, Sprite is unveiling 16 limited edition collectible cans featuring iconic hip-hop lyrics from Drake, Biggie, Nas, and Rakim. While you crack open a cold can of inspiration, here are 16 life lessons we’ve gleaned from the lyrics of Frank White’s tragically curtailed career.
On Consistency
Song: “One More Chance (Remix)”
“Lyrically, I’m supposed to represent.”
It’s clear from his autobiographical lyrics that Wallace was heading down the road to destruction, but his desire to follow his own path and become a great MC changed his life. As the chosen line for Big Pop’s only limited edition Sprite lyric can, the quip embodies the rapper’s effort for excellence.
On Ascension
Song: “Juicy”
“I’m blowing up like you thought I would/Call the crib, same number, same hood, it’s all good.”
When climbing the tree of success, never forget your roots.
On Approaching Women
Song: “Big Poppa”
“Who he attracting with that line, ‘What’s your name, what’s yours sign?’/Soon as he buy that wine Ima creep up from behind/And ask you what your interests are, who you be with, things to make you smile.”
The key to a woman’s heart is not that played-out astrology game. You can never underestimate how much being yourself and holding a genuinely spirited conversation can help break the ice.
On Networking
Song: “Mo Money, Mo Problems” f/ Mase
“My team supreme stay clean…[You] step on stage, the girls boo too much/I guess that’s ’cause you run with lame dudes too much.”
It’s in the 48 Laws of Power. Your network is your net worth.
On Determination
Song: “Hypnotize”
“Never lose, never choose to.”
Having a winner’s mentality is half the battle.
On Humility
Song: “Sky’s the Limit”
“A n**** never been as broke as me/When I was young I had two pair of Lee’s/The pinstripes and the greys/The ones I wore on Mondays and Wednesday/While n***** flirt, I’m sewing tigers on my shirt.”
Humble beginnings don’t always have to end up being humble endings.
On Preparation
Song: “Notorious Thugs”
“F*** the luck sh*t, strictly aim/No aspirations to quit the game.”
Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Relying on luck is not how winners operate.
On Mortality
Song: “Missing U”
“I’m a thug, but I swear for three days I cried/I look in the sky and ask God why/I can’t look his baby girls in the eye/Damn I miss him.”
Death is difficult to deal with even for the most hardened individuals. Time heals all wounds.
On Props
Song: “Long Kiss Goodnight”
“Buy my CD twice/Then see me in the streets and be like, ‘Yo, he nice.’/But that’s on the low though.”
Hate is the Premium 93 of fuels for motivation.
On Unemployment
Song: “Flava in Your Ear (Remix)” f/ LL Cool J and Craig Mack
“UPS is hiring.”
Talk about a man of the people—the United Parcel Service owes Christopher Wallace a debt of gratitude.
On Marriage
Song: “Get Money”
“Picture life as my wife just think/Full-length mink, fat X and O links/Bracelets to match.”
Marriage is a life-fulfilling experience and an expensive endeavor. Proceed accordingly.
On Composure
Song: “Victory” f/ Puffy and Busta Rhymes
“Excellence is my presence/Never tense, never hesitant…Nights I perform like Mike, anyone/Tyson, Jordan, Jackson, action.”
It pays to be as cool as the other side of the pillow.
On R and R
Song: “Only You (Remix)” f/ 112
“We just chilling, Milk ’em, ‘Top Billin’’/Silk and pure linen, me and, Lil’ Cease/Malibu sea breeze, Dom P’s, palm trees/Cats named Pablo in milked out Diablos.”
In this hectic world, it’s always nice to be able to kick back and enjoy the finer things with loved ones.
On Growth
Song: “Machine Gun Funk”
“I’m doing rhymes now, f*** the crimes now/Come on the Ave, I’m real hard to find now/Cause I’m knee-deep in the beats.”
The street life doesn’t love anyone. Once you get that golden ticket to go legit, chuck a deuce and don’t look back.
On Parenting
Song: “Everyday Struggle”
“My daughter use the potty so she’s older now/Educated street knowledge Ima mold her now.”
It takes more than book smarts to get by in today’s world. Teach them young, raise them right.
On Natural Talent
Song: “The What”
“Excuse me, flows just grow through me/Like trees to branches, cliffs to avalanches/It’s the praying mantis.”
Biggie once boasted, “I got that venom rhyme like Sprite got lemon-lime.” Sometimes, you can’t teach that.
