“Born Again” stands as a poignant testament within the discography of the legendary rapper, The Notorious B.I.G., a luminary whose impact on the rap genre remains indelible. This posthumous album emerged on December 7, 1999, a musical offering brought to life by the collaborative efforts of Bad Boy Records and Arista Records, a tribute almost three years in the making following his untimely departure on March 9, 1997.
The sonic landscape of “Born Again” resonates with previously unheard verses by Biggie, meticulously crafted during his iconic “Ready to Die” era spanning from 1993 to 1994. This auditory experience is elevated by a symphony of new-age production nuances and cameo appearances by luminaries such as Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Lil’ Kim, and Puff Daddy.
Ascending to its throne at the zenith of the Billboard 200 chart, “Born Again” made a commanding debut, with an impressive 485,000 copies cascading into the hands of eager listeners within its inaugural week. Its meteoric ascent is further underscored by its coronation with a 2× Platinum accolade from the RIAA on January 14, 2000.
Critics, like a chorus of diverse voices, engaged in an intricate dance of appraisal and critique as they reviewed the album. While the lyrical prowess and rhythmic cadence that had become Biggie’s hallmark earned due plaudits, the modernized musical backdrops and guest verses ignited a chorus of dissent. A slice of the audience contended that the album served as a commercial enterprise, exploiting Biggie’s artistic legacy for financial gains.
Amidst these contrary narratives, the album houses gems that glitter with Biggie’s inimitable charisma and adaptability. “Dead Wrong,” “Notorious B.I.G.,” “Biggie,” “N****s,” and “Who Shot Ya?” sparkle as luminous stars in this auditory constellation.
Beyond the realm of what could have been, “Born Again” braids together collaborations previously unimagined, revealing a musical tapestry woven with threads of “If I Should Die Before I Wake,” a harmonious fusion uniting Ice Cube and Beanie Sigel. Similarly, “Rap Phenomenon” interlaces Method Man and Redman, while “Come On” intertwines seamlessly with Sadat X.
While “Born Again” does not ascend to the apex of Biggie’s discography as his definitive masterpiece, it stands as a steadfast tribute to his enduring resonance within the hip-hop tapestry. It is an anthology that showcases his storytelling finesse, his mastery over the art of punchlines, his embodiment of both gangsta rap’s gritty ethos and the glimmer of pop stardom.
Within its resonating notes, the album unfurls a heartfelt homage to his journey, a prologue graced by the voice of his mother, Voletta Wallace, and an epilogue painted by the voice of his son, Christopher Wallace Jr. “Born Again” is more than an album; it becomes a symphony celebrating the life and sonic odyssey of The Notorious B.I.G., a resurrection through the portal of posthumous releases.
