Music Capsule Review

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.

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Credits

Lead Performance: Notorious B.I.G.; Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Singles

B+

By David Browne

David Browne

David Browne is EW's music critic and author of ''Dream Brother: The Lives & Music of Jeff & Tim Buckley'' (HarperCollins)

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. ''Hypnotize'' (Bad Boy/Arista) Another posthumous rap single, another batch of chillingly ironic rhymes: The late Biggie disses the braggadocio of gangsta rappers (''gonna blast three first/ask questions last'') and adds, ''I just speak my peace/Keep my peace.'' Compounding the ironies, the creamy backup vocals and the spectral, pared-down beats (as tubby as Smalls' own charmingly pudgy voice) make for one of his most compelling singles. B+

Posted Apr 04, 1997

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Music Review Duets: The Final Chapter | Michael Endelman
Music Review Life After Death | David Browne
NEWS ROUNDUP News Roundup: Biggie family files new wrongful death suit | Mike Bruno
Music News R.I.P Notorious B.I.G. | Vanessa Juarez

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