It features a high-pitched "whistle" melody played on a Minimoog synthesizer, a signature element of West Coast production that led critics to call it the East Coast's answer to Dr. Dre.
Released on December 24, 1994, is one of the most defining tracks in hip-hop history. As the second single from The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, Ready to Die , it transformed him from a gritty street lyricist into a smooth, mainstream superstar. Production and Sound The Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa
Watch this clip to hear Biggie himself discuss the massive impact 'Big Poppa' had on his career and the public's perception of him: It features a high-pitched "whistle" melody played on
The single was certified platinum and earned a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 1996 Grammy Awards (losing to Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise"). As the second single from The Notorious B
The track is famous for its laid-back, "luxurious" sound, blending East Coast lyricism with West Coast G-funk influences.