Customer Rating:  
Summary: READ THIS ... BEWARE
Comment:
This is not a review on the album which is absolute masterpiece.
I strongly recommend against downloading from Amazon.
If you get curious and want to hear the remastered 'amended' version of these songs -- be advised that the MP3's available for download from Amazon have been edited and censored. Also, if you choose the Amazon downloader, the file that downloads won't be an mp3 but an item with a .amz extension
I also listened to the version I downloaded from Amazon and compared it to my copy of the remastered version of 'Ready To Die' using Sound Forge and IT IS NOT the version from the remastered album but a censored version from the original album, unmastered.
This is an absolute shameful representation of the music and the label should pull or adjust this immediately.
I have written quite a few Amazon reviews in the past 10 years, and this is the first time I ever had to write a warning.
For shame, Amazon.
Hopefully, everyone understands that this is more of a review with Amazon and their downloading service and not a review of Biggie. I'm just trying to save you your money on this. I complained and got my money back.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Bonus material was not rewarding
Comment: Obviously this is a classic, so I don't need to tell you it's dope. As far as the remasters and new packaging, however: The volume increase is cool and everything, as far as making this sound better in my MP3 player, but the remixes and bonus content do nothing for this release except dilute it like Puff did with everything BIG left behind. Get this used though, and it's all forgivable.
Customer Rating:
Summary: i like it now
Comment: this was another album that i bought when it first came out and gave it to my brother, didn't like anything about it. when it was re-released i picked it up and haven't put it down since then. no skipping tracks on this one either.
Customer Rating:
Summary: legend!!!
Comment: By Far the best, he out ways the rest. This 2 disc is great for all fans out there or new ones. Just a great cd mixed with sum classics of biggys that we all remember him for. Know one else raps like him 1 of a kind and the 2nd disc is great fill of sum video clips and a live performance with p-diddy. Point is its a great cd and if your not a fan bye this 2-disc cd as soon as you get your next pay cheque.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The album that defined an era
Comment: The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 debut arrived at a turning point for hip hop music. As the old school style from the east coast was slowly growing stale, a new funkier and angrier approach was steadily growing in the form of gangsta rap from the west coast. Then, of course, came "Ready to Die," one of the finest hip hop albums of all time, and one that bridged the gap between the old and new schools. This is the album that introduced the world to the incredible rapper and incredible character that was Christopher Wallace. A young, overweight Brooklyn native, a father, and a former hustler, Biggie impressed listeners not only with his talent but his personality on the mic. Technically, he is not short of amazing. His ingenious punchlines, late-night stories, threats, and jokes are delivered in his raspy, cheeky voice with precise technique, always on time and in a perfect flow. Lyrically, he covers many topics but the quality is ever so consistent. On one song, he'll be telling a story of crime, on the next song he'll be poking fun at a ghetto loser, or seducing a woman, nostalgically reminiscing over the past, or dramatically philosophizing about the meaning of life and death. His verses are all meticulously written and never lose your attention. Another reason "Ready to Die" is so great is the production. The young Sean Combs anchors a production team that uses extensive, clever sampling to create a unique musical backdrop for Biggie. The album is well divided between radio friendly singles and harder, darker songs that would be too rough for radio. The hardcore tracks inspired an entire generation of grimy New York rappers that would reign towards the late 1990s, but the influence of the popular singles could also be felt on urban radio for years to come. "Ready to Die" is an absolutely classic hip hop album and one of the finest ever, a must have for any collection.
The album begins with a dramatic intro, which gives way to "Things Done Changed," a well-produced and ironic look back at Biggie's humble roots. "Gimme the Loot" is one of the songs that shows his lyrical genius, where he plays multiple characters in a conversation, creating a classic track. "Machine Gun Funk" is an upbeat, funky cut sampling a song by Lords of the Underground for the hook. On the excellent "Warning," Biggie again plays multiple characters during conversation, before dropping philosophy on backstabbers and issuing threats. The title track follows accordingly, as does the original mix of "One More Chance," a song to a woman about their relationship (the more popular remix is not included on the tracklist). Perhaps my favorite song is the Method Man collaboration "The What," a song where the two depressed MCs drop some dark knowledge and philosophy over a great beat. It doesn't get much better than having two of New York's finest rappers over a solid 1994-styled beat. "Juicy" is an absolute classic, an emotional and effective rags-to-riches look at his upbringing, effectively sampling an 80s R&B hit by Mtume. Another of my favorites is the hopeful "Everyday Struggle," which is blessed with the nicest beat on the album, a sunny, clever production over which Biggie recounts the troubles of trying to get by. "Me & My B..." is a humorous and enjoyable tune, followed by the unforgettable hit "Big Poppa." This song has a perfect, Isley Brothers-sampling beat, a head-nodding funker, and shows the humorously seductive BIG at his finest. The well done "Respect" and catchy "Friend of Mine" are worthy deep-album cuts, and the DJ Premier-produced "Unbelievable" has an unforgettable chorus and production. The album closes with one of his most stunning works, "Suicidal Thoughts," a depressing insight of life from a suicidal person.
Overall, "Ready to Die" is inspiring, beautiful, and immensely entertaining. This album doesn't sound like it has aged a bit, and even thirteen yeras later sounds as fresh and incredible as the day it dropped. Listeners of any age should be able to appreciate this masterpiece, it's so consistent that there's not one piece of skip material over seventeen tracks. Unarguably one of the finest hip hop albums ever, I cannot recommend it any higher.
Today, the black covered "Remaster" is the only version in print as far as I know, because last year some lawsuits emergedo over sampling issues. The remaster includes two bonus tracks, "Who Shot Ya?" and "Just Playing," both worthy additions to the tracklist. Also, the DVD is a welcome bonus, with videos and live performances. It's a pretty nice package for a good price.
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