Phil Smith

Articles by Phil Smith

In Depth

Arguably The Notorious B.I.G.’s signature song, Hypnotize has become a byword for hip-hop and a definitive document of the bling era.

In Depth

Released just weeks after The Notorious B.I.G.’s fatal shooting, ‘Life After Death’ was a hip-hop epic that ensured Biggie’s immortality.

In Depth

A larger-than-life talent with a tragically early end, The Notorious B.I.G. helped to create the moneyed hip-hop world we know today.

In Depth

Stepping out as an unlikely hip-hop loverman, The Notorious B.I.G. ensured that Big Poppa would live in the memory as a certified classic.

In Depth

Posthumously compiled from Biggie’s vast trove of unreleased recordings, ‘Born Again’ brimmed with life from one of the world’s greatest MCs.

In Depth

Tying together the history of electronic music, Harder Better Faster Stronger supercharged Daft Punk’s futuristic vision.

In Depth

Dislocated from their garage roots, ‘Everything Is Borrowed’ broadened The Streets’ sonic palette and sounds even more relevant today.

In Depth

An evocative picture of life in 90s New York City, The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album, ‘Ready To Die’, introduced a vital voice in hip-hop.

In Depth

A breakthrough song that established Biggie Smalls as the greatest of all time, Juicy reveals why the MC was ripe for world domination.

In Depth

Offering consolation when British males needed it the most, Dry Your Eyes found The Streets spearheading emotional vulnerability in hip-hop.

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