The Notorious B.I.G— a gifted wordsmith, an ingenious storyteller…and a prolific cultural critic? Released in 1994, Big’s debut album, Ready to Die, offers stunning insight into the psychology of the troubled young Black male. Big’s stark candor and impeccable flow not only cause us to nod our heads to the beat; it also inspires deep introspection as he waxes poetics about the harsh realities that continue to effect young people of color in the present day, making it one of the most socially and politically relevant Hip-Hop albums even 16 years after his untimely death.