30 Years of Notorious BIG's "Juicy": A Hip-Hop Milestone
- Thirty years ago this week, Notorious BIG released Juicy, transforming an 80s funk sample into hip-hop history.
- Creators and fans elaborate on the song's enduring and sensual appeal in the world of rap music.
- The impact of Notorious B.I.G.'s Juicy on the music industry remains significant three decades later.
This week marks the 30th anniversary of Notorious BIG's iconic track "Juicy," a narrative of a Brooklyn rapper's rise to fame that became a defining moment in hip-hop history. The song famously samples "Juicy Fruit," a hit by the funk group Mtume, which dominated the Billboard R&B chart for two months in 1983. The enduring appeal of "Juicy Fruit" has led to its incorporation in over 100 songs, primarily within the rap genre, celebrated for its nostalgic and sensual qualities. Phil Field, a member of Mtume, reflects on the song's significance, noting its pivotal role at the intersection of R&B and hip-hop. The production duo Trackmasters, consisting of Poke and Tone, played a crucial role in bringing "Juicy" to life. Poke's personal connection to the original track, stemming from a friend's heartbreak, led him to collaborate with Sean Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, during a transformative period in the early '90s. Despite initial skepticism from Biggie, who was not impressed with the sample at first, he ultimately delivered a powerful performance that would change the trajectory of his career. The sampling of "Juicy Fruit" not only impacted Biggie's life but also that of James Mtume, who, despite legal disputes over rights, acknowledged the financial success of the collaboration. The nostalgic essence of "Juicy Fruit" continues to resonate in contemporary hip-hop, as producers like Harry Fraud explore its legacy in new and innovative ways, ensuring that the song's influence endures in the genre.