Album of the Day

Born Christopher Wallace on this day in 1972, The Notorious B.I.G. was among the leading lights of East Coast rap until his death in 1997 just weeks before the release of his second album. The acclaimed LIFE AFTER DEATH picks up right where Biggie's debut left off, and like its predecessor, is peopled with thugs and playas trying to survive some very mean streets. But for all its violent drama, the collection also sets its sights on mainstream radio with the catchy beats of "Mo Money Mo Problems" and the unexpected optimism of “Sky's The Limit.” As befits its epic 24-track length, the Diamond-certified LIFE AFTER DEATH features a small army of talented producers (Sean "Puffy" Combs, RZA, Easy Mo Bee) and guest rappers (Jay-Z, Lil' Kim, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony) while remaining the product of a singular vision.