I saw lots of buzz on Twitter and Facebook about last night’s Rakim show at Audie’s Olympic. How was it? As good as people are saying?
I Performed Last Night And Opened Up For The god Emcee RAKIM. Fresno And People From Other Cities Really Came Out And Supported Good Music
— ஜஜஜђДζδłђęђὗѪДйஜஜஜ (@HALOtheHUMAN) February 22, 2013
Back when he was beefing with LL Cool J, Canibus spit a rap line that made me shake my head: “Cuz the greatest rapper of all time died on March 9th.”
He was speaking, of course, about Notorious B.I.G., and anointing Biggie Smalls as the best rap ever as a way to slight LL, who considers himself the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
Over time, Canibus’ claim is something that a large percentage of hip-hop fans have grown to believe. Well, except 2Pac fans. I’m sure earning a biopic helped cement Biggie’s “greatest” status.
So here we are — March 9. Because of that Canibus line I’ll never forgot what day Biggie died. It was 12 years ago today. Currently I’m bumping “Life After Death” (which I still say is a vastly overrated album, it’s hardly five-mic worthy) and pondering Biggie’s place among hip-hop’s elite.
Is Notorious B.I.G. the Greatest Rapper of All Time? I don’t think so. He was great, sure. But the greatest? I’ll take Rakim, Ice Cube and 2Pac first. I’d also say Jay-Z — even though he built much of his career on B.I.G.’s death — ranks higher.