Big Poppa

Album: Ready To Die (1994)
Charted: 63 6
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Big Poppa" (pronounced "Papa") was one of several nicknames for Notorious B.I.G. ("Biggie Smalls" is another). In this song, he talks about how he prefers this moniker.
  • This song takes place in a club setting, as Notorious B.I.G. raps about his prowess in attracting women and impressing other patrons with his wealth and fame. Like many of his songs, it uses clever rhymes to brag about his rap skills and rise to fame.
  • The line, "I got more Mack than Craig" is a reference to rapper Craig Mack, who was also signed to the Bad Boy record label.
  • This samples "Between the Sheets" by The Isley Brothers. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Donovan Berry - El Dorado, AR, for above 2
  • Ever wondered who the afro-sporting baby is on the cover of Ready to Die? It was revealed in 2011 that the tyke is question was Bronx-residing Keithroy Yearwood, who only made $150 for the two-hour shoot as a kid. He realized that he was the tot in the iconic photo when he was about eight years old and saw his picture looming in the city. "The first time I saw my picture somewhere was Times Square, in the big area where the big pictures go," he recalled. "To this day, I don't know why they picked me. I still think it's the afro."
  • The music video, directed by Hype Williams, features Biggie hanging out at a club with several of his famous friends, including Heavy D, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Jermaine Dupri, Aaliyah, and Sean "Puffy" Combs, to name a few.

Comments: 6

  • Maddy from Berlin WiRIP Biggie his music is superior.
  • Fa'lesha from Milwaukee WiRip big poppa his lyrics were phenomenal and to know he had help from the classics Ronald lsley and his brother is so heat much love to ms Wallace ,Faith Jan cj and teanya. And Lil Kim he will be missed and loved forever.....
  • Fine Brown Sugar from Kansas City, Moyou are the greatest big poppa
  • Dominic from Lemoyne, PaR.I.P BIGGIE
  • Demetri from Belgrade, --This song I have heard at a comrad's home
  • Nick from Waterville, Oh"Big Poppa" played a big part in the Keanu Reeves movie "Hardball", where he is forced to coach an inner-city baseball team to fulfill his community service.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jack Tempchin - "Peaceful Easy Feeling"

Jack Tempchin - "Peaceful Easy Feeling"They're Playing My Song

When a waitress wouldn't take him home, Jack wrote what would become one of the Eagles most enduring hits.

Annie Haslam of Renaissance

Annie Haslam of RenaissanceSongwriter Interviews

The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?

American Hits With Foreign Titles

American Hits With Foreign TitlesSong Writing

What are the biggest US hits with French, Spanish (not "Rico Suave"), Italian, Scottish, Greek, and Japanese titles?