In honor of what would have been The Notorious B.I.G.’s 50th birthday (5.21,) verses from the rapper’s “I Love the Dough” have been transformed into a new song, “G.O.A.T.”
While Biggie’s vintage “I Love the Dough” track from his Life After Death LP featured a beat from Easy Mo Bee, verses from Jay-Z, and a hook from Angela Winbush, “G.O.A.T.” includes a contemporary Afrobeats vibe, as the legendary rapper trades verses with Ty Dolla $ign, and Nigerian R&B star Bella Alubo who sings the hook. The track was co-produced by Nigerian producer, Kayomusiq.
In a statement about the new collaboration Ty Dolla $ign said “Being on a song with Biggie has been a dream of mine since I was a kid.” “The song title is fitting of him…the G.O.A.T. Happy Birthday, Big. We miss you.”
The late rapper’s mother, Voletta Wallace, stated “It’s wonderful to witness my son’s music reimagined for his fans and today’s generation of young men and women to embrace his art. I appreciate the hard work of all involved in bringing together the perfect blend of voices and music to this song, ‘G.O.A.T.’”
In addition to the release of “G.O.A.T.”, other events and celebration have been planned to mark what would’ve been the Notorious B.I.G.’s 50th birthday. Today in Manhattan the Empire State Building will be lit up red and white, with an illuminated crown spinning around its center. In Brooklyn, the Barclays entrance will display a video montage of some of Chris Wallace’s records, and the MTA will release a special edition MetroCards featuring Biggie Smalls, which will be available at three subway stations near his old Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. And, tonight, May 20, Biggie’s family members, close friends, and collaborators — including Lil’ Cease and Lil Kim — will gather for a ceremony honoring the late rapper.
The celebration will continue next month, with a free-to-the-public orchestral tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. taking place at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The event will feature music arranged and conducted by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, with appearances by the Originals and other special guests. That same day, a 25th anniversary deluxe edition of Biggie’s final album, Life After Death, will also be released.
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Al Denté
Photo: Elhesinberg