Biggie had contradictions — better than that, he leaned into them. He mourns the loss of a seemingly more innocent past (“Things Done Changed”) but champions his own relentless hustle in the midst of harder times (“Gimme the Loot”). He’s prepared to take on all comers (“Ready to Die”), but doesn’t rule out dying by his own hand (“Suicidal Thoughts”). His flow is heavyweight acrobatic, his persona is genial killer, his beats are mournful wild-out anthems.

– Nate Patrin