A “new” song from The Notorious B.I.G. has been released to celebrate what would have been the late rapper’s 50th birthday.
‘G.O.A.T.’, which arrived last Friday (May 20th), a day before Big’s birthday, samples the rapper’s verse from ‘I Love the Dough’, which appeared on his second and final studio album, Life After Death, and featured Jay-Z and Angela Winbush.
In contrast to the vintage hip-hop flair of the original, ‘G.O.A.T.’ has smoother, Afrobeats production, and features a new verse from Ty Dolla $ign and a hook performed by Bella Alubo.
“Being on a song with Biggie has been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” said Ty. “The song title is fitting of him…the GOAT. Happy Birthday, Big. We miss you!”
Voletta Wallace, Big’s mother, added: “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.'”
The new song is one of several ways the rapper’s life and legacy are being celebrated. A ceremony was held last Friday, 20th May honouring the rapper’s life. Many of Biggie’s family members, friends and collaborators attended, such as Lil’ Cease and Lil Kim. Over the weekend, the Empire State Building was lit up red and white, with an illuminated crown spinning around its centre.
Next month, there’ll be an orchestral tribute to B.I.G. at the Lincoln Center in New York on Friday, 10th June. The same day will also see the release of a deluxe 25th anniversary edition of Life After Death, spanning eight LPs, a booklet with rare photos from the album’s cover shoot and more. In addition to a remastered 2022 edition of Life After Death it will also feature ‘Hypnotize’, ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’, ‘Sky’s the Limit’ and ‘Nasty Boy’ as 12″ vinyl.
You can listen to ‘G.O.A.T.’ below.
