Bad Boy Records is one of the most iconic labels of all time. Home to arguably the greatest rappers, The Notorious B.I.G., the New York label has racked up hits. In the late ’90s to mid-2000s, Bad Boy controlled the game. With artists like 112, Craig Mack, Mase, The LOX, and Faith Evans, Puff Daddy, as he was known back then, took the label to new heights.
In what is Diddy’s biggest song to date, “I’ll Be Missing You” recently garnered much attention. Famed rockstar Sting was on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club in 2018, where he admitted that Diddy pays him $2,000 daily for sampling his song for the tribute track. Diddy sampled Police’s 1983 song, “Every Breath You Take.” After going viral, Puff returned to say he actually pays $5,000 per day but later admitted he was joking.
Regardless, Bad Boy Records’ catalog continues to dominate playlists. The label has been studied and dissected for decades, so here are our choices for the best records Bad Boy has released.
10. “Whoa!”- Black Rob
”Whoa!” is one of those songs that you can’t forget. Black Rob easily made one of the best songs in the 2000s. The Harlem native dropped two albums under Bad Boy, Life Story, and The Black Rob Report. ”Whoa!” appeared on Life Story, a certified platinum album.
9. “Peaches & Cream” – 112
112 is one of the best groups R&B has seen. When you think of the group, “Peaches & Cream” instantly comes to mind. It was one of the biggest records of the 2000s. The song was nominated for a Grammy in 2002. ”Peaches & Cream” was up for the prestigious award in the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. That year, “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child took home the gramophone trophy. ”Peaches & Cream” stayed in the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for over six months.
8. “Hypnotize” – The Notorious B.I.G.
Known as one of the greatest Hip Hop songs of all time, “Hypnotize” was the last song we heard from Biggie. He was killed a week after releasing the track. ”Hypnotize” landed in the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. At the 1998 Grammys, Big was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance for the hit record. ”Men in Black” by Will Smith won that category that year. The song reached international success as “Hypnotize” was the Brooklyn MC’s first Top 10 hit in the United Kingdom. It went 2x platinum in the U.K. and platinum in the United States.
7. “I’ll Be Missing You” – Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans & 112
This is easily Diddy’s best song. In “I’ll Be Missing You,” the Bad Boy founder reminisces on his late friend, The Notorious B.I.G. He grabs Faith Evans, Biggie’s wife, to sing the hook while 112 contributes vocals in the background. Diddy made a relatable song about losing someone he truly loved. We all can relate to death, making this song popular worldwide. Sauce Money reportedly wrote Diddy’s verses after Jay-Z turned it down.
”I’ll Be Missing You” won a Grammy in 1998 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. It also spent 11 weeks in the No. 1 spot, giving Diddy & Bad Boy another hit. As discussed earlier, Diddy said he paid Sting $5,000 daily royalties for the song, but ultimately that wasn’t true.
6. “I Need A Girl (Part One)” – Puff Daddy ft. Loon & Usher
Diddy made a real heartbreak anthem with “I Need A Girl (Part One).” It was one of the best songs of the 2000s. During this time, he was going through a breakup with Jennifer Lopez. Diddy has been open about this time in his life as he was in a dark place after his split with the Maid in Manhattan actress. The third verse in the song is mostly about her. Usher nails the chorus while Loon delivers on his verse.
5. “One More Chance (Remix)”- The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Mary J. Blige & Faith Evans
Biggie made a smooth hit with “One More Chance (Remix).” The video was just as fun as the song, with many people making appearances. Big also had multiple people singing the chorus, even radio host Miss Jones. This song and video defined the ’90s as Big captivated the era’s sound, style, and music. Another hit for Bad Boy as they were running the ’90s.
4. “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)”-Craig Mack ft. The Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes
Craig Mack will always be remembered for “Flava In Ya Ear.” He even scored a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1995. The remix is what made people pay attention. Craig Mack got on a track with three other heavyweights in Biggie, LL COOL J, and Busta Rhymes—and did his thing! ”Flava In Ya Ear” is one of those songs you must mention when discussing ’90s Hip Hop.
3. “Big Poppa” – The Notorious B.I.G.
”I love it when you call me Big Poppa.” That line is one of the most infamous lyrics in Hip Hop. Though “Juicy” was a big hit, “Big Poppa” earned The Notorious B.I.G. a Grammy nomination. It lost Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996 to “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio. ”Big Poppa” was a popular song throughout the entertainment world. It was repeatedly sampled in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Once again, Big has one of the best songs on Bad Boy and one of the best in Hip Hop history.
2. “Mo Money Mo Problems” – The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Mase & Puff Daddy
”Mo Money, Mo Problems” is one of the biggest Hip Hop songs ever. The video is pretty iconic as well. The way they flipped Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” can’t go unnoticed. ”Mo Money Mo Problems” was released after Biggie’s death, to which he set another record. He is the only artist in music history to have two No. 1 posthumous hits. The song received a Grammy nomination in 1998 for Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group.
1. “Juicy” – The Notorious B.I.G.
An unforgettable track from The Notorious B.I.G. is still a favorite decades after its release. Bad Boy took off with Biggie, and “Juicy” was Big’s first official introduction to the mainstream world. After initially not wanting to do the record, Diddy assured him this would be life-changing. And the rest is history!
Though Diddy founded Bad Boy, The Notorious B.I.G. carried the label on his shoulders. Without Big, there might not be a Bad Boy. He’s the reason the label will forever be remembered. Let us know your favorite Bad Boy song in the comments.
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