Bad Boy Records - Can't Stop, Won't Stop. (1994-1999)

Making History....

In honor of The Notorious B.I.G's 15th anniversary of his death. I present to you my collection of the complete 90's discography for Bad Boy Records. From hardcore hip-hop, smooth R&B, the dreaded "shiny suit" era, and to the end where none of it made sense anymore. Any fan of music will appreciate what Puffy (Yes, we still call him that.) has brought to the music world.

1994

The Notorious B.I.G - Ready To Die

The album that started it all, it's a classic album. Nuff said. Also, check out the variant!

Craig Mack - Project Funk Da World

This album was alright, most people will know the song Flava In Ya Ear. The remix is better, which was released as a single then put on the Bad Boy Greatest Hits Volume 1 compilation in 1998.

1995

Faith Evans - Faith

A very talented singer with her first solo CD. It is on my personal list of great 90's R&B albums. Lots of comparison to Mary J. Blige with emotional lyrics. There are 2 versions of this CD, the first pressing had Love Don't Live Here Anymore a duet with Mary J. Blige. The 2nd pressing had this song removed. Guess which one I have.

1996

Total - Total

Total's first CD. You will remember them with the song No One Else feat. Da Brat. It sampled South Bronx from Boogie Down Productions.

112 - 112 

Only You Remix feat. The Notorious B.I.G and Mase, nuff said.

1997

The Notorious B.I.G - Life After Death

His second album released after his death. It is a classic as well, but not in the same vein as Ready To Die. This one is a bit more commercial. In fact, I personally think if this was one disc instead of two. It would of been better. Remember it's Mo Money Mo Problems.

Puff Daddy & The Family - No Way Out

Puffy trying to spit some rhymes? No way son! This was very popular back in the day. When you listen to this now, you realize how crappy rap has become since then. It's All About The Benjamins with this CD.

Mase - Harlem World

Lazy flow rap. This was popular and the shiny suit era was born. Did I buy this back then? Yes.

1998

The LOX - Money, Power And Respect

What can I say about the LOX? They are very underrated as a group. This is their first CD, even though you can tell it was watered down somewhat (If You Think I'm Jiggy, LOL). It sounds better than most stuff that's out today. If you are a real fan, you and I will agree that their 2nd album with the Ruff Ryders We Are The Streets tramples this.

 

Various Artists - Bad Boy Greatest Hits Volume 1

Compilation of Bad Boy Hits from 1994-1997.

Faith Evans - Keep The Faith

Faith's second album. A GREAT follow up. With songs like Love Like This and All Night Long, I'm surprised her career hasn't been as big.

Total - Kima, Keisha And Pam

Second album as well. Mostly written and produced by Missy Elliott (she was writing a lot of stuff in the late 90's) Check out Rain and I Don't Wanna Smile.

112 - Room 112

Another 2nd CD! Room 112 was a great album, I still listen to this on the regular. Crazy For You and Your Letter are great songs.

1999

Mase - Double Up

Lazy flow rap part 2. This was a horrible follow up. After the flop, he found God.

Puff Daddy - Forever

This was Puffy's 2nd album, the last I had to find for my collection. NC spared 2 dollars for it at the Salvation Army, thank you. This album sucks hard.

The Notorious B.I.G - Born Again

A cheap ploy to get his name out there and remind people Biggie isn't gone yet. Half of this album was remixed from other older songs, made into new ones. The only good song on here is the one with Eminem. As a fan, it's really disappointing.

The Full Collection 

Wait!! There's more... Various CD Singles

The Notorious B.I.G - Big Poppa Remix

The Notorious B.I.G - Sky's The Limit (Feat. 112)

Total - No One Else Remix

The Notorious B.I.G - One More Chance Remix

Puff Daddy - Can't Nobody Hold Me Down Remix

The Notorious B.I.G - Mo' Money Mo' Problems

Conclusions and thoughts

As you can see, the quality got worse over time with Bad Boy. Some even argue that Bad Boy killed hip-hop. Growing up in the 90's Bad Boy was really something special, I'm happy that I own a complete discography. It reminds me of great times. But like all things, they have to come to an end.

More recently Puffy has been signing underground acts (Red Cafe, Los and Machine Gun Kelly... check out their mixtapes, Los is great!) and resurrect what made Bad Boy great in the first place, talent. Bad boy had another era in the 2000's, remember Black Rob's Whoa or better yet Bad Boy South and Da Band? So don't screw up a third time k?

- Happy Thrifting


- LP d.cypher the thriftdweller