Message of Hope in RapThe third anniversary of Notorious B.I.G.'s murder is fast approaching, and many people are still excited about his music. What made him so special was the connection he had with his listeners. He has found many ways to incorporate his life stories into his music that relates to every other "thug" growing up on the streets from New York to Los Angeles. The perfect example of this is his double CD, "Life after Death", where most of his songs are about death and how people deal with it. It's quite ironic how he in a way predicted his own death in the album, but by doing so he helped his fans and family cope better with his death. To understand his songs, you have to understand the life he grew up in. New York City ghettos, like many others had difficulty surviving. To survive he took up drug dealing and other illegal activities to support his daughter and wife. Yes, we all know drug dealing is not the way to go, but you have to understand the environment he grew up in. Most of his friends were dead or in prison and he was dealing drugs or leaving his family to die. Even though he was selling drugs, he knew he would have to stop taking care of his son and he was given that opportunity when he started rapping. Now that you understand his childhood, you can understand his music very clearly. His music isn't about killing cops or raping a girl, but about hope for people like him who sell drugs to survive. It gives a clear message of hope to all those who are committed and realize that drugs are not the way to go and to never give up and live life to the fullest. The best example of this is in his song, “ Sky's The Limit” with 112. ...... middle of paper ...... life and becoming rich and successful from the very same place they are in now. Unlike most '90s rap artists, Notorious B.I.G. is more than a thug who raps about killing cops and using drugs. Sure there are some songs about drugs on the album, but isn't that what people expect when they buy your CD in a store? The REAL reason people buy the CD is the positive message it sends to anyone who thinks they have no hope of escaping life on the streets. It sends a clear message to all those living in slums around the world to look up, fight and win what is rightfully theirs. This is why everyone still remembers Biggie. He gave hope to everyone and when his death anniversary approaches, many people will blast his music and know that everyone, regardless of their social or economic status, has a chance to live a life full of happiness..