Pay Homage to Biggie by Partying With This Playlist

It’s Christopher Wallace’s 15th death day, and as you’d expect of a guy whose legend has exploded like an H-bomb after his passing, the Internet is pouring out eulogies with a prolificness only rivaled by Biggie’s own discography. I mean, when even the AARP is getting in on the action, I think another quick, random remembrance is meaningless. It’s altogether too easy to gloss over someone’s problems or let personal issues affect an obituary — Andrew Breitbart’s death coverage is the ultimate example — so I’ll just say this: Wallace himself surely had his good and bad parts, although I’ll never know because I never knew him.

Meanwhile, the Notorious B.I.G. was one of the greatest rappers of all time, an absolutely phenomenal lyricist with an extremely distinct flow. He also put together some epic party tracks, and considering today’s Friday, it seems fitting to pay homage to his career by getting down. (I can imagine that just about every club DJ in New York will be relying heavily on Biggie tonight.) So, with that in mind, here are some of my favorite tracks to use when I’m DJing. It’s by no means a definitive list, so add your favorites in the comments.

Tonight, pour one out for Biggie. Just don’t be cliché: Pour it into your face.

“Hypnotize” has one of the most recognizable beats of all time. What’s even more epic is that it’s sampled from a Herb Alpert (!!!) track.

After you drop Hypnotize to start the party, “Mo Money Mo Problems” is the perfect follow-up to get shit to the next level. This is the absolute, picture-perfect example of the days of Cristal-fueled Bad Boy tracks. The days when rap was all about throwing thousands of dollars around in videos were pretty great.

Junior M.A.F.I.A. has to make an appearance, and “Player’s Anthem” has such a killer Biggie hook. There are also some killer blunt references.

“Player’s Anthem” is a little slow, so this will amp things up a bit. “Going Back to Cali” is key because it features Biggie discussing his relationship with the West Coast better than any other track.

Insanely expensive production, glittery beats, and Biggie getting tough. The Bad Boy era was so formulaic, but damn it’s cool.

If you want to get a little slow jam in there AND blow people’s minds, throw this on and halfway though tell them it’s Shaq.

You knew this is coming. Unlike “Hypnotize,” I always try to wait to put this on once everyone is good and loose.

And end with “Juicy.” It’s perfect for liquored-up shimmying, arm waving, and paying homage. RIP Biggie.