Today, May 21, Christopher Wallace, known to the world as the Notorious B.I.G or Biggie Smalls, would have turned a young 43. Odes to his greatness are always appropriate as arguably, he was the greatest rapper ever, but on this day, we are treated to something extra special. An unreleased version of his 1994 Ready To Die track, "Me & My B*tch," has surfaced on the internet.
The unreleased version sounds very similar to the one that eventually made it on to the album, but there are differences in the instrumental. The new "Me & My B*tch is a more stripped back, breezy sound compared to the string heavy original. They have very different vibes, but each has their own distinct feel. The original has stood the test of time and will probably end up being the preferred version, but it always good to hear something new from the Brooklyn MC. Moments like this make you think about what could have been if he hadn't been needlessly killed back in 1997.
It is unclear what this version of the track was -- whether it was the original mix, or some sort of demo. According to the uploader, Random Rap Radio, it was mailed to radio and publishing as part of the "B.I.G. MACK" promo package from Bad Boy Entertainment in 1994. That radio promo, according to Hot New Hip Hop, was for DJ Premier on his 107.5 late night radio show.
The track contained an uncleared sample by Minie Riperton "Take A Little Trip."
Listen to the track below and don't hesitate to dive into your Biggie catalog, if you haven't already, and replay his classics.
