Born Again is the first posthumous compilation album by American rapper the Notorious B.I.G., released by Bad Boy Records and Arista Records on December 7, 1999. It is composed primarily of early recorded verses with newer beats and guest rappers. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 485,000 albums sold in the first week, and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA on January 14, 2000 and has sold over 2,350,000 copies in the United States. Born Again received generally mixed reviews from music critics.
Critical reception
The album generally received mixed reviews from critics. In a contemporary review for Rolling Stone, Touré wrote that the "album won't damage his legacy. But Born Again won't improve that legacy much, either." Rob Sheffield later wrote in The Rolling Stone Album Guide, "the posthumous Born Again proved Biggie was still dead, but his place in the MCs Hall of Fame remains untouchable." Robert Christgau, who gave the release a "dud" rating, later wrote, "Remember that posthumous outtakes CD Bad Boy attributed to Biggie? No? Good then—it was foul, not just ill shit but stupid ill shit."
Track listing
;Notes/Vocal sample sources
Biggie's vocals from "Notorious" come from "Real Niggaz "
Biggie's vocals from "Dead Wrong" come from "Dead Wrong» "
Biggie's vocals from "Hope You Niggas Sleep" come from "Dead Wrong» "
Biggie's vocals from "Niggas" come from "Niggas "
Biggie's vocals from "Big Booty Hoes" come from "Bust A Nuke" by Luke ft. Notorious BIG
Biggie's vocals from "Would You Die for Me?" come from "Friend of Mine"
Biggie's vocals from "Come On" come from "Come On» "
Biggie's vocals from "Rap Phenomenon»" come from "Kick In The Door?" and "The What"
Biggie's vocals from "Let Me Get Down" come from "Let Me Get Down" with Craig Mack
Biggie's vocals from "Tonight" come from "Long Kiss Goodnight"
Biggie's vocals from "If I Should Die Before I Wake" come from "Stop The Breaks" by Ron G ft. Killa Sin, KRS-1, Notorious BIG & Raekwon
Biggie's vocals from "I Really Want to Show You" come from "Everyday Struggle"
Sample credits
"Notorious B.I.G." contains a sample of "Notorious", performed by Duran Duran.
"Dead Wrong" contains a sample of "I'm Glad You're Mine", performed by Al Green.
"Biggie" contains a sample of "Hang Your Head in Shame", performed by New York City.
"Big Booty Hoes" contains a sample of "Crab Apple", performed by Idris Muhammad from the albumTurn This Mutha Out.
"Would You Die for Me" contains a sample of "Kiss", performed by Prince.
"Come On" contains a sample of "For Mama", performed by Doc Severinsen and excerpts from the film Harlem Nights.
"Rap Phenomenon" contains a sample from "Risin' to the Top" performed by Keni Burke.
"Let Me Get Down" contains a sample of "Love Serenade ", performed by Barry White from the album Just Another Way to Say I Love You.
"Tonight" contains a sample of "Just Say Just Say", performed by Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross from the album Diana & Marvin.
"If I Should Die Before I Wake" contains a sample of "This Is for the Lover in You", performed by Shalamar.
"Who Shot Ya?" contains a sample of "I'm Afraid the Masquerade Is Over", performed by David Porter.
"Can I Get Witcha" contains a sample of "Livin' It Up " performed by Bell & James, "Humpin'" performed by The Gap Band and "Life Will Pass You By" performed by Faith Evans.
"I Really Want to Show You" "Charisma" by Tom Browne and contains interpolations of "Come and Talk to Me", performed by Jodeci.
