Big Poppa

The harmony of 'Big Poppa' is defined entirely by its sample source — The Isley Brothers' 'Between the Sheets.' The I-vi-IV-V progression in D-flat major uses extended jazz-R&B voicings (maj7, m7) that give the track its characteristic warmth and sophistication. While structurally simple — the same four-bar loop repeats throughout — the richness of the sampled chords creates a harmonic density that belies the minimalist approach. The lack of harmonic variation between sections is a deliberate production choice, placing full emphasis on Biggie's lyrical delivery and the groove's hypnotic quality.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the executive producer of Ready to Die, wanted to sample The Isley Brothers' 'Between the Sheets' (1983). Producers Chucky Thompson and Nashiem Myrick crafted the beat at The Hit Factory, but it was initially given to hip-hop group Lost Boyz. Combs wanted the beat back, which resulted in a trade — the exchanged beat ended up being used on Lost Boyz's 1995 song 'Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz.' According to Nashiem Myrick, Biggie 'didn't even like Big Poppa' and it was one of the last songs recorded for Ready to Die.

Released in 1994 as the second single from Ready to Die, 'Big Poppa' fused East Coast lyricism with a smooth West Coast-inspired beat sampling The Isley Brothers' 'Between the Sheets.' The track showcased Biggie's unmatched ability to blend street credibility with mainstream appeal, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. It remains one of the most recognizable hip-hop songs ever recorded.