Hypnotize

"Hypnotize" is a quintessential anthem of 1990s hip-hop luxury and a braggadocious celebration of The Notorious B.I.G.'s larger-than-life persona. The song's meaning revolves around themes of immense wealth, fame, street credibility, and the magnetic allure of Biggie's lifestyle and lyrical skill. It serves as a declaration of his arrival at the pinnacle of the music industry, transitioning from the gritty survival tales of his debut album, Ready to Die, to a more polished, mafioso-inspired narrative. Biggie uses the track to paint a vivid picture of the high life, replete with designer clothes (Versace, Moschino, Coogi), luxury cars (Lexus), and lavish parties. This celebration of opulence is not merely for show; it's a testament to his success and a direct challenge to anyone who doubts his dominance in the rap game. The chorus, which interpolates Slick Rick's "La Di Da Di," encapsulates the central idea: Biggie's words and "flashy ways" are so captivating they leave listeners in a trance. Beyond the materialism, the song also contains undertones of danger and street intelligence, as seen in lines about his bulletproof car and a chilling reference to intimidating a plaintiff at an arraignment. This duality of incredible success and a lingering connection to a perilous past is central to Biggie's artistic identity. Ultimately, "Hypnotize" is a confident assertion of power, a showcase of unparalleled lyrical flow, and a snapshot of the 'bling era' of hip-hop that Biggie helped to define.

The narrative of "Hypnotize" is a first-person account from The Notorious B.I.G., portraying himself as an unparalleled figure in the rap game, both in terms of lyrical skill and extravagant lifestyle. He begins by establishing his superior status, claiming to be "sicker than your average" and making money instinctively. He boasts about his close relationship with his producer, Sean "Puffy" Combs (Puff Daddy), comparing their bond to the iconic TV duo Starsky and Hutch. Biggie asserts his dominance over other MCs, suggesting he can effortlessly outperform them. He also hints at a dangerous side, prepared for violence if necessary, but quickly transitions to the spoils of his success.

The chorus, sung by Pamela Long, reinforces the song's central theme: Biggie's words and flashy lifestyle are captivating and hypnotic. It suggests that his success is the reason he's financially secure while others are not. This section acts as a recurring acknowledgment of his magnetic charm and the allure of the world he represents.

In the second verse, Biggie delves deeper into his opulent world, detailing how he introduces women in different major cities to high-fashion brands like DKNY, Versace, and Moschino. He famously notes that "every cutie with a booty bought a Coogi." He challenges anyone to question his authenticity and power, referring to himself as "Frank White" (a nod to the character from the film 'King of New York') and describing his luxurious, bulletproof Lexus. This verse is a celebration of materialism and a carefree existence, where he can have sex in expensive cars and lives without financial worries like car payments. He then takes a darker turn, describing a scenario at a court arraignment where he ensures his acquittal by having the plaintiff's daughter held in a Brooklyn basement, a stark reminder of his street connections and ruthlessness.

The final verse continues the theme of confidence and skill. He describes his cars, a testament to his wealth, and his ability to attract women with his smooth talk, comparing his persuasive power to the Jedi mind trick from 'Star Wars'. He positions himself as a unique artist, one who can effortlessly blend street grit with a playful, seductive charm. The song concludes with the repeated, entrancing chorus, solidifying the idea that The Notorious B.I.G.'s persona and music have an irresistible, hypnotic effect on his audience, leaving them spellbound by his tales of luxury, danger, and lyrical prowess.

"Hypnotize" was recorded in 1996 and released on March 4, 1997, as the first single from The Notorious B.I.G.'s second studio album, Life After Death. Tragically, it was the last song released during his lifetime, as he was murdered just five days after its release. The track was produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs (then known as Puff Daddy), Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, and Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence. The creation of the beat was centered around a sample of Herb Alpert's 1979 instrumental hit "Rise". Randy "Badazz" Alpert, Herb's nephew and the co-writer of "Rise," recalled being approached by several artists, including Ice Cube and Eazy-E, to sample the track but had always declined. He changed his mind after Puffy sent him a cassette with a rough version of Biggie's recording. Puffy explained that "Rise" was a hugely popular song in New York during the summer of 1979 when he was a child, a track that all the kids would dance and roller skate to, and he had always remembered it. Randy Alpert loved Biggie's version and felt it had the potential to be a number-one record again. The chorus of "Hypnotize" features uncredited vocals from Pamela Long of the R&B group Total. It interpolates a melody and lyrics from the 1985 classic "La Di Da Di" by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick (then known as MC Ricky D). The music video, an iconic representation of the "bling era," was directed by Paul Hunter and filmed in Florida in February 1997. It features Biggie and Puffy in a high-octane chase scene involving speedboats and helicopters, defining the lavish, cinematic aesthetic of Bad Boy Records' music videos at the time.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Hypnotize" are central to its smooth and captivating feel. Biggie's technique is notable for its complexity, which sounds deceptively simple. His primary approach involves using mostly single-syllable rhymes but arranging them in intricate patterns. A key feature is his use of "rhyme chaining," where he links different rhyme schemes together seamlessly. For instance, he starts a verse with one rhyme sound (like the 'oo' in "Coogi" and "dookie") and, in the same line, introduces the next rhyme sound (the 'i' in "shit" and "dicks"), creating a continuous, flowing effect. This prevents any jarring transitions and contributes to his signature effortless delivery. The rhythm of his lyrical delivery is relaxed and laid-back, often described as a "slow-roll." He expertly places his words around the beat rather than strictly on it, sometimes delivering lines across the bar line, which adds to the conversational and fluid feel of the song. This lyrical rhythm contrasts with the steady, mid-tempo funk of the beat, which is built around the sampled bassline from Herb Alpert's "Rise." The interplay between Biggie's calm, confident vocal cadence and the infectious, looped groove of the music is what gives "Hypnotize" its iconic, hypnotic quality.

"Hypnotize" is a masterclass in The Notorious B.I.G.'s signature stylistic techniques, blending literary and musical elements to create his iconic sound.

• Lyrical Flow and Delivery: A key characteristic is Biggie's exceptionally smooth, seemingly effortless flow. He sounds unforced and relaxed over a complex beat, a skill that made his music incredibly accessible and appealing. His delivery has a conversational, yet commanding quality, drawing the listener into his narrative.
• Rhyme Chaining: A sophisticated technique Biggie employs is "chaining" rhymes. Before one rhyme scheme concludes, he introduces the next one, creating a seamless, interconnected flow between lines. For example, in the line "All Philly hoes, dough and Moschino / Every cutie wit a booty bought a Coogi," the 'o' sound links to the 'oo' sound, which then carries into the next set of rhymes. This technique makes his verses feel fluid and rhythmically satisfying.
• Varied Sentence Structure: To keep his verses engaging, Biggie varies the length of his sentences, moving between long, descriptive lines and short, punchy statements. This prevents his flow from becoming monotonous and keeps the listener engaged.
• Sampling and Interpolation: Musically, the song's foundation is built on clever sampling. The iconic bassline is from Herb Alpert's 1979 hit "Rise." This sample provides the song's laid-back, funky groove. The chorus interpolates the melody and lyrics from Slick Rick's line in "La Di Da Di," a classic hip-hop track, which lends "Hypnotize" a sense of nostalgia and roots it within hip-hop history.
• Vivid Imagery and Storytelling: Biggie was a master storyteller, and "Hypnotize" is filled with vivid imagery that paints a picture of his extravagant lifestyle. From "sex on rugs that's Persian" to the high-stakes action of the arraignment scene, his lyrics create a cinematic experience for the listener.

"Hypnotize" had a monumental cultural impact, solidifying The Notorious B.I.G.'s legacy as one of hip-hop's most influential artists. Released just five days before his murder in March 1997, the song took on a profound and tragic significance. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number two and posthumously reached number one, making Biggie the fifth artist in history to have a posthumous chart-topper. The song was a massive commercial success, receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance and becoming his first top 10 hit in the UK. Its iconic music video, directed by Paul Hunter, helped to define the "bling era" of hip-hop, with its cinematic depiction of a lavish lifestyle featuring yachts, helicopters, and high-speed chases. The track's innovative use of the Herb Alpert "Rise" sample and the Slick Rick interpolation has been widely influential, with "Hypnotize" itself being sampled by numerous artists since its release. The song is consistently ranked among the greatest hip-hop songs of all time by publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and The Guardian. Its enduring popularity has seen it featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its place in popular culture. In 2020, The Notorious B.I.G. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact, with "Hypnotize" standing as one of his most iconic and defining works.

The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate its bragging into a more complex narrative of power and status.

• Frank White: By referencing "Frank White," the ruthless drug lord from the 1990 film King of New York, Biggie aligns himself with a figure of ultimate power and control, suggesting he runs the rap game with the same authority and untouchability. This isn't just a boast about wealth; it's a claim to a throne.
• Luxury Brands and Cars: The constant name-dropping of brands like Versace, Moschino, and Coogi, along with his "Lexus, LX, four and a half," serves as a tangible symbol of his success. They represent a lifestyle far removed from the struggles of his past, acting as trophies of his victory and ascent in the music world. The "bulletproof glass" on his car is a dual symbol: it signifies immense wealth but also a need for protection, a stark reminder of the dangers that accompany his level of fame and the life he left behind.
• The Arraignment Scene: The verse describing how he intimidates a plaintiff by having their daughter "tied up in a Brooklyn basement" is a powerful metaphor for his lingering street power and influence. It symbolizes that despite his fame and fortune, he can still operate by a different set of rules, ensuring his freedom through intimidation and fear. This narrative beat serves to reinforce his gangster persona and invincibility.
• "Obi" Force Reference: The line "hit 'em with the force like Obi" is a direct reference to Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars. This metaphor equates his lyrical skill to the mystical, unstoppable power of The Force, suggesting his rhymes have a supernatural ability to captivate and overwhelm his audience and rivals.

The most significant recurring element in "Hypnotize" is its chorus: "Biggie, Biggie, Biggie, can't you see? Sometimes your words just hypnotize me. And I just love your flashy ways. Guess that's why they broke, and you're so paid." This hook, sung by Pamela Long and interpolated from the Slick Rick classic "La Di Da Di," serves several crucial functions.

Firstly, it acts as the central thesis of the song, explicitly stating the mesmerizing effect of Biggie's lyrical talent and opulent lifestyle on his audience. It's a direct address that pulls the listener into the narrative. Secondly, its repetition provides a catchy, memorable anchor that makes the song a radio-friendly hit. The call-and-response nature ("Biggie, Biggie, Biggie") is incredibly effective for audience engagement. Thirdly, it reinforces the song's core themes of wealth and status by contrasting Biggie's success ("so paid") with the financial state of his detractors ("they broke").

A recurring motif is the invocation of his identity and crew. He references himself as "Poppa" and his partnership with "Puff," emphasizing the loyalty and power of the Bad Boy Records family ("Close like Starsky and Hutch"). Another recurring theme is the juxtaposition of luxury and danger, with mentions of high-end fashion and cars appearing alongside threats of violence ("Gonna blast, squeeze first, ask questions last"). This duality is a consistent motif throughout much of Biggie's work, solidifying his complex persona as both a high-rolling celebrity and a hardened street figure.