The song begins with a dedication to all the doubters—teachers, and neighbors who called the police on him—and to everyone else struggling. It’s a message that their skepticism has now been answered with his success, and it’s all good.
The first verse opens with the iconic line, “It was all a dream,” reflecting on his humble beginnings. He reminisces about his younger days, idolizing rap stars like Salt-N-Pepa and Heavy D from the pages of Word Up! magazine and listening to hip-hop pioneers like Mr. Magic and Marley Marl on the radio. He describes the simple, often rough, life he lived, wearing a red and black lumberjack jacket with a matching hat, smoking weed, and drinking cheap liquor. He recalls when many people didn't believe hip-hop could become as big as it has. Now, he finds himself in the spotlight due to his rhyming skills, ready to get paid and become a massive success. He contrasts his past, where he was considered a loser who ate sardines for dinner, with his present, giving shout-outs to legendary DJs like Ron G, Brucey B, Kid Capri, Funkmaster Flex, and Lovebug Starsky. He asserts his success, all while remaining connected to his old neighborhood, proclaiming that everything is good.
The chorus, sung by the R&B group Total, reinforces the song's inspirational message. It encourages listeners to know their worth, reach for their dreams, and not let anyone hold them back.
In the second verse, Biggie details the dramatic changes in his life. He has transformed from a “common thief” to someone rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, like Robin Leach. He emphasizes that he’s far from cheap, enjoying marijuana with his friends and embracing the Brooklyn way of spreading love. He notes the irony that women who once dismissed him now write him letters because they miss him. He reflects on how he never imagined this level of success through rapping, as he was more accustomed to a life involving guns. Now, women are close to him, and he’s known from Mississippi to the East Coast. He speaks of living a life without fear, providing luxuries for his daughter, and dealing with the press. He acknowledges the stereotype of a misunderstood Black male but affirms that despite dropping out of high school and the associated prejudices, life is still good. He closes the verse with the now-famous line, “And if you don't know, now you know.”
The final verse delves deeper into his newfound affluence and how it contrasts with his past poverty. He mentions gaming consoles he once coveted, like the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, which were unattainable when he was broke. Now, he has a 50-inch screen TV, a green leather sofa, multiple cars including a chauffeured limousine, and a phone bill that's a couple of thousand dollars, all handled by his accountant. His whole crew is celebrating daily, no longer living in public housing. He fondly remembers his mother, who now enjoys a luxurious lifestyle herself, and how she proudly shows him off. He recalls the struggles of their past, like having no heat during Christmas and birthdays being the “worst days.” Now, they sip champagne when they're thirsty. He concludes by stating his satisfaction with his current life, a journey from “negative to positive,” and reiterates that it's all good, solidifying his iconic status and the song's powerful narrative of overcoming adversity.
Song Discussion - Juicy by The Notorious B.I.G.
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