The song prominently features the "Fruity Instrumental" mix of Mtume’s 1983 hit "Juicy Fruit" .
He contrasts these hardships with his new lifestyle—sipping champagne when thirsty, living in luxury, and seeing his mother in "minks on her back".
The song chronicles the journey of Christopher Wallace (Biggie Smalls) from a struggling Brooklyn teenager to a global superstar.
Biggie reflects on growing up in poverty, eating "sardines for dinner," and being "considered a fool" for dropping out of high school.
If you're looking to add this classic to your collection, several platforms offer legal downloads and high-quality streaming: