After 23 years, Notorious B.I.G’s posthumous album proves to be as impactful in his “Life After Death” as it was on its release in 1997. The crafty wordsmith left behind metaphorical encryptions in his music for the budding entrepreneur and the hustlers in between. He left behind a catalog of hit songs that painted vivid imagery of trap life and the multi-dimensional brute mentality that came with it. Biggie told stories through unmatched witty lyricism. Young hustlers from decades after his death hear their own stories being told too.
At just 24 years old, Biggie revived the Hip Hop scene on the East Coast and birthed a generation of musicians and hustlers that would push boundaries.
In this blog post, we will decipher the blueprint laid out in one of Notorious B.I.G’s most overlooked songs on his final and second studio album, “Life After Death,” track #17 - “Ten Crack Commandments.”
“There’s rules to this sh*t, I wrote me a manual. A step-by-step booklet for you to get your game on track…” - Biggie Smalls
“Ten Crack Commandments” by Notorious B.I.G
Decoded for the Entrepreneur by Brithney J.
“Rule Nombre Uno: never let know one know how much dough you hold”
His Spanish might be a little questionable but don’t let that distract you from the first gem he has dropped. The first rule of being your own boss is not to detail everything you have or are projected to have. Mind your ego and don’t be so pretentious.
For instance, most employers will not reveal the salary range for a position you have applied for or how much the person in the role before you was making. Employers can potentially keep more money in their pockets by keeping the starting salary hidden. Say you close on a new deal, do not boast to friends or investors the exact amount of that deal; friends can grow jealous and investors can use that knowledge to decide how much to offer you.
“Number 2: never let 'em know your next move”
In an era where nothing is real unless it is posted online, the journey can be deceiving and misdirecting for the entrepreneur just starting. Moving in silence is the best way to protect your brilliant idea, your vision, and your enthusiasm. Sharing your plan with anyone (even loved ones) too early can bring questions you aren’t prepared to answer, jealousy, negative criticism, and crushed dreams. Remember, not everyone wants to see you win; they’ll want you to be as complacent as them. Move in the direction of your goals. Let your work speak for itself. Share your accomplishments when your goals are just that, accomplished - at the point where they can’t be stopped.
Singer and songwriter, Frank Ocean, quietly made big moves for a few years throughout the music industry to become an independent artist with ownership of all his masters. In 2016, he dropped his dupe album, “Endless.” The album was a 140 min. live stream of him building a staircase with a looped instrumental in the background. This album got him out of his contractual agreement with his then label, Def Jam. Once released from Def Jam and now an independent artist, he dropped another album, “Blonde” with an exclusive AppleMusic deal (that was also in works behind the scenes). He retained majority of the royalties. His plan to become an independent artist with full ownership of his masters and a multi-million dollar deal was not shared until he got there. A sweet defeat felt across the nation. Imagine if he had shared his plan before he even started? You ever thought it possible to finesse an entire record label and secure a multi-million dollar deal with Apple on top of that?
“Number 3: never trust nobody”
In business, everyone is looking out for themselves and what’s important to them. Don’t take it personally. Don’t be shocked if you experience empty promises, lack of support, doubt from others, or failed partnerships. In very little words, Biggie is telling us a few things here:
Get EVERYTHING in writing. This will keep everyone accountable and a written log of things agreed on for reference
Be sure to follow up. As an entrepreneur, you should always be the one showing initiative.
Stay true to yourself and your values.
Be a person of your word.
“Number 4: never get high on your own supply”
No one likes a cocky person unless you’re Prince or a rookie Kobe Bryant. Stay humble. It’s easy to get lost in all the newfound love you will receive, the progress with your business, and all the new “friends” you will make, but don’t let all that hype around you go to your head. Keep to your reality and remind yourself of all you have yet to accomplish.
“Number 5: never sell no crack where you rest at”
Now with this rule, Biggie seems to be telling us very directly not to sell crack on the same block you live on. But the encryption is embedded within the metaphor. Rule Number 5: do not limit your product/service sales to just your home market, expand.
Creative Director of Saint Chic, Gingie McLeod’s paparazzi visor went viral in the summer of 2014 after a scandal with the owner of the Clippers NBA team broke out. McLeod’s business is headquartered in New York City. She discovered very quickly though that she had a seasonal item on the East Coast but a year-round item in different markets on the West Coast. Her solution to having a successful business with profitable gains in all months was to get her product into markets where summer items were in high demand during the East Coast’s colder seasons. Learning about different markets can introduce you to new areas to grow your business.
“Number 6: that goddamn credit? forget it.”
Listen, your bills can not get paid when payment for your work is in merchandise or exposure. Know your value. Know your worth. At the start, when you are building your portfolio and growing your clientele, you should offer some of your services/products for free, but once you gain your first few clients, it is time to set a precedent and charge for your expertise, experience and time. At every level of your business, you will bump into people who want your product/service for cheap or even free! Set your prices, and you can set expectations and boundaries.
“[Number] 7: this rule is so underrated. Keep your family and business completely separated”
There is no hidden message in this rule. Biggie is clear and direct - do not involve any loved ones in your business. Clarification for the entrepreneur reading this is needed, however. Biggie is specifically referencing buying, selling, and closing one-off deals with family and friends. More often than not, involving your family in these business deals can lead to strife in relationships. Greed, ego, lack of knowledge on investment risk, and differences in vision can cause a business deal and a relationship to go awry. Creating a family business to build generational wealth is something completely different and this rule surely should not be applied for that.
“Number 8: never keep no weight on you!”
Behind every successful person is a team, a diverse team at that. As much as we’d like to think we can do everything on our own, we simply cannot, not effectively and not efficiently. Know when to seek/hire help. Know your strengths and know your weaknesses. Build a team with diverse backgrounds and skill sets that complement each other and with people that share your vision.
“Number 9: … If you ain't gettin' bagged stay the f*k from police”
Rule Number 9: cling to those that are on the same wave you are on. You are going to build a business. You are going to pursue your dream. You are going to build an empire. With that comes a lot of hardship and a lot of sacrifices. This path you have chosen is not for the weak; it is not for those who do not believe in you and your potential.
Keep your circle tight and filled with like-minded individuals. Hang around those that are on the same mission to improve themselves and their lives, like you are. If you are not planning on being broke or discussing local and celebrity drama for the rest of your life, do not hang around those people. Stay around those that inspire, support, and push you to be better.
“Number 10: a strong word called consignment… If you ain’t got the clientele, say hell no!”
Be patient in your journey. Do your due diligence - research and forecast your hustle. Don’t go and make promises that you can not deliver on.
Be cautious not to make moves too early. Entrepreneur, Neil Patel details in a Forbes article that “nine out of ten businesses will fail. This is a hard and bleak truth.” He attributes these failed businesses to lack of market research and lack of preparation for potential business growth. Take your time. Make sure that your next move makes sense because when your business pops off, you’ll need to be ready.
Live and breathe these 10 Commandments and you’ll be sitting in those “money-green leather sofas… [sip’n] Champagne when [you] thirsty” like the rest of them.
References: Genius.com, Epikbeats.com