5 Lessons from the Notorious BIG

If you’re a fan of hip hop music, then you no doubt know that the Notorious BIG is one of the greatest of all time.  Even those that aren’t hip-hop fans have most likely heard of him.  Some may classify him, as a “gangster” rapper, explicit, etc. however, as I’ve always said, there are lessons in everything in life if you choose to look for them. Christopher Wallace, The Notorious BIG, was killed at the young age of 24, however he left valuable knowledge behind his legacy.  Here are 5 lessons from selected lyrics of the late Notorious BIG.

“Mo Money Mo Problems”

Money buys pleasure, it does not buy happiness.  “The love of money is the root of all evil” therefore when you have more, evil is attracted to it.  I’m not saying that being rich is bad; just know that you have to be stronger with it.  There’s a huge misconception that “money will solve all my problems,” ask any wealthy person you know and they’ll inform you that it creates new and larger problems.

“My Hunger is Unexplainable”

To become highly successful in life you have to have an “unexplainable hunger” to succeed.  You have to need that dream or that goal like you need oxygen to breathe.  An “Unexplainable” hunger is one you can’t define.  Others around you wont get it or understand; it’s extreme focus.  The bottom line is, you don’t get to the top by merely just existing or going with the flow…. you don’t get there by “wanting” it, you have to “need it.”

“I love the life I Live, I turned a negative into a positive”

You’ve no doubt seen our “See My Heart not My Past” t-shirts that 1000’s of people wear.  We all have a past, we’ve all made mistakes.  However, too many people think that their past mistakes are too much too overcome, that they’ve messed up “too bad.”  God forgives us, we should forgive ourselves.  We’re blessed to have the ability to overcome negative pasts, negative situations, and turn them into positive and productive lives.  There is a bright future for anyone that chooses to create one.  After all, all beautiful pictures come from “negatives.” Make yours a picture perfect life.

“Never Timid, Only make moves when your hearts in it”

You have to attack your goals and your dreams confidently and fearlessly.  But in order to do that you must believe in what it is you’re trying to achieve.  If you don’t believe you can accomplish something or that something is possible to attain, you’ll be beaten to that dream by someone who does.  That’s why it’s vital to only chase dreams that your heart is into; that you believe in. Heart is what carries you towards your goal when hype dies.

“If the game shakes me or breaks me, I hope it makes me a better man”

The game of life is one filled with twists and turns, triumphs and trials.  It’s not a “smooth and easy ride” for anyone, nor is it supposed to be.  There’s a silver lining and every dark cloud, you have to go through valleys to appreciate the mountaintops.  When life is beating you down, don’t’ worry so much about “getting through it” because you will, instead focus on improving, learning, and growing from the experience.  The peak of the mountain is a good place to be, but remember, it’s the sides of the mountain, aka the journey, that sustains life.  Learn to appreciate it.