"I grew up with this album, and I remember being really sensitive to the different musical styles. It's quite a New York album, as well—all the different styles melting into one city. This is a really witty album. There's a true masterpiece in it, "Real Men," which was queer before it was a huge subject of conversation, quite gender-bending—questioning this idea of being a man and what that means. Musically, it's really rich, and very frilly as well: lots of long songs with improvisation. It's an interesting and empowering album."

"This is one of my absolute favorite albums! Biggie is one of the best MC’s there ever was and for me he really inspired me to think deeper about how far you can take concepts of songs and where they can take you. He had a way of being lyrical, witty and emotional and that is a lethal combination. Honestly my favorite Biggie song on this album is 'Me and My Bitch'—I know it sounds crazy but this song about love in the life of a hustler, really painted a vivid picture for me."