On March 9, 1997, the hip-hop world was rocked by the news that The Notorious B.I.G. had been gunned down in Los Angeles after attending an after party hosted by Vibe magazine and Qwest Records at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Biggie's death, which came less than half a year after the murder Tupac Shakur, would be the last domino to fall in the war between the east and west coasts, and would put a dark cloud over hip-hop, leaving the culture in a state uncertainty.

While the loss one rap's biggest stars would take time to overcome, the release The Notorious B.I.G.'s sophomore effort, Life After Death, on March 25, 1997, just weeks after his death, would help shift the narrative from tragedy to triumph, as the album was a display the King New York's innate wit and lyrical brilliance.

Ready to Die, The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, was the product an artist thriving f pure talent while finding his footing, whereas Life After Death marked the arrival a master craftsman coming into his own and pushing the limits his artistry. Running 24 tracks long, Life After Death runs the gamut from storytelling to straight-forward lyrical exploits and everything in between, making it one the more complete rap albums all-time and a testament to The Notorious B.I.G.'s excellence.

In celebration the anniversary this masterpiece, The Boombox dug deep into Life After Death and picked out 25 the most iconic lyrics from an album that has proven to be timeless.