Last week the hip-hop community celebrated the life of the late, Notorious BIG, or Biggie Smalls, as he was affectionately called.  It was just 9 years ago on March 9 1997, when he was murdered on the streets of L.A.  Although the police department did far less than due diligence to solve the homicide case of a Legend, his fans still regard him as such even though he is gone.

But, what I want to talk about for a moment is his body of work and how it became the soundtrack of an era.  I know it sounds cliché, but that is what it was for us legions of 20-somethings that fell up under his fierce spell of clever rhymes and rants.  While I admit, at the time, I tuned out most of those lyrics.  He talked about being “ready” to die and using brutal force upon women.  I couldn’t relate, but his delivery style I did appreciate.

Last week, I was eager to listen to the radio to hear all of the “Biggie” mixes from local DJ’s.  For one day at least, commercial radio was fun to listen to.  It brought back so many memories of another cliché, a simpler time and place.  But, what leaves me sad is now that I’m in my thirties, will there be another popular “soundtrack of an era” that I along with the rest of the world will be able to celebrate 10 years from now? 

Because of my so-called “boycott” of commercial radio for the past 6 years, I could conclude that that is it for me.  I can recall several other “soundtracks” that defined an era from 10, 20, and even 30 years ago.  All of those are considered “oldies” now by the commercial formats and are heavily marketed to folks like me.  Does that mean I am an “oldie” now, too?

Does this mean that the bigger record companies will have less to offer me in terms of new music?  Because…

I am still open!

I am still a music fan! 

I can still appreciate a new sound! 

I can even make it easy – just give me something that is mood enhancing without violent or offensive imagery and I’ll show you the money!