>and the Rakim, KRS and Kane's had the distinct advantage of
>being the first to do many things, Big came in an era where
>hip hop was not new to many, although to some it continued to
>be a new thing for years.

hip hop was on record for over 7 years by the time any of em dropped. why were THEY the ones with the opportunity to do new things...??

no one has come with a new style since them or big? did Andre 3000 do new shit after BIG?
lol

>so you're argument is pretty feeble.
those in glass houses

again...Big made a good first album (heightened by remixes and B-sides) that was borderline too commercial and a second album that was overly commercial. many of the "true" heads was on the fence not over his lyrical skill but his albums and puffy connection/marketing