The journey of former Bad Boy rapper Black Rob ended abruptly on April 17, 2021, when he succumbed to cardiac arrest after years of battling serious health issues. His struggles, which began with a stroke in 2013 and included several more in the years that followed, marked the later stages of his life. Despite his health challenges, Rob’s 2015 album Genuine Article proved his lyrical prowess remained intact. However, like much of his post-Bad Boy work, the album didn’t receive the attention it deserved, a consequence of what many call the “Bad Boy curse.” Missing the cohesion provided by Bad Boy’s powerhouse production team, The Hitmen, Genuine Article left fans wanting more of the brilliance Rob exhibited during his prime.
With so much left unsaid, Black Rob’s closest collaborators came together to create Life Story 2, a two-disc posthumous sequel to his celebrated 2000 debut. Reuniting key players from his past—including Hitmen producers Nashiem Myrick, Carlos “6 July” Broady, D-Dot, and former CRU member Yogi—the project is a heartfelt homage. Even Buckwild, the D.I.T.C. producer behind Rob’s iconic hit “Whoa,” contributes to this final chapter in Rob’s discography. The album leans heavily on the nostalgic sound that defined Bad Boy Entertainment in its heyday. For longtime fans, there are plenty of callbacks, such as a sequel to “I Love You Baby” and a rare but potent feature from D-Dot’s alter ego, The Mad Rapper. Tracks like “Come One, Come All” offer another nostalgic nod, reworking a freestyle Rob originally delivered on Tony Touch’s 50 MCs mixtape series into a polished studio track.
As expected from a Hitmen-heavy project, there are moments of filler, like the Kleeer-sampled “Shake It” featuring Rhea or the dancehall-tinged “On My Own” with Nakkia Gold. Tracks like “Bacardi” featuring Kali Ranks and “Get It, Get It” with Kid Capri toe the line between passable party anthems and forgettable filler. While not bad, these tracks don’t demand the same attention as the album’s standout moments. Among the album’s highlights is “Black,” featuring Black Thought, which stands as Life Story 2’s crowning achievement. With production rooted in the ‘90s and featuring twinkling keys and sharp snares, the track captures Rob at his best, showcasing the flow and lyricism that made him a force in Hip-Hop. “We Still Here,” featuring the now-incarcerated G. Dep, is another standout. Flipping Whodini’s classic, the track feels both poignant and somber given the history between Rob and Dep, who first joined Bad Boy through Rob’s recommendation in 1998. Hearing Diddy’s voice on the hook adds an emotional layer, despite the complicated history between Rob and the Bad Boy mogul.One of the most compelling tracks is “Full Moon,” a vivid storytelling piece produced by D-Dot and Riz Delux. Detailing the rise and fall of a drug-dealing crew, Rob’s narrative unfolds with cinematic precision, evoking imagery worthy of an HBO series. “Holla @ Me 1st” tackles Hip-Hop media’s role in shaping—and sometimes destroying—artists’ careers. With cutting lyrics, Rob questions why the media often fails to seek the artist’s perspective. The song is interwoven with skits from Rob’s candid 2015 Sway in the Morning interview, where he addressed rumors about drug addiction and shared his struggles with health. Throughout the double album, Life Story 2 serves as a reminder of Black Rob’s depth and artistry. While his career is often reduced to his association with Diddy and hits like “Whoa” or “Bad Boys For Life,” Rob’s impact reaches far beyond these highlights. His collaborators have ensured that his final chapter showcases the Harlem emcee as a vital voice in Hip-Hop, respected for his authenticity and skill. Life Story 2 isn’t just an album; it’s a tribute to Rob’s legacy, a fitting farewell that captures the essence of a rapper who was much more than his hits. For those who loved Black Rob’s work, it’s a celebration of his artistry; for newcomers, it’s a chance to discover why he was so revered in the world of real rap.