19. The Notorious B.I.G., Ready to Die
There are so many things to love about this simple image on Biggie’s debut album’s cover art. The juxtaposition of the title, Ready to Die, and the image of the afro-rocking Black boy (no older than 18 months) portrays the fear of so many African American men. Even in 2020, where brothers continue to invest in this conversation around mortality, is threaded with this notion that they are indeed born ready to die. Looking into Keithroy Yearwood’s face, the model who was paid $150 for the cover’s photoshoot and is now approaching 30 years of age, one must consider how powerful it must be for him to recognize his contribution to history. He probably had no clue that as a toddler he would contribute to the iconic narrative that rap music rightfully pushes: Black men are under attack.
Shout out to The Notorious B.I.G. brilliantly offered us a visual to that sad reality.