The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die - Sealed US CD - CD - 1994

1. General Information

Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
Album: Ready to Die
Label: Bad Boy Entertainment / Arista Records
Catalog #: 78612-73000-2
Format: CD, Album (Parental Advisory / Explicit Lyrics)
Release Year: 1994
Country: US

2. Description

This is the legendary debut studio album by The Notorious B.I.G., one of the most influential hip-hop records of all time. Released on September 13, 1994, it served as the flagship release for Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy Entertainment.

STRICT FIRST EDITION: This specific copy is the original 1994 US first pressing. It features the iconic red jewel case tray, which is the hallmark of the earliest production runs from the Sonopress USA plant. Unlike later reissues and the 2004 remaster, this 1994 version remains the definitive listening experience for hip-hop purists, as it contains all original samples exactly as Biggie intended before legal disputes forced their removal.

3. Condition

Status: FACTORY SEALED (New Old Stock)
Disc/Inserts: Mint (Unplayed)
Case: Mint (Original Jewel Case) No cracks.
Shrink Wrap: The original factory seal is fully intact with no tears. Features the classic vertical pull-tab/seam construction consistent with 1990s US manufacturing.

4. Notes for Collectors

This is a rare opportunity to own a museum-quality, sealed copy of the original unedited 1994 release.

Original Samples: Includes the uncleared samples later removed from the album, most notably the Ohio Players sample in the title track "Ready to Die," as well as the original samples in "Machine Gun Funk" and "Gimme the Loot."
First Press Identifier: The presence of the red tray through the clear spine and the correct Arista/Bad Boy logo alignment on the back cover confirms its status as an original 1994 release.
Investment Grade: Sealed copies of this specific pressing are increasingly difficult to find, especially in such pristine cosmetic condition.

5. Matrix / Labels

Barcode: 0 78612-73000-2 4
Spine Label: Bad Boy / Arista 78612-73000-2
Expected Matrix (Internal): SONOPRESS USA 78612730002 (Note: Disc remains sealed; matrix information is based on confirmed Sonopress USA 1994 production runs for this catalog number).