Today in hip-hop history: Junior Mafia released their debut album “Conspiracy Theory” 29 years ago

On this day in 1995, the hometown crew of Notorious BIG aka Biggie Smalls, consisting of Lil’ Kim, Lil’ Cease, Nino Brown, Chico Del Vec, Kleptomaniac, Capone, Bugsy and Trife and Larceny of The Snakes, who called themselves Junior Mafia, released their first album entitled Conspiracy theory on the Undeas/Atlantic imprint.

Biggie was one of the first East Coast artists to bring his buddies from his Bed-Stuy neighborhood on stage. Conspiracy Theory released a string of hits with the “King Of NY” that further elevated his fame, but also introduced a whole crew of mic-savvy Brooklyn kids who started a movement of their own. JM also introduced a female MC from BK who would forever change the landscape of hip-hop for women: Lil’ Kim.

Surefire singles from this monumental project include “Player’s Anthem” featuring Notorious BIG and Lil’ Kim, “I Need You Tonight” featuring Biggie’s then-wife Faith Evans, and of course the anthemic “Get Money.”

Shoutout to Junior Mafia, Lil’ Cease, Lil’ Kim, “Un” Rivera and the entire Junior Mafia crew for releasing this all-time hip-hop classic!