Notorious B.I.G.

• Stage Name: Notorious B.I.G.

• Birth Name: Christopher George Latore Wallace

• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA.

• Date of Birth: May 21, 1972

• Died: March 9, 1997 (24 years)

• Years Lived: 1972 - 1997

• Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family

Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace, was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised by his mother, Voletta Wallace, after his father, George Latore, left when he was young. He had one daughter, T’yanna Wallace, from his relationship with Jan Jackson.

Childhood

Growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, Biggie was exposed to a rough environment that influenced his later music. His early years were marked by involvement in petty crime and drug dealing, which he later reflected in his lyrics.

Education

Biggie attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, where he briefly studied. However, his focus shifted to music and street life during his teenage years. He never pursued formal musical education but was heavily influenced by the hip-hop culture surrounding him.

Musical Beginnings

First Encounters with Music

Biggie’s interest in music began with freestyling and battling other local rappers. He started recording demo tapes and gaining recognition for his distinctive voice and lyrical prowess. His early performances were primarily in local clubs and parties.

Early Bands or Groups

Before his solo career took off, Biggie was involved in the underground rap scene. He was associated with the hip-hop collective Junior M.A.F.I.A., which included several of his close friends and collaborators.

Career Breakthrough

Discovery

Notorious B.I.G. was discovered by Sean “Diddy” Combs (then known as Puff Daddy) after his demo tape caught the attention of the record executive. Diddy signed him to Bad Boy Records, leading to his breakthrough in the music industry.

Debut Release

Biggie’s debut album, Ready to Die, was released on September 13, 1994. The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, featuring hit singles like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “One More Chance.” It played a significant role in popularizing East Coast hip-hop.

Significant Performances

Notorious B.I.G. gained fame through his dynamic live performances and appearances on various radio shows. He performed at major venues and was featured in high-profile concerts, solidifying his status as a leading figure in hip-hop.

Rise to Fame

Major Albums and Hits

Biggie’s second album, Life After Death (1997), was released posthumously and included hits like “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.” His music, characterized by its storytelling and gritty realism, had a profound impact on the hip-hop genre and continued to influence artists after his death.

Awards and Recognition

Notorious B.I.G. received numerous posthumous awards, including Grammy nominations and the MTV Video Music Award. His albums are often cited among the greatest hip-hop records of all time.

Collaborations

Biggie collaborated with a range of artists, including Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, and Puff Daddy. His collaborations, especially on tracks like “Mo Money Mo Problems” with Puff Daddy and Mase, were commercially successful and critically acclaimed.

Personal Life

Relationships

Biggie was married to Faith Evans, a fellow artist, and they had one son together, Christopher Wallace Jr. He also had a daughter, T’yanna Wallace, from a previous relationship with Jan Jackson.

Challenges

Notorious B.I.G. faced numerous challenges, including legal troubles and involvement in the East Coast-West Coast rap feud. His life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles.

Philanthropy

While Biggie’s life was short, he was involved in charitable efforts, including supporting youth programs and community initiatives. His influence extends beyond music to his contributions to various causes.

Musical Style and Influence

Genre and Style

Notorious B.I.G. is primarily associated with Hip-Hop and Rap. His style is characterized by its smooth flow, complex lyrics, and storytelling ability. He often rapped about his life experiences, struggles, and aspirations.

Influences

Biggie was influenced by earlier rap pioneers like Rakim, Kool G Rap, and LL Cool J. His music also drew inspiration from the broader African American experience and the street culture of Brooklyn.

Impact on Music

Notorious B.I.G. had a significant impact on hip-hop, particularly in popularizing East Coast rap. His lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities set new standards in the genre, and his work continues to influence artists today.

Later Career and Legacy

Continued Success

Although Biggie’s career was cut short, his posthumous releases, including Life After Death and Born Again, continued to be successful. His music remains influential, and his legacy is celebrated through reissues and compilations.

Retirement or Passing

Notorious B.I.G. was murdered on March 9, 1997. His death marked a significant loss for the hip-hop community and led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists.

Posthumous Releases and Tributes

Biggie’s legacy is preserved through various posthumous albums, compilations, and tributes. His influence is celebrated through documentaries, biopics like Notorious (2009), and numerous memorials.

Discography

Albums:

1. Ready to Die (1994) – Bad Boy Records
2. Life After Death (1997) – Bad Boy Records
3. Born Again (1999) – Bad Boy Records
4. Duets: The Final Chapter (2005) – Bad Boy Records

Singles:

1. “Juicy” (1994)
2. “Big Poppa” (1995)
3. “One More Chance” (1995)
4. “Hypnotize” (1997)
5. “Mo Money Mo Problems” (1997)

Collaborations:

1. “Mo Money Mo Problems” (featuring Puff Daddy and Mase)
2. “Runnin’ (Dying to Live)” (featuring 2Pac)
3. “Notorious Thugs” (featuring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony)

Conclusion

Summary of Impact

Notorious B.I.G. left a lasting impact on the hip-hop genre with his innovative style, storytelling ability, and influential music. His work continues to be celebrated and studied by fans and scholars alike.

Legacy

Biggie is remembered as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His contributions to hip-hop have solidified his place as a legendary figure, and his music continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and listeners.