Notorious B.I.G. Biography

Short Summary

The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was an influential American rapper and songwriter, renowned for his profound impact on the hip-hop genre. Rising to fame in the early 1990s, his vivid storytelling and commanding presence in the rap scene earned him critical acclaim and commercial success. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was murdered in 1997, but his legacy continues to influence artists worldwide.

Early Life & Education

Christopher George Latore Wallace was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised by his single mother, Voletta Wallace, he grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, an area known for its vibrant cultural scene. From an early age, he was exposed to the music of jazz and reggae, which greatly influenced his musical style. Wallace attended the Roman Catholic Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School before transferring to George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School. Despite excelling academically, he dropped out at 17 to pursue a life on the streets, which would later inform much of his lyrical content.

Career Highlights

Notorious B.I.G. burst onto the music scene with his debut album, "Ready to Die," in 1994, which was met with both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album's singles, including "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," quickly became iconic. His storytelling ability and lyrical prowess set new standards in hip-hop. In 1995, he became a central figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene, engaging in a widely publicized rivalry with West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur. His second album, "Life After Death," was released posthumously in 1997 and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Major Achievements

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, recognizing his profound impact on music.
Two Grammy Award nominations in 1996 for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Album.
His posthumous album "Life After Death" certified Diamond by the RIAA.
Named the greatest rapper of all time by numerous publications, including Rolling Stone.

Famous Quotes

"It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine."
"Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart's in it."

Interesting Facts

His nickname "Biggie Smalls" comes from a character in the 1975 film "Let's Do It Again."
He was discovered by Sean "Diddy" Combs, who signed him to Bad Boy Records.
He appeared in the film "Who's the Man?" in 1993.
His funeral procession in Brooklyn drew thousands of mourners.
He was posthumously honored with a star on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Celebrity Path in 2009.

Legacy / Influence

The Notorious B.I.G.'s influence on hip-hop is immeasurable. His ability to weave intricate narratives through his lyrics set a new standard for authenticity and storytelling in the genre. His style and flow have been emulated by countless artists, and his life and work continue to be celebrated in popular culture. His tragic death highlighted the dangers of the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry, prompting calls for peace in the hip-hop community.