The Notorious B.I.G.
Biography
Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), known professionally as The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Wallace was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City. His music was often semi-autobiographical, detailing hardship and criminality, but also celebration.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Wallace was born in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of Jamaican immigrant parents. His father left the family when Wallace was two, and his mother worked two jobs to support him. He grew up in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, near the border of Bedford-Stuyvesant. By age 10, he was nicknamed "Big" due to being overweight. He began selling drugs around the age of 12. Wallace attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, which was also attended by future rappers Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes. He dropped out of school at 17 and became more involved in criminal activity. In 1991, Wallace spent nine months in jail for dealing crack cocaine in North Carolina.
After his release, he recorded a demo tape under the name Biggie Smalls. The tape was heard by producer Sean "Puffy" Combs, who signed Wallace to his new label, Bad Boy Records, in 1993. That same year, he gained wider recognition for his feature on a remix of Mary J. Blige's "Real Love".
Rise to Fame and "Ready to Die"
The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, "Ready to Die," was released in 1994 to widespread critical acclaim. The album featured hit singles "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," which earned him a Grammy nomination. "Ready to Die" was a commercial success, eventually going six times platinum, and is credited with revitalizing the East Coast hip hop scene at a time when West Coast rap dominated. The album made him a central figure in East Coast hip hop. In 1995, he was named Rapper of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. He also led his protégé group, Junior M.A.F.I.A., to chart success.
East Coast–West Coast Feud and "Life After Death"
As his career soared, Wallace became embroiled in the escalating East Coast–West Coast hip hop feud. The rivalry was particularly intense with fellow rapper Tupac Shakur of Death Row Records. Following Tupac's murder in September 1996, speculation arose about potential involvement from circles associated with Bad Boy Records. Wallace denied any involvement.
On March 9, 1997, Wallace was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. The murder remains unsolved. His second album, "Life After Death," was released sixteen days later. The double album rose to number one on the U.S. album charts and featured the hit singles "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems". "Life After Death" is one of the best-selling rap albums of all time, having been certified 11x platinum.
Legacy
The Notorious B.I.G. is remembered for his distinctive, laid-back flow and his vivid, semi-autobiographical storytelling. His influence on hip hop is immense, with many artists citing him as a major inspiration. Posthumous albums of his work have also been released. In 2020, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.