The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was a legendary rapper and one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie emerged from the streets to become a rap icon. With his deep voice, storytelling lyrics, and smooth flow, he captivated audiences with his raw talent and charismatic personality. Despite his untimely death at the age of 24, Biggie’s music continues to resonate, and his impact on the genre is immeasurable. He is remembered as one of the greatest rappers of all time, leaving behind a legacy that still inspires and influences artists today. Here are 35 Interesting The Notorious B.I.G. Facts.
1. The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York.
2. He was raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, which heavily influenced his music and lyrics.
3. Biggie's parents divorced when he was just two years old, and he was raised by his mother, Voletta Wallace.
4. He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn but dropped out at the age of 17.
5. Before pursuing a career in music, Biggie sold drugs on the streets of Brooklyn to make a living.
6. He was discovered by record producer Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, who signed him to his label, Bad Boy Records, in 1993.
7. Biggie's debut album, "Ready to Die," was released in 1994 and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
8. He was known for his distinctive deep voice, storytelling lyrics, and smooth flow.
9. Biggie was involved in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry during the mid-1990s, which pitted him against West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur.
10. The rivalry between Biggie and Tupac escalated and eventually led to their tragic deaths. Biggie was shot and killed in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at the age of 24.
11. Despite his short career, Biggie achieved significant commercial success, with his albums selling millions of copies worldwide.
12. He won numerous awards during his career, including Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and a Grammy nomination.
13. Biggie's second album, "Life After Death," was released posthumously in 1997 and became one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time.
14. He was known for collaborating with other notable artists, such as Jay-Z, Lil' Kim, and R. Kelly.
15. Biggie's stage name, The Notorious B.I.G., was inspired by the 1947 film "Notorious" starring Ingrid Bergman.
16. He was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in 1995, becoming the first solo rapper to achieve this honor.
17. Biggie was married to R&B singer Faith Evans, and they had a son together named Christopher Jordan Wallace, who is also known as C.J. Wallace.
18. He had a close friendship with fellow rapper and producer Sean "Jay-Z" Carter.
19. Biggie's murder case remains unsolved, and there have been various conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
20. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, often depicted as a charismatic and jovial figure.
21. Biggie's lyrics often addressed his experiences growing up in poverty and his struggles with street life.
22. He was a fan of basketball and often referenced the sport in his music.
23. Biggie was influential in popularizing the "mafioso rap" subgenre, which incorporated themes of organized crime and luxury lifestyles.
24. He was known for his fashion sense, often sporting designer brands and flashy jewelry.
25. Biggie's music continues to be celebrated and his influence can be heard in many contemporary hip-hop artists.
26. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
27. In addition to his solo career, Biggie was a member of the hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A., which included Lil' Kim and Lil' Cease.
28. Biggie's signature song, "Juicy," samples the classic track "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume.
29. He was featured on the remix of Michael Jackson's hit song "You Rock My World" in 2001, which was released after his death.
30. Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, has been actively involved in preserving his legacy and supporting charitable causes in his name.
31. He was known for his distinctive fashion style, often wearing Kangol hats and Coogi sweaters.
32. Biggie's lyrics were often introspective and reflective of his personal experiences, making him relatable to his audience.
33. He was posthumously awarded the ASCAP Founders Award in 2020 for his contributions to music.
34. Biggie's music continues to be influential and has been sampled by numerous artists in various genres.
35. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and has left a lasting impact on the hip-hop community.