The Notorious B.I.G.

ABOUT

The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, was an influential figure in the world of hip-hop. Known for his commanding voice, profound lyricism, and storytelling prowess, Biggie Smalls, as he was also affectionately called, is often celebrated as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Wallace's rise to fame in the mid-1990s came during a golden era for rap music, and his impactful legacy continues to resonate today.

BEFORE FAME

Christopher Wallace grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Raised by his single mother, Voletta Wallace, a Jamaican pre-school teacher, Biggie experienced the hardships and vibrancy of inner-city life, which would later fuel his lyrical content. He excelled academically but became involved in crime at a young age, participating in the drug trade and eventually dropping out of high school. His first forays into music were as a teenager, performing initially as an underground artist and catching the attention of local audiences with his raw talent.

TRIVIA

• Biggie's debut album, "Ready to Die," released in 1994, is considered a landmark in East Coast hip-hop. It features timeless hits such as "Juicy" and "Big Poppa."
• Wallace's life was tragically cut short on March 9, 1997, when he was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, a case that remains unsolved.
• He often cited Jamaican dancehall and reggae as influences, reflecting his heritage.
• Biggie's second album, "Life After Death," was released posthumously in 1997 and earned critical acclaim while achieving Diamond certification status.

FAMILY LIFE

Christopher Wallace was married to singer Faith Evans, a union that connected two powerhouses in the music world. Together, they had a son named Christopher "CJ" Wallace Jr. Additionally, Biggie fathered a daughter, T'yanna Wallace, from a previous relationship with his high school sweetheart, Jan Jackson. Despite his high-profile career and its demands, Wallace maintained close relationships with his family, and they have been instrumental in preserving his legacy.

ASSOCIATED WITH

The Notorious B.I.G. was integral to the success of Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records, greatly influencing its sound and stature. His affiliation with artists such as Lil' Kim and Lil' Cease, members of his Junior M.A.F.I.A. collective, cemented his role as a mentor and key player in the East Coast rap scene. Moreover, his perceived rivalry with Tupac Shakur, though highly publicized and complex, marked a significant chapter in hip-hop history.