Christopher George Latore Wallace, known as The Notorious B.I.G., is a significant figure in hip-hop. His distinct lyrical style and storytelling left a lasting mark on the genre. Wallace influenced many artists and shaped hip-hop music, celebrated for his authentic voice and contributions.
Early Life and Entry into Music
Born on May 21, 1972, Christopher Wallace grew up in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. This 1980s and 1990s environment influenced his music. Wallace began drug dealing young, dropping out of high school at 17.
Wallace developed a passion for music, honing his rapping skills on street corners. In 1991, he created a demo tape, “Microphone Murderer.” This tape caught the attention of DJ Mister Cee, who shared it with Sean “Puffy” Combs, an A&R executive.
The Rise of The Notorious B.I.G.
He signed with Bad Boy Records in 1993. His debut album, Ready to Die, released on September 13, 1994, achieved 6x Platinum certification.
Ready to Die featured hit singles like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “One More Chance,” which showcased his unique flow and vivid storytelling. The album was largely autobiographical, recounting his experiences as a young man navigating life in Brooklyn. Its release revitalized the East Coast hip-hop scene during a period when West Coast artists dominated the charts.
His second album, Life After Death, was released posthumously on March 25, 1997, just sixteen days after his passing. This double album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 700,000 copies in its first week. It has since become one of the best-selling rap albums of all time, achieving Diamond certification.
The East Coast-West Coast Rivalry and Untimely Death
Wallace became involved in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry. This conflict was fueled by a feud between Bad Boy Records (East Coast) and Death Row Records (West Coast). Tupac Shakur was a central figure, with whom Wallace had a strained relationship.
The tensions intensified after Shakur’s 1994 shooting, which he publicly attributed to individuals associated with Wallace and Sean Combs. Following Shakur’s murder in September 1996, rumors of Wallace’s involvement circulated, though he denied them. On March 9, 1997, Christopher Wallace was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles.
The shooting occurred in the early hours while he was leaving an industry party. As his vehicle stopped at a red light, an unknown assailant in another car opened fire. Wallace was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but was pronounced dead at 24 years old. His murder remains unsolved.
A Lasting Cultural Impact
The Notorious B.I.G.’s influence on hip-hop and popular culture endures decades after his death. His distinctive lyrical style, marked by intricate rhyme schemes and authentic narratives, continues to inspire new generations of artists. Wallace’s ability to paint vivid pictures with his words set a high standard for storytelling in rap.
His legacy is preserved through posthumous releases like Born Again (1999) and Duets: The Final Chapter (2005). Documentaries such as Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. further explore his life and career. These tributes confirm his status as a legendary figure whose music remains relevant and widely celebrated.