RIP Notorious B.I.G.
12 years ago today we lost the real king of NYC… Christopher George Latore Wallace [May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997], otherwise known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls was killed in a drive-by shortly after the 97 Soul Train Awards in LA. Life After Death was released 2 weeks later and practically dominated the charts following it’s release. We still don’t know who did it, though I have heard there are some leads in the case.
But after he was killed, I started to realize his effect in hip hop culture; in only 3 short years [as a signed, major rapper] he had become a cultural icon.. I remember my social studies class even talked about his and 2Pac’s deaths, and how their influence would live on. About 3 days before Life After Death dropped, I picked up my first hip hop single, Hypnotize [b/w I Got A Story To Tell] and literally rocked it forever. I still have it somewhere actually, and I have to say it’s the main reason why I got into rap music. So glad I picked it up.
In the time since he passed, we’ve gotten 2 posthumous albums, a greatest hits album and even a biographical movie, which did pretty well [$36,816,591 so far], which leaves me to believe that his legacy will live on forever. Definitely essential listening to say the least.
Biggie @ 17
“Juicy”
“One More Chance”
Vodpod videos no longer available.“Hypnotize”
Vodpod videos no longer available.Also check out the DJ Drama & Cookin’ Soul Tribute Mixtape, which features Skyzoo, CL Smooth, La the Darkman, Willie the Kid, Grafh, Amanda Diva, Styles P, Jean Grae and more.
LOVE Biggie, my fav is Kick In the Door! EPIC!!!!!