Rapper Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls (Christopher Wallace), was honored with a Billboard Music Award on December 6, 1995, at The Coliseum in New York City. Despite his untimely death at the age of 24, he had already solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie, also known as Biggie Smalls, released his debut album “Ready to Die” in 1994. His posthumously released album, “Life After Death” in 1997, achieved diamond status by selling 10 million copies.
Tragically, on March 9, 1997, Biggie was shot and killed leaving a Soul Train Awards afterparty by an assailant in a black Chevy Impala. His murder has been linked to the ongoing feud between him and fellow ’90s hip-hop superstar Tupac Shakur, representing the East and West Coasts respectively. Following Tupac’s murder in 1996, suspicions arose that Biggie’s shooting was an act of retaliation, but no concrete evidence has been presented. To this day, no arrests have been made in connection to Biggie’s murder.
Biggie’s legacy lives on, with his music continuing to influence generations of fans. His death remains one of the most infamous unsolved murders in music history.
The founder of Bad Boy Records, Biggie and Tupac reportedly had a falling out in 1994 after Tupac was shot and robbed at Quad Studios in Times Square. As Biggie and his group Junior M.A.F.I.A. witnessed Tupac being taken away on a stretcher, Tupac allegedly flipped off his former friend. The tension escalated when Biggie released the song “Who Shot Ya?” which Tupac interpreted as a diss track. In retaliation, Tupac released “Hit Em’ Up,” a widely acclaimed diss track targeting Biggie by name.
Following the feud, Tupac signed with Death Row Records and formed a relationship with the label’s CEO Suge Knight. Not long after, Tupac was fatally shot in Las Vegas, and Biggie met a similar fate six months later. Despite speculation, no one has been arrested or charged in connection with Biggie’s murder. Biggie’s family filed wrongful death lawsuits, accusing the LAPD of negligence and alleging corrupt officers were involved, but these cases did not result in convictions.
One prevalent theory implicates Suge Knight in orchestrating Biggie’s murder with LAPD assistance. Retired detective Greg Kading, involved in both Biggie and Tupac cases, claimed the murder was solved but not prosecuted. Kading highlighted a female intermediary who allegedly worked with Knight to organize Biggie’s murder. The intermediary reportedly communicated with an associate named Wardell “Poochie” Fouse, who has since passed away, to carry out the hit. Knight has not officially responded to these allegations.
“This is the reason why we are unable to prosecute it, but it has been resolved,” stated Kading. How did the public respond to the passing of the Notorious B.I.G.? Police, residents, and admirers observed as the funeral procession for rapper Notorious B.I.G. journeyed through the Brooklyn district of Clinton Hill. In the wake of Biggie’s demise, the public expressed an overwhelming mix of sorrow, disbelief, and perplexity while also honoring his exceptional talent. As the procession carried Biggie’s casket along the streets accompanied by loved ones, a multitude of New Yorkers and fans thronged the area. “When I reached Saint James Place and witnessed the crowd [dancing], I realized, ‘Oh my God, this kid was truly adored. That’s when I glimpsed the affection,” remarked Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, in the 2021 Netflix documentary ‘Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.’ His passing, just half a year following Tupac’s, not only marked the loss of two music luminaries but was viewed by many as a significant cultural turning point. In 2014, rapper Nas from ‘Illmatic’ remarked to Zane Lowe, “When those two individuals passed away, I thought it was the end of the rap era.”
What is the enduring impact of the Notorious B.I.G.? The legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. has continued to thrive posthumously, culminating in his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. His influence on numerous artists is evident in his harmonious delivery, lyrical prowess, clever wordplay, and captivating narratives, shaping the styles of Eminem, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, and Alicia Keys. There have been multiple releases of Biggie’s music after his passing, including the 2005 album ‘Duets’ which featured collaborations where Biggie’s verses were blended with contemporary artist contributions. His music remains an integral part of the cultural fabric, as evidenced by its inclusion in recent TV shows like the 2024 Netflix series ‘Receiver’ where his track “Going Back to Cali” was featured. The narrative of Biggie’s life was depicted in the 2009 biopic ‘Notorious’, with Jamal Woolard portraying the rapper, Angela Bassett as his mother Voletta, and Anthony Mackie as Tupac. Biggie’s son CJ Wallace, born to fellow musician Faith Evans, played a young Biggie in the film’s opening scene. Additionally, Biggie had a daughter named T’yanna with his high school sweetheart Jan Jackson. In 2022, around the 25th anniversary of Biggie’s passing, CJ shared with PEOPLE magazine the enduring influence of his father. “His impact was felt worldwide. My father’s reach extended to every corner of the globe,” he expressed. “The reactions I receive from people recognizing me, and the
