The Notorious B.I.G.

Date of Birth: May 21, 1972

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 9, 1997

Biography

Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known by his stage names The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper and songwriter. Born and raised in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, Wallace is widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. His music often depicted the harsh realities of life in urban America, with themes of violence, drugs, and crime juxtaposed with a charismatic delivery and intricate wordplay. Born on May 21, 1972, Wallace began rapping as a teenager. He gained prominence as part of the New York hip-hop scene, especially after the release of his debut album, “Ready to Die,” in 1994. The album was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, bringing East Coast hip-hop back into the mainstream at a time when West Coast rap was dominant. Wallace’s storytelling ability, combined with his deep voice and smooth flow, set him apart from his contemporaries. Wallace’s second album, “Life After Death,” was released posthumously in 1997 and is considered one of the greatest double albums in hip-hop history. Tragically, Wallace’s life was cut short when he was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at the age of 24. His legacy continues to influence artists and he remains a pivotal figure in the history of hip-hop.

5 Interesting Facts about The Notorious B.I.G.

1. The Notorious B.I.G. won the 1995 Billboard Music Awards for Rap Artist of the Year.

2. He was heavily influenced by jazz music, which is evident in his use of samples from artists like James Brown and The Isley Brothers.

3. Biggie was known for his rivalry with Tupac Shakur, which was a significant part of the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop feud.

4. His debut album, “Ready to Die,” is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

5. Wallace was affectionately nicknamed “Biggie” due to his large stature, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing over 300 pounds.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from The Notorious B.I.G.

1. “It was all a dream. I used to read Word Up! magazine.”

2. “Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart’s in it, and live the phrase ‘sky’s the limit.’”

3. “I’m living every day like a hustle. Another drug to juggle. Another day, another struggle.”

4. “If you don’t know, now you know.”

5. “Mo’ money, mo’ problems.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, The Notorious B.I.G. had an estimated net worth of $20 million.

Children

The Notorious B.I.G. had two children: 1. T’yanna Wallace (born August 8, 1993) with his high school sweetheart, Jan Jackson. 2. Christopher “CJ” Wallace Jr. (born October 29, 1996) with singer Faith Evans.