# The Notorious B.I.G.

> American rapper (1972–1997)

**Wikidata**: [Q179157](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q179157)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Notorious_B.I.G.)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-notorious-b-i-g

## Summary
The Notorious B.I.G. was an American rapper born in 1972 and active until his death in 1997. He is best known as a pioneering figure in East Coast hip-hop, particularly for his influential albums *Ready to Die* (1994) and *Life After Death* (1997), which cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

## Biography
- Born: May 21, 1972, New York City, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Brooklyn Technical High School and later studied at the City College of New York
- Known for: Pioneering East Coast hip-hop with groundbreaking albums and lyrical prowess
- Employer(s): Bad Boy Records, Atlantic Records, Arista Records
- Field(s): Hip-hop music, East Coast hip-hop

## Contributions
- **Albums**: Released *Ready to Die* (1994) and *Life After Death* (1997), both of which became hip-hop classics and significantly influenced the genre.
- **Collaborations**: Worked with artists like Puff Daddy, Mase, and others, shaping the sound of East Coast hip-hop.
- **Cultural Impact**: His music and persona, often referred to as "Biggie Smalls," became iconic symbols of hip-hop culture.

## FAQs
**What was The Notorious B.I.G.'s most famous album?**
The Notorious B.I.G.'s most famous album is *Ready to Die* (1994), which is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and helped define the sound of East Coast hip-hop.

**Where did The Notorious B.I.G. record his music?**
The Notorious B.I.G. recorded his music primarily at Bad Boy Records, which he co-founded with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, and later signed to Atlantic Records and Arista Records.

**What was The Notorious B.I.G.'s real name?**
The Notorious B.I.G.'s real name was Christopher George Latore Wallace.

**How did The Notorious B.I.G. influence hip-hop?**
The Notorious B.I.G. influenced hip-hop through his lyrical genius, storytelling ability, and ability to blend street life with artistic expression, making him one of the most respected rappers of his time.

**What happened to The Notorious B.I.G.?**
The Notorious B.I.G. was tragically murdered on March 9, 1997, in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, which remains one of the most shocking events in hip-hop history.

## Why They Matter
The Notorious B.I.G. matters as a foundational figure in hip-hop, whose work redefined the genre's lyrical and cultural impact. His albums *Ready to Die* and *Life After Death* are considered milestones in hip-hop history, and his influence extends beyond music into fashion, film, and popular culture. His untimely death in 1997 left a void in the music industry, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of rappers and fans alike. His ability to blend personal storytelling with social commentary made him a unique voice in hip-hop, and his impact on the genre remains unparalleled.

## Notable For
- Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017
- Winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Hypnotize" (1998)
- Collaborating with artists like Puff Daddy and Mase on groundbreaking tracks
- Co-founding Bad Boy Records with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs
- Signing to Atlantic Records and Arista Records, further cementing his status as a hip-hop legend
- Influencing a generation of rappers with his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Notorious B.I.G. was born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and began rapping in the early 1990s, initially performing under the name "Biggie Smalls." His early career was marked by underground success, and he quickly gained a reputation for his sharp lyricism and storytelling ability.

### Rise to Fame
In 1994, The Notorious B.I.G. released his debut album *Ready to Die*, which became an instant classic and is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The album featured hits like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," which showcased his ability to blend street life with artistic expression. His collaboration with Puff Daddy and the Bad Boy Records label helped propel him to mainstream success.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Notorious B.I.G.'s influence extended beyond music. His persona, often referred to as "Biggie Smalls," became an iconic symbol of hip-hop culture, and his music continues to be celebrated for its lyrical depth and storytelling. His untimely death in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997, at the age of 24, left a lasting impact on the music industry and hip-hop community.

### Musical Contributions
The Notorious B.I.G.'s second album, *Life After Death* (1997), was released posthumously and became another critical and commercial success. The album featured collaborations with artists like Puff Daddy, Mase, and others, and it solidified his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His music continues to be celebrated for its lyrical prowess and cultural significance.

### Industry Influence
The Notorious B.I.G. played a significant role in shaping the hip-hop industry. He co-founded Bad Boy Records with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, which became a major player in the music industry. His collaborations with artists like Puff Daddy and Mase helped define the sound of East Coast hip-hop, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless rappers who followed in his footsteps.

### Awards and Recognition
The Notorious B.I.G. received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Hypnotize" (1998). He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, further cementing his status as a hip-hop legend. His impact on the genre remains unparalleled, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/wallace-christopher-g-aka-biggie-smalls-and-notorious-b-i-g-1972-1997/)
2. [Notorious B.I.G. Autopsy Report Released](http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22133/title.notorious-big-autopsy-report-relesaed)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Faith Evans Says Biggie Cried When He Heard Tupac Was Shot](http://www.mtv.com/news/1457415/faith-evans-says-biggie-cried-when-he-heard-tupac-was-shot/)
5. [Source](https://classichiphopmagazine.com/answers/2018/5/28/how-many-kids-did-biggie-smalls-have)
6. [Source](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/c-j-wallace-notorious-big-faith-evans-son-890460/)
7. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20061018084327/http://www.jamaicanpride.com/Celebrities/index.htm)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. MusicBrainz
10. Library of Congress Name Authority File
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. BnF authorities
13. Find a Grave
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Library of Congress Authorities
16. BBC Things
17. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org/)
18. [Source](https://hedendaagsesieraden.nl/2023/08/14/jacob-co/)
19. Carnegie Hall linked open data
20. The Movie Database
21. Genius
22. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
23. YouTube API
24. [Source](https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=1997-01812)