The Complete History Of The Notorious B.I.G: Life, Legacy & Influence

Early Life in Brooklyn: Christopher Wallace Before the Fame

Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G., was born May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. He made it through the tough streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Born to a Jamaican mother, Voletta Wallace, a preschool teacher, Biggie’s early years were marked by the struggles of being raised by a single parent and the crack epidemic that ravaged his neighborhood in the 1980s. Wallace’s natural talent for language was evident from a young age, as he excelled in English and displayed early lyrical creativity.

He became involved in the street life at the age of 12, selling crack cocaine and gaining firsthand experience with the struggles that would later be immortalized in his lyrics, even though he was a strong student.

The Birth of Biggie Smalls: From Street Hustler to Underground Rap Sensation

Wallace started rapping informally under the name ‘Biggie Smalls’ during his late teens, which an actor inspired in a 1975 film. His raw storytelling, deep baritone, and effortless flow captivated local DJs and MCs. Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs, an A&R executive at Uptown Records in 1992, was presented with a demo tape. After launching his label, Combs signed Wallace to Bad Boy Records, instantly recognizing his talent. The underground scene was even more excited when he appeared in The Source magazine’s Unsigned Hype column. Biggie’s distinctive blend of gritty realism, vivid storytelling, and dark humor, all delivered with precise lyrical technique, made him stand out from other rappers.

Ready to Die: The Debut Album That Changed Hip-Hop Forever

Biggie’s debut album, Ready to Die, was released in 1994 and was a genre-defining masterpiece that established Biggie as a dominant force in hip-hop. The album provided instant classics like:

• “Juicy” – A rags-to-riches anthem chronicling his transformation

• “Big Poppa” – A smooth, sultry hit that cemented his crossover appeal

• “Gimme the Loot” – A ruthless, dual-voiced crime narrative

Due to the album’s platinum status, Biggie became a household name within months. His music paints cinematic depictions of street life, combining vulnerability with bravado, a duality rarely seen in rap.

King of New York: Biggie’s Rise to Cultural Icon

The Notorious B.I.G. Made it into the mid-’90s. He was named “King of New York”, reflecting his commercial dominance and cultural influence. He was a fashion pioneer, bringing back Coogi sweaters, Versace shades, and luxury street style. He guided artists such as Lil’ Kim, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Faith Evans, his wife, and a member of Bad Boy. Biggie’s influence transcended music and shaped the Bad Boy Records’ brand, along with Puff Daddy, with an aesthetic that blended street credibility with mainstream appeal. His commanding presence on tracks and music videos redefined what being a rap superstar in the 1990s meant.

The East Coast–West Coast Feud: A Deadly Rivalry

Biggie’s fame increased, making him an unwitting central figure in the escalating East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry. The 1994 shooting of Tupac Shakur in New York caused tensions to rise, with Tupac accusing Biggie and Combs of involvement, which both denied. The feud, inflamed by media sensationalism and diss tracks like Tupac’s ‘Hit ‘Em Up’, created deep divisions. The perception of animosity increased despite Biggie publicly separating himself from the conflict. One of the darkest chapters in hip-hop history was born out of the rivalry.

Life After Death: The Tragic End and Posthumous Triumph

During a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, Biggie Smalls was shot and killed. He was only 24 years old. The mystery and mourning in the hip-hop community were furthered by his sudden death just six months after Tupac’s murder. Life After Death, a double album released just weeks after his death, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and received diamond certification. Tracks like:

• “Hypnotize”

• “Mo Money Mo Problems”

• “Sky’s the Limit”

His status as a legend was strengthened by his becoming iconic.

Legacy and Influence: Biggie’s Enduring Impact on Music and Culture

More than twenty years later, The Notorious B.I.G.’s influence remains unmatched. His intricate wordplay, storytelling skills, and melodic delivery have inspired generations of rappers, including Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake. In 2020, Biggie was recognized for his timeless talent and was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Murals of his likeness adorn buildings in Brooklyn. Documentaries like ‘Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell‘ have brought his story to new audiences, and his music continues to be sampled and celebrated. Biggie Smalls is more than just a rapper — he represents survival, authenticity, and artistry born from hardship.

Conclusion: Biggie Smalls—A Giant Whose Voice Still Echoes

The story of Biggie Smalls’ transition from the streets of Brooklyn to the top of global fame is all about the power of talent. He wasn’t just the voice of a generation—he was its chronicler, philosopher, and poet. His body of work was so powerful that it continues to influence not only music but pop culture at large despite his tragically short life. As long as hip-hop endures, The Notorious B.I.G. will live on.