Artist Playlists
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The Notorious B.I.G. was a wholly original rap stylist that paired a punishing, pugilistic flow with an acute sensitivity to language, granting lyrical virtuosity to gigantic, end-of-the-world anthems like “Kick In the Door” or “Who Shot Ya.” His rhymes read like a true crime novel soundtracked by Puffy-driven slabs of heavyweight breaks and crowd-pleasing samples from sources like Diana Ross (“Mo Money Mo Problems”), David Bowie (“Been Around the World”), and the Isley Brothers (“Big Poppa”). Like a tragic hero from a gangster flick, Biggie vividly articulated the game's intense pleasures and pain with stinging attention to detail. Jay Z, Cam'ron, and Lil Kim all benefited from Biggie's influence (and generous cosign), yet he will forever be linked to one rival, Tupac Shakur, in a beef to end all rap beefs. Known to his mother as Christopher Wallace, Biggie died on March 9, 1997, at the age of 24, just 16 days before the release of his second album, Life After Death. Brooklyn's finest claims an indelible seat among the greatest MCs of all time. And if you don't know, now ya know. - The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single and video, 1994’s “Juicy,” chronicles his life story, from living in poverty to savoring hard-earned success. But the video for 1997’s “Hypnotize” reached new heights in budget and ambition: Instead of scenes from the block, the visuals offer yachts, helicopters, and a backwards car chase. This cinematic imagery cemented Biggie’s legend as a rags-to-riches hero.
- Biggie's career might have been brief, but his impact was gigantic. After dropping his debut album, he juggled love in the streets with commercial success in a way that would soon be replicated by his fellow New Yorkers JAY Z and Nas. Plus, it's hard not to think that Rick Ross' Miami operation has been inspired by Big's Bed-Stuy hustle.
- The young Christopher Wallace honed his superhuman mic skills by keeping his ear to the New York streets. The dexterous rhymes of Rakim and deep-voiced baritone of Big Daddy Kane were both important precursors to Biggie's sturdy-yet-nimble flow. And while the rapper came to be known for his beefs with West Coast artists, Californians like N.W.A. helped write the gangsta-rap playbook that he drew from so studiously.
- From hits to deep cuts, breaking down the samples that have inspired one of music’s most vital artists.