Christopher George Latore Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.)

Christopher Wallace, better known by his stage names The Notorious B.I.G. and Biggie Smalls, was born in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in the tough neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Biggie's early life was marked by struggles with poverty, street crime, and family challenges. His mother, Voletta Wallace, was a Jamaican immigrant, and his father left the family when he was young. Despite these hardships, Biggie found solace in music and was known for his vivid storytelling and larger-than-life presence. Biggie’s breakthrough came in the early '90s with the release of his iconic debut album, *Ready to Die* (1994), which featured hits like "Juicy," "Big Poppa," and "One More Chance." The album catapulted him to fame, earning him critical acclaim for his lyrical prowess, distinctive flow, and ability to weave intricate tales of street life, love, and ambition. His combination of raw authenticity and smooth delivery resonated with listeners across the world, establishing him as a major figure in East Coast hip hop. Biggie became one of the central figures in the infamous East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry, which was amplified by the media and tensions with West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur. While Biggie's relationship with Tupac started as friendly, their public feud escalated, and it became symbolic of the larger conflict between the two coasts. This rivalry, combined with the pressures of fame, led to a volatile period in hip hop history. On March 9, 1997, Biggie was tragically murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles at the age of 24. His death remains unsolved, and it marked the end of an era for hip hop. However, his legacy has lived on through his music, influence, and impact on the genre. Albums like *Life After Death* (1997), which was released posthumously, solidified his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Biggie’s storytelling ability, ability to blend complex lyricism with mainstream appeal, and his influence on future generations of artists have made him an icon in music. He is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers in history, frequently mentioned alongside Tupac Shakur as a pivotal figure in the genre. Biggie's life and work have been celebrated in documentaries, films, and music. His legacy continues to inspire artists from various genres, and his contributions to hip hop are celebrated annually by fans, artists, and critics alike. *Ready to Die* and *Life After Death* are often cited as two of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, cementing his place in music history. Biggie’s rise to fame was swift, his influence immeasurable, and his untimely death left a void in the hip hop world that has never been filled. His music continues to resonate with fans across generations, and his legacy remains a defining chapter in the history of hip hop.