On March 9th in music history, one significant event took place in 1997 when rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, California. He was just 24 years old.
The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was one of the most influential and iconic rappers of the 1990s. His debut album, "Ready to Die," released in 1994, was a massive success, featuring hit singles like "Juicy," "Big Poppa," and "One More Chance." The album showcased his unique storytelling ability, smooth flow, and dark humor, which helped establish him as a prominent figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene.
Biggie's untimely death sent shockwaves through the music industry and hip-hop community. It occurred just six months after the murder of his former friend turned rival, Tupac Shakur, fueling speculation about a possible connection between the two cases and the ongoing East Coast-West Coast hip-hop feud.
Posthumously, Biggie's music continued to make an impact. His second album, "Life After Death," was released just 16 days after his death and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the hit singles "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems," both of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Notorious B.I.G.'s legacy continues to live on through his music, influence on the genre, and the countless artists he inspired. In 2020, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
