Biggie Smalls Archives - New Hip Hop News

Rap Beef: Russell Simmons Compares Hip-Hop’s Current State To Biggie Smalls Vs. Tupac

April 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Even from his luxury retreat in Bali, Russell Simmons is keeping up with the latest unfolding in the music industry. Though he spends most of his time focusing on mental wellness and meditation these days, on Monday (April 15), the executive posted a video on Instagram with some thoughts on all the drama unfolding around us recently. In his post, Simmons reflected on the infamous East vs. West Coast beef that led to the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. He compares it to modern situations, including global wars that are far beyond the problems of the entertainment world.

“I walked Biggie to his car and I felt, that night, his death,” Simmons shared. “I must have been involved in saving the lives of God knows how many rappers. I’ve solved so many rap beefs behind the scenes,” he added. After walking Smalls to his car, the 66-year-old headed home where he got a call from a leading member of the Crips gang.

Russell Simmons Shares Thoughts on Hip-Hop Feuds Past and Present From Bali

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“Mike Concepcion called me and told me [Biggie] had been killed. The next day, I called and we set up a meeting at Mr. Farrakhan’s house. We had a meeting where East and West came together. It kind of stopped the war,” Simmons told his followers. “But it was a big deal because people were dying. Biggie and Tupac were dead. Rap beef escalated to that. We had a meeting and I felt, that night, his death.”

While her dad uses his IG platform to reflect on his role in the music industry, Aoki Lee Simmons has also been expressing herself online. The 21-year-old was under a lot of scrutiny for vacationing with a man over four decades older than her recently, and while she looked happy in his company on the beach, their fling ended almost as quickly as the world found out about it. Read what Russell Simmons’ daughter said about the situation at the link below, and check back in with HNHH later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Rolling Ray Compares Drake & Sexyy Red To Biggie & Lil Kim

March 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Whenever there’s a big bond between a male rapper and a female rapper, our hetero-centric and gossip-loving culture tends to ship them on impact. After all, there’s plenty of precedent for this kind of relationship to develop, as well as many examples of it not happening or turning out pretty sour. Moreover, rapper, reality TV star, and social media personality Rolling Ray brought forth a pretty interesting theory and interpretation on Twitter last Sunday (March 17). “Hear me out… Drake is endorsing Sexy Redd like Biggie did with Lil Kim! But yall not ready for that conversation!” he shared with his followers. “& they situationship will get deeper! Watch,” Ray added on Instagram, captioning a screenshot of his tweet.

Furthermore, for those unaware, Drake and Sexyy Red have quite the close bond these days, as they’ve performed together on tour and have at least one collab under their belt. The “Rich Baby Daddy” duo, though, have also been pretty cheeky when it comes to their relationship. They’ve joked about being involved sexually, being each other’s muse or spouse, and about the 6ix God being… well, a rich abby daddy. Not only that, but as their stardom continues to build and progress, we have a feeling they’ll stay on each other’s good side.

Rolling Ray’s Take About Sexyy Red, Lil Kim, Drake & Biggie

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Meanwhile, some younger readers might not know the connection between Lil Kim and Biggie. These two childhood friends from Brooklyn became close artists under Bad Boy Records, and did have a romantic fling throughout The Notorious B.I.G.’s tragically shortened life. To this day, Kim continues to pay tribute to him as a far greater figure than the sum of the lenses through which she viewed their versatile bond. As such, Rolling Ray is insinuating that Drake and Sexyy Red’s connection runs much deeper than joking about them being together.

But it’s important to note that he also has a certain bias in this situation, as he insulted the “SkeeYee” MC not too long ago for her looks. Regardless, do you think that these are two comparable MC-femcee pairings in hip-hop or is there no basis at all? Whatever the case, drop your thoughts down in the comments section below. Also, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Biggie, Lil Kim, Sexyy Red, and Drake.

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CJ Wallace Net Worth 2024: What Is Biggie’s Son Worth?

February 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Christopher Jordan “CJ” Wallace, the son of the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) and Faith Evans, has been making waves in his own right. With an estimated net worth of around $20 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, CJ Wallace’s financial standing is a testament to his lineage and his personal achievements. Let’s delve into his journey, from his early life to his career and inheritance, and explore the factors that contribute to his net worth.

Early Life & Background

Born on October 29, 1996, CJ Wallace entered the world amidst the legacy of his father, Christopher Wallace, famously known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G. Despite the tragic loss of his father at the tender age of just five months old, CJ was raised with a deep understanding of his father’s impact on the music industry and popular culture, both through his mother and his surroundings. Growing up in the shadow of such iconic figures undoubtedly shaped CJ’s perspective and ambitions.

Career Ventures & Endeavors

Following in his father’s footsteps, CJ Wallace embarked on a journey in the entertainment industry. He made his acting debut in the 2009 film Notorious, portraying a younger version of his father. This marked the beginning of his foray into the world of acting, where he showcased his talent and potential.

Aside from acting, CJ has also ventured into entrepreneurship. He co-founded Think BIG, a cannabis company dedicated to raising awareness for social justice initiatives and helping rid the stigma surrounding cannabis through a number of products. Through his various ventures, CJ has demonstrated his versatility and determination to carve out his own path in the industry.

Inheritance & Legacy

As the son of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, CJ Wallace undoubtedly inherited a significant portion of his father’s estate. The legacy left behind by Biggie Smalls, including royalties from music sales, licensing deals, and merchandise, has contributed to CJ’s substantial net worth.

However, CJ’s wealth is not solely reliant on his inheritance. He has actively pursued opportunities to establish himself as an individual within the entertainment and business realms. While his father’s legacy undoubtedly opened doors for him, CJ has worked hard to solidify his own place in the industry. In addition to his financial success, CJ Wallace continues to honor his father’s memory through his work and philanthropic efforts. He remains committed to preserving Biggie’s legacy while forging his own path forward.

Conclusion

In 2024, CJ Wallace’s net worth stands at an impressive $20 million, a testament to his father’s enduring legacy and his own endeavors in the entertainment and business spheres. From his early life shaped by the influence of Biggie Smalls to his multifaceted career pursuits, CJ has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in his own right. As he continues to navigate the complexities of fame and fortune, one thing remains clear: CJ Wallace is carving out his own legacy while honoring the iconic legacy of his father, Notorious B.I.G.

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Jay-Z Or Biggie Smalls? Lil Wayne Takes His Pick: Watch

February 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Hip-hop heads often debate who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of various categories throughout the genre, but it turns out the same conversations come up between artists working in the industry too. Lil Wayne is one MC that’s widely recognized as a GOAT thanks to his tireless run from 1995 on, but when the Young Money leader sat down with West Coast star YG on his 4Hunnid podcast recently, it was time for Weezy to choose between two of the most famous rappers of all time.

“That’s tricky,” the “How to Love” hitmaker said when picking between Jay-Z and the late Christopher Wallace (best known as Biggie Smalls). “I don’t… Hov’s still here,” Wayne remarked, weighing the two men’s accomplishments in his head, and seemingly placing the father of three on top. Afterward, the multi-talent revealed which of the Roc Nation head’s verses is his favourite, surprising many viewers with his underrated answer.

Lil Wayne Chooses Between East Coast Hip-Hop GOATs

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“My favourite verse from Hov is on the song ‘Lucky Me,’” Wayne said. “It was from In My Lifetime, Vol. 1,” the rap legend added, taking us back in time with a shoutout to Hov’s 1997 sophomore album which also includes titles like “I Know What Girls Like” with Diddy and Lil Kim, plus “Always Be My Sunshine” alongside Babyface and Foxy Brown.

The 2024 Super Bowl only just ended, but already, music lovers are casting their votes for who should grace the stage in 2025. Lil Wayne previously threw his hat in the ring, and the internet seems ready to witness the Louisana native do his thing – perhaps with some help from Young Money’s Drake and Nicki Minaj. Could you see the superstar trio headlining next year’s halftime show? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Biggie Smalls’ Estate Reaches Settlement In World Trade Center Pictures Lawsuit

January 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Some of the most iconic pictures in hip-hop history unsurprisingly belong to one of the genre’s most iconic figures. Moreover, fans of any generation likely know the photos of Biggie Smalls with the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers as their backdrop. Photographer Chi Modu took them in 1996, and said that his lyrics on the song “Juicy” referencing the Towers partly inspired the shoot in Jersey City, New Jersey. However, a 2019 lawsuit from Big’s estate claimed that Modu illegaly licensed the snaps for sold products without respecting his rights. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2021, and thus, the battle turned to estate versus estate.

Furthermore, Billboard reports that Staci Jennifer Trager -– Biggie’s estate’s legal representative in this case -– announced a settlement on Thursday (January 18). While its details are unknown at press time, she explained that the rapper’s children and Modu’s widow came to an agreement. “Pictures of Christopher cannot be commercially exploited without a license from our client,” Trager reportedly remarked to the outlet. “The settlement agreement is a testament to the dedication of our client as well as our team members in staying the course over several years.”

Biggie Smalls’ World Trade Center Photos

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As such, it seems like Modu’s estate will still be able to sell physical and digital prints of the pictures. However, they will not be able to use the images for other products, as suggested by the explanation of the settlement. Of course, this joins a long list of other “legacy items” that the hip-hop community treasures, especially for such an influential and impactful late legend. For example, Biggie’s autographed arrest fingerprints, and those of Tupac Shakur, went on sale for $225K last year.

Meanwhile, as the West Coast icon’s murder case develops with the arrest of alleged culprit Keefe D, folks also claim that the Brooklyn MC’s death is connected. That emerged as a speculative theory long ago, and the mystery that surrounds both cases makes judging it a tough call. Regardless, this settlement shows that his legacy will live on in respectful ways if his estate gets their word in. For more news and the latest updates on Biggie Smalls, stay up to date on HNHH.

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Biggie Smalls Was “Scared” To Tell Charli Baltimore Of Faith Evans Pregnancy, She Claims

September 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Biggie Smalls is one of the most legendary rappers of all time, and even the many partners he had at one time all speak quite fondly of him. Despite all the cheating instances and drama like that, rapper Charli Baltimore still has a lot of love for The Notorious B.I.G. Moreover, she recently sat down with VladTV for an interview, during which the rapper spoke about their relationship dynamic. Specifically, the Philly native pointed to the Brooklyn icon’s alleged fear of telling her that he impregnated his then-wife Faith Evans. This was one of many unclear romance “breaks” that he went on, which she also addressed.

“I think it was his mom that told me. I don’t even think it was him,” Charli Baltimore remarked. “His mom was telling him, ‘You need to tell her what’s going on.’ I guess he was kind of scared to tell me. If I’m not mistaken, it was [Biggie’s mom] that told me. I was just kind of in shock.” After this tale, the 49-year-old went into further detail about how they as a couple functioned together- or apart.

Charli Baltimore Recalls Biggie’s Romance Balance

“We would have moments in our relationship where we would break up for short period of time, you know,” Charli Baltimore explained. “I think the longest was maybe a month, two months. We definitely will have our little spats and go into our on-again, off-again. I think the way he tried to explain it was, you know, it happened during one of our on-again, off-again situations. You know, guys are gonna say whatever they need to say to make themselves look less at fault when they know they’re really at fault.”

Meanwhile, Big’s wife recently shared some of her own reflections on their often bumpy but cherished bond. For example, the “Love Like This” MC praised his honesty when it came to infidelity and other relationship factors. With time, anyone who ever had the privilege of being around him realizes just how impactful and special he was- and still is. With that in mind, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Biggie Smalls, Charli Baltimore, and Faith Evans.

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Faith Evans Reveals That Biggie Smalls Allegedly Let Her Collab With Tupac

September 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Faith Evans recently sat down with the Marriage or Mirage podcast to talk about her ideal man, and of course, her forever love Biggie Smalls. See, the narrative is that Tupac Shakur’s iconic diss track “Hit ‘Em Up,” which solidified his legendary feud with The Notorious B.I.G., addresses that Evans cheated on Big with ‘Pac. You know the line, so no need to repeat it here. However, the R&B singer clarified during her conversation with the podcast hosts that things didn’t actually pan out this way. The California MC collaborated with her, for which the New York rapper gave his blessing, and their picture together that sparked infidelity rumors means nothing.

“I didn’t know ‘Pac was signed to Death Row, you know what I’m sayin?” Faith Evans began. “Or I never would’ve agreed to do a song with him. When I went to the studio with ‘Pac, when I met him, he said: ‘I wanna do a song with you.’ I told Big, he said: ‘D’you wanna do it?’ I said: ‘Yeah, if he got the money.’ I didn’t hide anything, I told my husband,” she remarked, saying that she let Biggie know when she realized she was working with a bunch of Death Row members.

Faith Evans On Marriage Or Mirage

In addition to this, the 50-year-old also shared what she loved the most about her late husband. “Everything,” Faith Evans stated. “I loved everything about him. He was honest, you understand? One thing about him, even at that young age… honest! Yo, I respect it. I’m like, I can’t take nothing else.” Furthermore, she spoke on one time that she asked Biggie if he had relations with another woman, and he admitted to it on the spot. “Honest as f**k,” she reiterated. “Most of the time I didn’t know what was going on but when I did and I asked him, he told the truth.”

Meanwhile, we’re sure that this won’t be the last time that this beef history will see reevaluation. It’s one of hip-hop’s most fascinating, albeit tragic, backstories to reflect on and unearth. The most important enduring aspect is each artist’s legacy beyond it, and the love that Big and Faith shared. With that in mind, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Faith Evans, Biggie Smalls, and Tupac Shakur.

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Usher Names, In His Opinion, The Greatest Rappers Of All Time

August 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Usher’s in full rollout mode these days, and a new single starring Keke Palmer in its music video means more media appearances. Moreover, the R&B superstar recently stopped by the Capital Xtra radio show with Robert Bruce and Shayna Marie to talk about “Boyfriend” and what he’s been up to as an artist and individual. Of course, the hosts had to tip their caps to the year-long celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Furthermore, they asked the Texas native to list off some of the greatest MCs of all time, in his opinion. While his picks were valid and by no means surprising, he only provided three, hinting at a staggeringly high standard for rappers.

“The Notorious B.I.G., I would also say Eminem,” Usher stated. “In terms of rapport and in terms of just swag. You put on Biggie’s versus and ‘till this day they still hit as if they were just created today. His pocket, his metaphors, his story-telling, just so vivid, and just understanding what the culture is.” That assessment certainly rings true, as few voices resonate as deeply and vividly as Big’s to this day.

Usher’s “Boyfriend” Music Video

“They haven’t really moved much more from what he was talking about back then, that lets you know that he was way ahead,” he continued. “In terms of one of the fastest and most credible rappers, I’d say Busta Rhymes.” Sure, your top three list probably looks a little different, but kudos for Usher for showing massive respect to Busta. In terms of commendation from others in the game and idiosyncrasy, he definitely belongs in that upper echelon of rap. All we can hope for is that the 44-year-old works with him or Em, or flips a Biggie sample, because it could make fireworks.

Maybe matching R&B and their fast rapping wouldn’t be the best idea, but wouldn’t it be amazing to see them try? Regardless, with the Confessions artist’s track record of rap collabs in mind, crossovers certainly work in his favor. For example, he just recently had 21 hop on his other recent single “Good Good,” which also features Summer Walker. Pick up a mic and get to writing, Mr. Raymond: you just opened up the floodgates for some great link-ups in the future. For more news and the latest updates on Usher, keep checking in with HNHH.

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Lonzo Ball Freestyles Over Biggie: Watch

July 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lonzo Ball is currently in a bad situation as far as his health is concerned. Back in 2022, Lonzo hurt his knee and had to miss the rest of the Chicago Bulls’ season. At the time of the injury, Lonzo was playing the best ball of his career. Moreover, the Bulls were one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Subsequently, he got surgery on his knee but it didn’t seem to work. Consequently, he got a second surgery. When that surgery didn’t work either, the team decided to give him a cartilage transplant in his knee, which is a surgery that doesn’t come with a ton of success.

Overall, there is a real fear that Lonzo Ball will never play basketball again. However, many are holding out hope that this will not be the case. Instead, fans want to see him back on the court doing what he does best. After all, it would be a shame for a young career to be wasted in such a fashion. That said, in recent videos, Lonzo has appeared to be in good spirits. This is especially true in the clip down below, where Ball can be seen rapping to a beat from Biggie Smalls.

Lonzo Ball Spits Bars

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Lonzo Ball is someone who has rapped in the past. Although he isn’t much of a rapper anymore, he has put out music in before. Consequently, it should not be such a surprise that the basketball star has proficiency with the mic. Based on the video below, there is no doubt that people were feeling what was going on. At the end of the day, it is still good to see Lonzo doing well given everything he has been through as of late Hopefully, good fortune is on the way for him.

Let us know what you thought of the freestyle, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. We will always keep you informed.

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The Notorious B.I.G.’s Debut Single “Party & Bullsh*t” Turns 30

July 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

This year marks 30 years since the release of The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single, “Party and Bullsh*t.” Biggie’s classic song was released on June 29, 1993. Before he adopted his now-legendary stage name, he was officially listed on the single as BIG. “Party and Bullsh*t” was produced by Easy Mo Bee, who later contributed beats to multiple songs on Biggie’s iconic debut album, 1994’s Ready to Die.

“Party and Bullsh*t” appeared on the soundtrack for the 1993 film Who’s The Man?, alongside tracks from Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Erick Sermon, Heavy D, House of Pain, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth. It was Biggie’s first single before he would take over the ‘90s and release some of hip hop’s greatest songs and most legendary albums.

About The Song

The track borrows its title from “When the Revolution Comes” by The Last Poets, a well-known group of spoken word artists and musicians. Hip hop’s most profound lyrics have drawn inspiration from The Last Poets and their politically conscious subject matter. They have been featured in songs by Nas and Common.

In “When the Revolution Comes,” the Last Poets criticize those who “party and bullsh*t,” viewing them negatively. Biggie flipped this perspective into a positive means of expression by crafting a celebratory song focused on having a good time. “Party and Bullsh*t” also samples “UFO” by ESG and “I’ll Be There” by Johnny Hammond. Today we revisit The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single for its 30th anniversary.

The Song Jump-Started Biggie’s Career

biggie debut single — American rapper Notorious BIG (born Christopher Wallace) attends the 1995 Billboard Music Awards, New York, New York, December 6, 1995. (Photo by Larry Busacca/WireImage)

On “Party and Bullsh*t,” Biggie showcased his talent, skillful rhymes and distinct flow. While Biggie’s debut single was influential, it did not chart and never received any Gold or Platinum certifications. However, it was a breakthrough moment in Biggie’s career. He had not quite developed his sound yet, but the song was quintessentially The Notorious B.I.G. in its commanding delivery and vivid imagery.

“Party and Bullsh*t” might not sound as polished as some of Biggie’s most successful hits like “Juicy,” “Hypnotize,” or “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Still, one could recognize his raw talent in the earliest moments of his career, including his debut single. The track’s catchy chorus also helped introduce him to a much wider audience, allowing him to grow and eventually dominate the ’90s rap scene. “Party and Bullsh*t” laid the foundation for The Notorious B.I.G.’s career.

The Impact Of Biggie’s Debut Single

“Party and Bullsh*t” was the first glimpse of The Notorious B.I.G.’s unique rapping style and clever bars. It also displayed his ability to create hit records. In the full scope of his career, Biggie could write hit songs from the beginning. He later went on to push boundaries with his albums, which resulted in greater success. The song remains an essential party throwback song today.

“Party and Bullsh*t” has found its way into modern music and has been sampled numerous times inside and outside hip hop. Rita Ora notably sampled “Party and Bullsh*t” for one of her biggest hits, 2012’s “How We Do (Party),” although resulting in a copyright lawsuit years later. Rappers like Busta Rhymes, Young M.A. Cypress Hill, MF DOOM, Jean Grae, and Joell Ortiz have also incorporated Biggie’s classic debut single into their music. Rap fans continue to enjoy the classic hit “Party and Bullsh*t” even thirty years after its release.

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