Some of our favourite artists have already dropped off noteworthy new music in 2023. Unfortunately, their releases as of late are chiefly being overshadowed by the songs coming out via artificial intelligence. From hearing Kanye West take on Hit-Boy’s “2 Certified” thanks to technology to heavy hitters like Drake and Michael Jackson covering Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feelin’ U),” the entertainment has been endless, albeit damaging to the music industry. Earlier this week, a video of the late Biggie Smalls rapping Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind” began circulating online, sparking plenty of debate amongst the hip-hop community,
The 1994 cut previously arrived on the New Yorker’s Illmatic album and remains one of the most popular in his discography to this day. Of course, The Notorious B.I.G. lost his life just three years after this, and though he and Nas had plans to collaborate (the latter previously revealed on The Breakfast Club that he “got too high” in the studio for anything to come to fruition), it ultimately never came to be. This is the closest we’ll probably ever to see to a joint effort, and while some users are loving Biggie’s flow on his friend’s song, others are frustrated with AI’s presence in the industry at the moment.
“This made me realize Nas has the greatest flow of any rapper ever,” one Twitter user said, markedly praising the 49-year-old. Another, less pleased listener chimed in, “The gap between Biggie’s flow and Nas’ flow is f*cking me up right now. This sounds so much worse than his voice on his flow lol. Too much energy with the wrong tone.” Elsewhere, someone argued that the computer-generated audio fails to “capture Big’s essence one bit.”
Apart from the comedic, discourse-causing covers, we’ve also heard brand new lyrics written and beats crafted for Champagne Papi, The Weeknd, and more, rivalling some of their previous releases in the hearts of fans. In wake of this, music labels are beginning to take action in defence of their artists to protect their work and vocals. Keep scrolling to read Twitter’s reactions to the viral Biggie AI cover, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments afterward.
Social Media Reacts
Just listened to a Biggie AI version of Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind”
Made me realise Nas has the greatest flow of any rapper ever
— Beats, Rhymes & Lists (@BeatRhymeLists) April 27, 2023
The gap between Biggie’s flow and Nas’ flow is fucking me up right now. This sounds so much worse than his voice on his flow lol. Too much energy with the wrong tone. https://t.co/qIOU3FJogO
Does not capture the essence of BIG one bit. The voice is pretty close, and even though I never heard Biggie rapping Nas’s shit, I can almost guarantee it wouldn’t sound like this.
As someone who’s listened to both biggie and Nas thoroughly.. this sounds terrible lmao
This why AI won’t ever work better than organic music. The voice of a rapper is only a part of their identity… it’s still missing biggies delivery, inflections, charisma and more. https://t.co/NZ8RZBwATc
Snoop Dogg has never been shy about speaking his mind. While Snoop may be one to experiment with new sounds, he draws the line at a 2pac & Biggie AI (Artificial Intelligence) album. In an interview with Baller Alert, they asked about the proposed joint collaboration between the two late rap legends. Although Tha Doggfather wasn’t fully opposed to a collaboration album. He doesn’t fancy the idea of an AI-generated album featuring his late friend and the original King of New York. However, Uncle Snoop feels it would be best to find old tracks with their vocals and put together a collab tape that way as opposed to the former.
“I don’t really know about that, with the AI,” Snoop said. “Because that’s like computerized voices. You know?” he continued. While Snoop Dogg may have his late friend’s best interest at heart, however, some feel otherwise. Former Outlawz member Napoleon had some choice words regarding Snoop’s comments. He claims Snoop Dogg’s relationship with ‘Pac was steeped in jealousy. According to Napoleon, Snoop was jealous of 2Pac, who took all his shine when he joined Death Row.
Napoleon believes that Snoop is trying to take the shine away from 2Pac, and that’s why he said what he said during the interview with Baller Alert. In the interview with The Art of Dialogue he spoke on where the jealousy came from. “Imagine you’re the biggest star on Death Row and ‘Pac take all your shine, you understand?” he said. “And 25 years later, ‘Pac died and every time you do an interview that name is brought up,” he concluded. However, Napoleon didn’t stop there. He slammed the Doggystyle rapper for his remarks towards 2Pac’s infamous “Hit ‘Em Up” record after his passing, recommending the now grandfather remember his friend in a more positive light.
Although Snoop is open to a collaboration between the two Hip Hop icons, he’s still skeptical about AI-generated albums. Nothing wrong with appreciating authentic artistry. However, with AI infiltrating every industry, this won’t be the last time we see a proposed AI-generated album. Do you think an AI-generated Biggie and 2pac album would be fire? Let us know in the comments below!
The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1997 album Life After Death, which was released just days after he was murdered, is an iconic piece of hip-hop history. Now, to coincide with the ongoing celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary this year, Warner Music Group’s WMX has announced the debut season of visual podcast series Iconic Records will focus on the landmark Biggie Smalls album.
The eight-episode run of the show, hosted by Radio Hall Of Fame member Angie Martinez, will premiere on April 29 at 8 p.m. ET, on the new WMX Hip-Hop channel on The Roku Channel (channel 1137). Further episodes will debut every Saturday after that. It will also be available on Biggie’s YouTube channel and on major audio podcast platforms starting May 1. Guests appearing over the course of the season will include Fat Joe, Pusha T, Rick Ross, Too Short, Lil Cease, and surprise guests yet to be revealed.
Martinez said in a statement, “Biggie was, and still is, one of the most important artists of our lifetime and Life After Death is a masterpiece! To collaborate with WMX on this series has been an incredible experience. It’s especially meaningful as we also pay homage to 50 years of hip-hop and how it’s changed the course of history.”
Ben Blank — WMX president, media & creative content — also noted, “We’re excited to be able to share stories about the albums that have shaped entire generations so profoundly – beginning with Biggie’s Life After Death. The launch of Iconic Records embraces the huge appetite and need for unique content tailored for genre-specific audiences. WMX lives at a crossroads where artists, content, and experiences converge to reach music fans where they are, and this exciting series is the first of many forums in which we will continue to tell the stories about the art that shapes and inspires our culture.”
Wayne Barrow, Biggie’s manager, added, “The Notorious B.I.G. is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. His work has been examined and reviewed before, but this series provides new stories and firsthand accounts by the people that were there. It’s something special.”
Check out the Iconic Records trailer above.
The Notorious B.I.G. is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Even though Biggie Smalls died 26 years ago, stories of his character and exploits are still the stuff of legend. Moreover, fans now have new testimonies about an alleged incident during which The Notorious B.I.G. apparently almost ran a concert promoter over with his tour bus. However, it’s unclear and unconfirmed whether it was actually Big in the vehicle when it sped off, but all signs point to yes. Furthermore, the news comes from former Rap-A-Lot artist and 5th Ward Juvenilez member Mr. Slimm. He revealed to the Murder Master Music Show some of the antics at a Baton Rouge show involving Biggie, Big Mike, Too $hort, and other performers.
“Biggie was outside, this is the funniest thing I tell people about Big and them,” Slimm began. “Big and them used to burn off on promoters a lot. This is what happened in Baton Rouge one time. Big and them was getting ready to go on stage. I think Short had just finished his set or whatever.
Biggie Smalls Almost Hit And Ran
“As we waiting for them to come through the dressing room all of a sudden the promoter run in screaming hysterically, ‘They just tried to run me over!’” he continued. “He said he went and gave them the rest of the money — you know, you get your back end when you show up at the show. And he said when he gave them that and stepped off the bus he heard the brakes release so he goes to stand in front of the bus and they hit that gas. He had to jump out of the way.”
“That happened, I can’t remember how many shows, but it was more than one,” Slimm concluded. “They was just burning off bro to the next city. They were doing it, it’s alotta artists that was doing it back in the day,” he claimed. “It had me wondering if Big was on the bus. But I did see Lil Kim, I seen Junior M.A.F.I.A. so Big had to be on the bus.” Maybe it was all a big misunderstanding, but it adds to the Brooklyn legend’s mystique and larger-than-life perception. Regardless, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Biggie Smalls and his legacy.
Donald Trump’s recent indictment has everyone talking. While most are elated that he’s finally getting his just desserts, some delusional Trumpers think this will only make him more appealing during election season. Some are even likening him to two rap legends.
In a clip from right-wing podcast The Benny Show, Donald Trump’s lawyer Alina Habba spoke to host Benny Johnson, saying that Trump’s indictment and impending arrest put him up there with some of hip-hop’s most revered acts.
“Donald Trump is Tupac. Donald Trump’s Biggie Smalls, he’s better than Tupac. I’m east coast, so I love Biggie,” she said. “Donald Trump is his own brand. He is everything. This is just gonna boost him, we’ve seen it in the polls. It’s not a question, it’s a fact.”
Last Thursday (March 30), Trump was indicted for paying hush money to Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about their alleged affair. He is expected to be arrested today (April 4).
All the while, several have shared images of themselves celebrating Trump’s arrest, including one group of people who flipped off Trump Tower in a photo shared to Twitter.
Happy Trump Arraignment Day for those who celebrate it
Kimberly Denise Jones, famously known as Lil Kim, has undergone numerous noticeable transformations throughout her musical career. She has allegedly undergone surgery, and fans claimed it could be true because of how she changed. Despite all the rumors, the “No Matter What They Say” hitmaker still exudes unwavering confidence in all aspects of her entertainment career and personal life.
The rapper burst onto the scene during Hip Hop’s Golden Era and amassed great success. She has also demonstrated some notable transformations throughout her career. Clearly, her music and fashion style successes have superseded her controversial physical appearance. A noteworthy fact is that Lil Kim’s fashion has just been as iconic as her music. She is known for her daring and revealing outfits, often featuring sequins, fur, and feathers. Her fashion choices inspire generations of women in rap and help to redefine hip-hop.
Lil Kim’s Transformation Journey
Lil’ Kim (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Kim has been in the music business for over two decades and is known for her provocative outfits and aggressive music style. Over the years, she has undergone a significant transformation in her appearance and style. In the 90s, she established her iconic stature by working with high-profile peers like Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliott. She was also rumored to have an affair with Tupac Shakur, but she denied these claims.
Notorious B.I.G.’s Influence
Rapper Notorious B.I.G. AKA Biggie Smalls (Christopher Wallace) joined by Sean (Puffy) Combs and Lil’ Kim receives Billboard Music Award on December 6, 1995 at The Coliseum in New York City, New York. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
In 1993, Kim met the Notorious B.I.G. at a rap battle. The two became close and began a romantic relationship. Biggie took Lil Kim under his wing and introduced her to Junior M.A.F.I.A., a rap group he was part of. Soon, Kim joined the group, boosting her iconic music career to the next level. Gaining momentum, Kim’s big break came in 1996 when she released her debut album, Hard Core. The album was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies and reaching No. 11 on the Billboard 200. It featured production from some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Sean “Puffy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, and The Trackmasters.
Lil Kim’s Iconic Prominence
The 2000s saw an experienced Kim continue to solidify her status as a hip-hop icon. Her music continued to evolve, and she released several successful albums, including The Notorious K.I.M. and La Bella Mafia. She also collaborated with other big names in the industry, such as 50 Cent, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott. However, despite facing some setbacks, such as a brief stint in prison in 2005, Lil Kim’s music remained popular and influential.
Like most music icons, Lil Kim’s fashion sense continued to turn heads. She was known for her daring and provocative outfits, often pushing boundaries with bold choices. Although she faced some criticism for her fashion choices, Lil Kim remained unapologetic and true to herself. This signature “gangster” attitude only added to her appeal.
Additionally, her personal life has not been without its controversies. In 2005, she was convicted of perjury and sentenced to a year and a day in prison for lying to a grand jury about a shooting that involved her friends. Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown was a six-part docuseries released in 2006 that chronicled the rapper’s final weeks before her prison stint.
Dominating The Rap Game
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 11: Lil Kim performs onstage during the VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail The Queens at David Geffen Hall on July 11, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for VH1)
In 2011, Lil Kim released her mixtape Black Friday, which reportedly contained diss tracks directed at Nicki Minaj. She also announced that she would release an album entitled Hard Core 2K13, but it ultimately never materialized. In 2013, Kim purportedly underwent a series of plastic surgeries that drastically changed her appearance. This led to much speculation and criticism. She denied having any major procedures and attributed her new look to makeup and weight loss.
More recently, Kim’s looks have continued to evolve, and she has maintained her status as a style icon. Furthermore, the rapper sparked debates about her outfit at the 2019 BET Awards. Her stunning makeup perfectly complemented her outfits, and her fans couldn’t get enough. Her performance was also well received.
Praise & Controversy
Lil’ Kim (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Over the years, Lil Kim’s fashion style has continued to be a standout feature. In 2019, Cardi B paid homage to Lil Kim’s iconic 1999 MTV Video Music Awards outfit by wearing a similar purple jumpsuit to the event. Other celebrities have commented on Lil Kim’s legacy in the music industry. Missy Elliott praised Lil Kim as a “pioneer” and “icon” in a 2019 tweet. Fellow rapper Trina has cited Lil Kim as one of her biggest influences.
Kim has also faced controversies in recent years. The most famed one was the beef she had with Nicki Minaj. In the rap game, respect and appreciation are highly coveted by pioneers. However, Kim did not take lightly the disrespect she felt she received from Nicki. In an interview onReal 92.3 in 2018, she bashed Nicki for being selfish and not recognizing her contributions to her influence.
Lil Kim, The Legend
Lil’ Kim during No Way Out Tour in New York, New York, United States. (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)
Many celebrities have taken to social media to express their thoughts on Lil Kim’s transformation. In a tweet from October 2022, singer Lizzo wrote, “Lil Kim has been an icon for years. Her music, her style, her confidence – she’s everything. I love seeing her still slayin’ in 2022.” Similarly, actress Halle Berry tweeted in June 2022, “Lil Kim’s transformation over the years has been nothing short of amazing. She’s still got it, and I’m here for it!” In another tweet, rapper Trina wrote, “I can’t wait to see the legendary Lil Kim. She’s a trendsetter and a true icon in the game.” Lil Kim is still slayin’ in 2023, and we can’t wait to see what she brings next.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a new mosaic mural located on Christopher Wallace way honoring Biggie Smalls. Moreover, the piece was done by Brooklyn artist Jan Carlos Pinto and shows the rap legend made out of glass and various pieces of stone. Furthermore, they all unite to show him donning a crown and his iconic Coogi sweater. In fact, it’s a reference to Barron Claiborne’s 1997 snapshot of Big during his “King Of New York” photoshoot for a Rap Pages magazine feature. However, the mural’s most unique quality is a mirror where Big’s face would be, allowing passerby to see themselves as the King of New York.
To celebrate the occasion on Thursday (March 9), city leaders and hip-hop community members alike gathered on the street named after the “Hypnotize” icon. Mayor Adams spoke during a press conference in Notorious’ hometown of Brooklyn about the honoring, which came on the 26th anniversary of his tragic loss. “We are larger than our surroundings,” Adams remarked according to PIX11 News. “The possibilities are endless if we go within and use the creativity for our life experiences, how do we tell our stories, and how do we make sure we leave from our block of Brooklyn and become a global phenomenon.”
Biggie Mosaic Unveiled, Eric Adams & Fans Usher It In
Furthermore, Diddy was one of many who honored the hip-hop legend 26 years after he passed. “There will NEVER be another,” Puff wrote. “The GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME. Today we celebrate and honor you king. Love and miss you!” Also, he included a rare interview clip of Biggie that spoke to his dedication to idiosyncrasy. “Don’t be a fool and sit back and do it because somebody else is doing it,” Big stated. “Because only thing you gon’ do is follow in somebody else’s footsteps and you gon’ be a shadow. Who wants to be a shadow for the rest of they life?
“If you got a lil’ something that you know how to do, progress that and keep trying,” he continued. “God knows what could happen, you know what I’m saying? That’s what I did. I kept on rapping and it happened to get to the right ears.” Given the continuous cultural ubiquity and consistently present legacy of the MC, his efforts yielded greater results than he could’ve imagined. Let us know what you think of the mural in the comments and return to HNHH for the latest on Biggie Smalls.
Today is the 26th anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.‘s death, and social media is awash in posts praising the Brooklyn rapper’s impact and legacy. Of course, that includes B.I.G.’s friend and business partner, Sean “Diddy” Combs, who shared a throwback video of B.I.G. giving some motivational advice in an old interview alongside the caption,”There will NEVER be another. The GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME. Today we celebrate and honor you king. Love and miss you!!”
In the video, Biggie explains the importance of remaining true to yourself. “Don’t be the fool to just sit back and do it because somebody else is doing it,” he says. “Because those of you who do just gon’ follow in somebody else’s footsteps, and you just gon’ be a shadow. Who wanna be a shadow for the rest of their life. If you got a lil’ something’ that you know how to do, progress that and keep trying. I mean, God knows what could happen. That’s what I did. Just kept on walking, just happened to get to the right ends.”
Even though so much time has passed since The Notorious B.I.G. was gunned down in Los Angeles, his peers and contemporaries never seem to get tired of talking about him and his game-changing effect on hip-hop. Recently, Usher called Big “the most profound talent I think I’ve ever seen in an MC.” Meanwhile, Biggie’s hometown, New York, honored what would have been his 50th birthday last year by lighting up the Empire State Building with a crown on its mast along with citywide celebrations like murals and limited-edition MetroCards.
It’s been 26 years to the day since hip-hop lost one of its most impactful, resonant, and powerful voices. While the tragedy of his passing isn’t lost on anyone, millions around the world continue to keep The Notorious B.I.G. alive. For example, Diddy made an Instagram post on Thursday (March 9) honoring Biggie on the anniversary of his tragic death in Los Angeles. “There will NEVER be another,” Puff wrote as a caption to a video of a B.I.G. interview. “The GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME. Today we celebrate and honor you king. Love and miss you!!”
In that clip, the legendary MC spoke on maintaining his originality, freshness, and unique voice as an artist. “Don’t be the fool to just sit back and do it because somebody else is doing it,” the Brooklyn native expressed. “Because those of you who do just gon’ follow in somebody else’s footsteps, and you just gon’ be a shadow. Who wanna be a shadow for the rest of their life, you know what I’m saying? If you got a lil’ something’ that you know how to do, progress that and keep trying. I mean, God knows what could happen. That’s what I did. Just kept on walking, just happened to get to the right ends.”
Diddy’s Tribute To Biggie Smalls On Anniversary Of His Tragic Loss
Most recently, Nas spoke on how Biggie influenced his classic album It Was Written, shortly before the anniversary of his death arrived. “Biggie made it different, where you can’t just be the hot dude that they liked from New York to Connecticut to Virginia,” he expressed. “You got to hit the mainstream. You got to touch the world.” Elsewhere in the interview, he said that they inspired each other in many different ways. For example, Nas working with Dr. Dre possibly opened up the doors for Biggie to work with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Meanwhile, this year will also mark what would’ve been Big’s 51st birthday in May. Last year, Lil’ Kim penned an inspiring message for his 50th. “He was more than just a rapper more than an artist; he was an educator, he was a poet, obviously a writer. He was a prophet, he was here to do more than just make some songs or record a couple of albums, which is at the end of the day, that’s what he did. And he did way more than that in his spare time.” Join us in honoring Biggie Smalls with your favorite tracks, albums, or moments in the comments, and if you don’t know, now you know.
The musician doesn’t mind calling cap on the questioning of his talent, but giving other recording artists their flowers is as equally important to him. Late rap music icon The Notorious B.I.G. (real name Christopher Wallace), often referred to by the shortened name Biggie Smalls, is at the center of Usher’s latest praise session.
In an interview with GQ, the singer shared the story of sharing a studio with the late rapper. Although Usher wasn’t working on his own solo material, he stuck around to watch the rapper lay down his own music.
“He didn’t write anything down,” says Usher. “He lined up four blunts, ran it back, just listening [to the beat].” After three blunts, Biggie was ready to go to work. Usher continued, “He was the most profound talent I think I’ve ever seen in an MC. Coming up with sh*t off the top of his head, the ability to make things so vivid. That sh*t was profound, man.”
Even after the rapper’s tragic death in 1997, Biggie is still remembered as one of the greatest to ever touch a microphone.
(@ShawnIsShady) April 27, 2023
(@christopherwallaceway)
