Biggie

The Notorious B.I.G. And Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s ‘Notorious Thugs’ Couldn’t Have Happened Without Fat Joe, He Explained

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In March 2021, Fat Joe told Swizz Beatz and Timbaland that he and the late Notorious B.I.G. “cut about five songs together” for an album before he was murdered on March 9, 1997 at 24 years old. This week, Fat Joe is back with more Biggie-related revelations.

Iconic Records, a visual podcast series hosted by Angie Martinez, is digging deep into Biggie’s iconic 1997 album Life After Death. The sixth episode premiered on Monday, June 5, and focused on the track “Notorious Thugs” featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Around the five-minute mark, Fat Joe told Martinez that he was in the studio with Biggie when he made “Hypnotize,” noting, “From 12 to 1, it was 10 Spanish girls. From 1 to 2, 10 Black girls. From 2 to 3, 10 Asian girls. From 3 to 4, 10 Italian girls. I mean, I never seen nothing like this in my life! I’m sitting in the studio like, ‘This is what it’s like to be The B.I.G.!’ … The ladies loved B.I.G.”

Fat Joe later laid out how he linked Biggie with Bone Thugs, whom he’d “clicked up with” as fellow signees to Relativity Records at the time.

“I would go to Cleveland, hang out with them. I would ride with them on their tour. These guys sold 30 million records, so they were selling out stadiums. The stadiums looked like they was gonna collapse. The stadiums would look like it’s bending,” Fat Joe said. “Biggie hit me up and was like, ‘Yo, bro, I’m trying to get in touch with your guys. They don’t wanna do it. They’re ignoring me.’ They didn’t want to do a song with Biggie.”

He continued, “Just for Biggie to think that advanced because New York wasn’t up on Bone Thugs like that. He knew that they was gigantic, and he was like, ‘Yo, I need to do a song with them.’”

Fat Joe explained that Biggie saw him as “the plug” capable of connecting him with Bone Thugs, but Bone Thugs felt a conflict of interest because “they had already been cool with Tupac.”

“They was like, ‘Yo, Joe, we can’t do it. We cool with Tupac.’ And I’m like, ‘Yo, bro, this is B.I.G. You know what it is to do a song with B.I.G.?! And so, I convinced them,” he added.

Martinez pressed for more details, and Fat Joe rightfully took another victory lap:

“I made them go do the song with B.I.G. I don’t know how to explain it to you in any other language. They’ve confirmed. Like, ‘Yo, you gotta go do it. This is my brother.’ And they’re the happiest people in the world to confirm this because they still touring off that record. That record is one of the biggest treasures in hip-hop, and so, they happy they listened to Fat Joe and they did that.”

Fat Joe additionally relayed that Steve Lobel, Bone Thugs’ manager, was the one to inform him of Biggie’s death. Martinez is joined later in the episode by Lobel, Layzie Bone, and Lil Cease.

Watch the full 45-minute Iconic Records episode above.

Biggie’s Unlikely New Fashion Collab With Deadpool

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Decades after his death, people can’t seem to let Biggie rest. Even now, the curiosity surrounding the feud between Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur continues to grow. Amidst numerous new accounts from family, friends, and industry insiders, a shocking claim has emerged. Some may find it surprising, and others may see it as attention seeking. The new claim comes from Lance “Un” Rivera, who had a close association with Biggie Smalls and worked as an executive for Undeas Recordings. According to Rivera, Biggie had a very strong reaction to Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up.” Given the source, it’s important to take it with a grain of salt, but it is an interesting assertion nonetheless.

“I was in the room when he heard Faith and 2Pac,” Rivera said. “He cried like a baby!” This was said in an interview in 2017, but the former record exec reiterated it in a more recent interview. He went on to talk about why Tupac dropped the diss track in the first place. “The real reason was the fact that Biggie was huge. Pac went to jail, he did whatever he did so now Biggie has staked claim to the King of Hip Hop. ‘I’m the target now, I’m the king.’ So now everybody else is like, ‘Okay, I got to get back.’” Even now, Biggie’s legendary status in the industry can’t be forgotten or understated. That much is evident not only through the reverance he gets but also the attempts to cash in on his name and image.

Read More: Biggie Smalls Net Worth 2023: What Is The Legend Worth?

Biggie’s Newest Posthumous Collaboration

Biggie’s image is front and center once again in a new collaboration between his estate and the clothing brand Silly Humans. Last year, a special edition of a Deadpool comic featuring The Notorious B.I.G. was released. Now the New York rapper and the Marvel character have joined forces again. Silly Humans’ official Instagram page recently provided a sneak peek of their upcoming collection. This collection includes a hoodie reminiscent of the cover of the Deadpool variant comic featuring Biggie. Ryan Reynolds, who portrays the red-suited anti-hero in the movies, appears in the teaser video by Silly Humans. Although no specific release date has been announced, it is expected to happen soon. Well, that is if teasers shared on Biggie’s Instagram page and by Reynolds himself are any indication.

Despite his untimely death in 1997, Biggie continues to have a significant presence in pop culture, with ongoing endeavors aimed at commemorating his influential career. However, controversies have arisen regarding the use of Biggie’s vocals. Timbaland faced backlash when he shared a video utilizing AI-generated vocals of the late rapper for a new track. Nevertheless, Timbaland clarified that his actions were part of a broader initiative. In an interview with Forbes magazine, he disclosed his plans to “commercialize artificial intelligence software” to revolutionize the music production process. The producer’s latest venture is an AI-inspired voice filter software. With this, Timbaland aims to introduce a novel approach to music creation. It will minimize costs and maximizes revenue, positioning the producer as a pioneer in this field. What do you think? Sound off in the comment section to let us know!

Mike Tyson Calls 2Pac & Biggie AI Song “F****d Up”

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AI is the biggest tech story and debates right now. Whether it be about music, art, or writing the argument is heated. While AI has many defenders, its detractors are numerous. The anti-AI advocates argue that AI works are created using the works of others, nearly all of whom did not consent to their work being used in that manner. Furthermore, there are concerns about copyright and slander if an AI is able to mimic someone’s voice

In the music world, people are split on whether AI-generated music is a blessing or a curse. While artists like JoJo are in favor of embracing the technology, industry legends like Ice Cube have absolutely no time for it“That’s fucked up, bruh,” the champ told Yayo, his mouth agape, as he heard Biggie rap 50’s hook and 2Pac spit his opening verse, before adding: “Woah.”. However, that has not stopped users from creating works from artists, both dead and alive, with AI.

Mike Tyson Shocked By AI Track

Rapper and former G-Unit member Tony Yayo stopped by Mike Tyson’s podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike. They discussed many topics, including the shooting of Yayo’s close friend 50 Cent. However, they also broached the topic of AI art.“Let me tell you how ill computers is takin’ over. You ever heard of AI music?” Yayo asked Tyson and his co-host DJ Whoo Kid. “Do me a favor: play ‘Many Men’ by 50 Cent, 2Pac and Biggie.” The AI-generated song, while not a perfect imitation of the three iconic rappers, was enough to shock the studio.

“That’s fucked up, bruh,” Tyson commented before simply adding, “Woah.” Whoo also added a similar thought on the track. “Yo! This is crazy! This is insane. That don’t even make no sense.” While Yayo was impressed by the track, it shows the potential of what AI can do – bringing back dead artists. However, with that comes with concern as the industry grapples with the question of whether those artists, their memory, and their legacy, should be left alone. What do you think of the rise of AI music? Let us know in the comments below.

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7 Rappers Who Have Won Posthumous Awards: Pop Smoke, Tupac & More

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Sadly, posthumous releases from slain rappers are an occurrence that is more common than it should be. From legends like Notorious B.I.G. to young MCs like Pop Smoke, some artists don’t get to see the full impact they made on fans. While they, by no means, make up for such losses, some rappers get their accolades after their passing. Even in death, the music and creative forces of these rappers can not be quelled. Here are seven rappers who we’ve lost and the posthumous awards they have won. So pour one out for some of the rap game’s greatest titans in a bittersweet tribute to their talents.

7. Pop Smoke

Bashar Jackson, better known as Pop Smoke, was a rapper who we lost far too early. Smoke was murdered in a rental property in Los Angeles on February 19th, 2020, at the tender age 20. His loss was a massive blow to the hip-hop community, and the music industry, at large.

His legacy and music continued to touch fans everywhere after his death. In 2021, the Billboard Music Awards posthumously awarded the late rapper five accolades including Top Rap Artist and Top Rap Album for Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. His mother Audrey Jackson accepted the awards on her late son’s behalf. Simply heartbreaking. Smoke has also posthumously won an iHeartRadio Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Song in 2022.

6. Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle was a West Coast legend in his own right. After a string of speaker-crushing mixtapes, the LA-based MC would release his first studio album Victory Lap in 2018. Unfortunately, it would be the only studio album Nipsey would see released in his lifetime. On March 31st, 2019, at the age of 33, Nipsey was gunned down in the parking lot of Marathon Clothing.

Nipsey’s legacy of community activism and music was not lost in the wake of his untimely death. At the 62nd annual Grammy Awards, the late rapper’s song “Racks in the Middle” would take the Best Rap Performance award. Nipsey’s family accepted the posthumous award on his behalf. DJ Khaled’s song “Higher” also earned Nipsey a second posthumous Grammy the same night.

5. Juice WRLD

Juice WRLD (born Jarad Higgins) was a SoundCloud rap luminary as a teenager. The Chicago native would go on to amass a large fanbase and see a pair of successful album releases in his life. Sadly, on December 8th, 2019, Juice WRLD died due to an acute overdose of pharmaceutical opiates, at the age of 21.

After his passing Juice would go on to earn posthumous accolades. His work won the Favorite Male Artist – Hip-Hop at the 2020 American Music Awards. He would also earn the Best Hip-Hop Album Award at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards for Death Race for Love, which was the last release before his death.

4. XXXTentacion 

Jahseh Onfroy (better known as XXXTentacion) was a figure in hip-hop who was as influential as he was controversial. The Florida-native rapper/producer helped usher in a new wave of lo-fi rap with a DIY punk attitude. Despite his complicated legacy, XXXTentacion has remained a massive influence on artists across genres. However, his influence was cut short when Onfroy was murdered on June 18th, 2018, at the age of 20.

XXXTentacion won an American Music Award in the Favorite Album-Soul/R&B category for 17, only a few months after his death. The win was met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing the award going to a convicted abuser with a violent past. Onfroy’s mother, Cleopatra Bernard accepted her son’s posthumous win.

3. Takeoff

Takeoff was one-third of hip-hop hitmakers Migos, along with his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset. A member of Migos, he was the recipient of an MTV Video Music Award, an American Music Award, and several BET Awards. That’s just to name a few. Unfortunately, Takeoff died in Houston, Texas on November 1st, 2022, at the age of 28 from gun violence.

In 2023, Takeoff and his bandmate/uncle, Quavo took home the Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song at the NAACP Image Awards. The duo won for their song “Hotel Lobby.”

2. Notorious B.I.G.

The legend known as Notorious B.I.G. was an irreplaceable stitch in the tapestry of rap music. Born Christopher Wallace, the incomparable NYC rapper was (and always will be) considered one of the biggest influences on modern hip-hop. His body of work still hits the airwaves around the world and his syrupy lyrical delivery has yet to be replicated. He was truly larger than life.

Unfortunately, a drive-by shooting on March 9th, 1997 cut that life short. The rapper was 24 years old and had untold potential ahead of him. After his death, Biggie would earn a pair of MTV Music Video Awards and a Soul Train Music Award. In 2020, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inducted Christopher Wallace.

1. Tupac Shakur

What can be said about Tupac Shakur that hasn’t already been said? The man was an American icon who transcended mediums in both music and film. He was heartfelt poet with a silver tongue and a complicated history. He was also one of the faces of rap music’s Mount Rushmore (along with Biggie Smalls). However, the world lost Pac on September 13th, 1996, at the age of 25.

Shakur had won a handful of awards, most of them posthumously. In 1997 he won the Soul Train Music Award for Best Album of the Year for All Eyez on Me. That same year, Tupac won an American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist.

Fat Joe Says Big Daddy Kane Cut Him Off From Biggie & Tupac Cypher

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Although a legend in his own right, Fat Joe lost out on the opportunity from joining Biggie and Tupac in a cypher during a Big Daddy Kane show. However, the Terror Squad rapper thanks the “Smooth Operator” hitmaker for preventing him from embarrassing himself. During an episode of Angie Martinez’s Iconic Records podcast, Fat Joe detailed the freestyle session, which took place at the 1993 Budweiser Fest at Madison Square Garden. Joe explained that he was in the front row when Biggie and ‘Pac walked through the tunnel to an uproar from the audience.

“The whole crowd’s like, ‘Ahhh!’ They couldn’t believe it was ‘Pac and Big,” Joe recalled. He recalled Tupac inviting him on stage where they delivered the iconic live freestyle. However, the Bronx rapper said he was “nervous as hell” to join the two legends on stage as he didn’t have any rhymes prepared. “You want to talk about standing next to somebody, I was on fucking stage with Biggie and ‘Pac! [I was] nervous as hell because all I had was ‘Flow Joe,’ I ain’t have no bars ready, fucking nothing,” he said.

Big Daddy Kane Intervenes

The microphone got passed around the stage with Tupac and Biggie delivering an incredibly rare performance together. However, once it got to Joe, Big Daddy Kane intervened and prevented him from dishing out bars. “They passed me the mic. ‘Yo, Fat Joe!’ Then Big Daddy Kane interrupted and goes, ‘Yo, yo, we ain’t go no time’ … It’s ok, Big Daddy Kane, I love you,” he said. “Big Daddy Kane might have saved me ’cause I would’ve did some bullshit.”

Kane previously corroborated this claim, although he didn’t seem aware that Fat Joe was unprepared. During an appearance on Drink Champs, he explained that he was signaled to wrap up his set, which ultimately led him to grab the microphone from Joe. “Joe was next up to rhyme when they gave me the ‘wrap it up,’ like, ‘You got five minutes.’ So I wasn’t even able to bring Joe on, but Joe was standing with the mic ready,” Kane recalled. “If I would’ve had five more minutes, he would’ve been on there, real talk.”

Biggie Disses Himself & Bad Boy On AI “Hit Em Up” Cover

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The world of AI has shook up the rap world as we hear Drake cover Kanye songs and now, Biggie cover Tupac records. Last week, Yedits, a Reddit group dedicated to “mixing and editing of a wide variety of artists’ music,” shared a minute-long snippet of an AI cover of Tupac’s “Hit’ Em Up” with The Notorious B.I.G’s vocals. The astounding preview landed online last week but over the past few days, it’s gained significant traction on social media and YouTube. 

The AI cover is something you wouldn’t expect to hear, especially when considering that Biggie is dissing himself and Bad Boy as a whole. The technology used created an uncanny resemblance to Biggie Smalls’ actual voice. However, it makes us wonder how this could impact further posthumous releases from his estate. Meta already hosted a Notorious B.I.G. VR concert including a “true-to-life, hyperrealistic” avatar of the late rapper as he performed his hit records. Perhaps, as AI technology evolves, there might be some sort of way to recreate his voice to produce new records.

AI Biggie Strikes, Again

The cover of “Hit Em Up” came right before Timbaland debuted his own collab with the late Biggie Smalls via AI. Earlier this week, the Virginia legend debuted a new song that utilized AI to recreate Biggie’s vocals. On the song, Biggie references Young Dolph, Nipsey Hussle, and Pop Smoke over Timbo’s futuristic production. However, Timbaland did acknowledge some of the issues surrounding AI technology, promising that he’s “got a solution” that he’s working on. “It’s gon’ be beneficial to everybody,” Tim said.

Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly spurred concerns already, especially as the “Godfather of AI” apologized and expressed regrets over these advancements. Prior to this, Universal Music Group called for streaming platforms like Spotify to take action against uploading AI covers as it takes away money from the artist and the label. We’ll ultimately have to see how this pans out in the future. Check out Biggie’s AI Cover of “Hit ‘Em Up” above and sound off in the comments with your thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence. 

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