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.
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!
The Notorious B.I.G. would’ve turned 51 years old on May 21st. Setting the gold standard for East-Coast hip-hop, we’re looking back on his greatest hits. At a time when the West Coast was taking over the rap scene, Biggie turned the rap world on its head with the multitude of hits off of Ready To Die. Featuring a discography full of infectious rhythms and dark narratives, Biggie was rapping about gang violence and family struggles amidst larger-than-life beats. Working under the tutelage of Bad Boy Records and Diddy, his career was an unfortunately brief but impactful sabbatical. Passing away 26 years ago due to a drive-by shooting, his haunting sophomore album Life After Death was released a month after his passing. Operating as a hit-making machine and a complex poet, he’s widely held as one of the greatest MCs ever.
“Hypnotize” (1997)
Released shortly before Biggie’s untimely death, “Hypnotize” quickly became an East-Coast anthem. From the menacing beat to the braggadocios lyricism, everything about the track exudes inordinate confidence. Biggie states, “Sicker than your average,” and “Girls walk to us / wanna do us / screw us.” Everything about “Hypnotize” encourages the audience to walk with their held up high. It’s why Conor McGregor walks out to the song before each of his fights. It’s why the song is still blasted on summer afternoons. The track reached the top of the charts and remained one of Biggie’s biggest hits.
“Juicy” (1994)
There’s arguably never been a greater album intro than “Juicy.” Many fans’ introduction to the Brooklyn MC, the song is an anthem about making it out of hard times. He’s talking down on those who “Called the police on me when I was just tryin’ to make some money to feed my daughter” or “To all the people that lived above the buildings that I was hustlin’ in front of.” Signed by Diddy and Bad Boy Records leading up to the release of Ready to Die, he references the two of them as akin to a superhero duo on the track. “Juicy” is the third song in his discography to eclipse 500 million streams on Spotify and is undeniably one of Biggie’s biggest hits.
“Big Poppa” (1994)
In contrast to many of Biggie’s more menacing hits, “Big Poppa” opts for sensuality amidst smooth guitar chords. A summertime jam through and through, the track is quickly approaching 800 million streams on Spotify. It would reach No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts upon its release. The track is best known for its earworm hook, solidifying his ability to thrive under various sonic styles. A sensual track in nature, Biggie analyzes his changing relationships with women before and after his fame.
“Mo Money Mo Problems” (1997)
Collaborating with Diddy and Mase, “Mo Money Mo Problems” thrived in its nationwide accessibility. Blending hip-hop, soul, and pop elements, the hit track immediately appealed to a broader audience than Biggie ever had. It showed in the numbers, sitting amongst the biggest songs in his discography. While Ready to Die saw Biggie reveling in his newfound wealth, “Mo Money Mo Problems” sees the rapper processing the realities of his new lifestyle.
“Notorious Thugs” (1997)
The hit “Notorious Thugs” saw Biggie collaborate with the iconic Midwest rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. The collaboration yielded a unique moment in Biggie’s discography. He was blending the grittiness of the Brooklyn streets with the more melodic approach of Bone’s melodic Hip Hop flare. Narratively, “Notorious Thugs” sees Biggie reflecting on his days of street life. He’s at the top of the world, stating, “I’m in the fast lane, from L.A. to Tokyo / I’m so fancy, can’t you taste this gold?”
“Who Shot Ya?” (1994)
“Who Shot Ya?” was widely controversial upon its release. Many interpreted the track’s aggressive lyricism as a diss to Tupac Shakur after he was shot. However, Biggie would maintain that the track was recorded before his passing. One of the deeper cuts on his debut album, “Who Shot Ya?” was added to Ready to Die‘s remaster. Ultimately, the song also contributed to the rising beef between the West and East Coast.
“Nasty Girl” (2005)
Released posthumously as a single from the album Duets: The Final Chapter, “Nasty Girl” features Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge, and Avery Storm. Biggie had enough material to last over a decade over his passing, with “Nasty Girl” becoming one of his biggest hits to date. Essentially, the track sees each membered feature reflecting on their relationships with women. However, the main narrative of the track is the stacked feature list. Nearing a decade after its passing, the effort to complete Duets: The Final Chapter speaks volumes about his influence on the hip-hop scene.
Sean “Diddy” Combs founded Bad Boy Records in 1993. The label became a hallmark of Hip-Hop and R&B music throughout the mid-1990s and has since produced many platinum albums and hit songs in its 30-year existence. Bad Boy Records rose to prominence following the success of The Notorious B.I.G. and its East Coast vs. West Coast feud with Death Row Records and Suge Knight. After Biggie’s death, Bad Boy still featured many legendary artists, and the label has maintained relevancy through multiple resurgences and iterations over the past 20 years. Here’s a look at some of the most prominent Bad Boy artists ever.
10. Yung Joc
Atlanta rapper Yung Joc’s signing to Bad Boy Records played a large role in the label’s resurgence in the mid-2000s. With the label looking for a new identity after losing many of its top acts, Diddy turned to the South and created “Bad Boy South” following the signing of 8Ball & MJG. Yung Joc rose to fame in the Spring of 2005 with his hit song “It’s Going Down.” As a result of its success, Joc inked a multi-million dollar deal with Bad Boy.
In 2006, Bad Boy released Joc’s debut album New Jock City. The album sold 150,000 copies in its first week and debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200. Along with “It’s Going Down,” the second single on the album, “I Know U See It,” reached No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following New Joc City’s success, Joc made the Forbes‘ Richest Rapper list in 2006 after grossing approximately $10 million in that year. In 2007, Joc was featured on T-Pain’s No. 1 hit single “Buy U a Drank,” and his second album Hustlenomics debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
9. French Montana
French Montana garnered interest from Diddy after the release of his song “Shot Caller,” which referenced Puff’s 1997 hit “It’s All About the Benjamins.” In 2012, Montana chose to sign with Bad Boy Records over other offers from labels such as Roc Nation, GOOD Music, and Maybach Music Group. Upon signing to Bad Boy, French would release the first single from his album, “Pop That” featuring Rick Ross, Drake, and Lil Wayne.
Montana has since released three albums under the Bad Boy label, all certified gold by the RIAA. His debut album with the label in 2013, Excuse My French, featured the hit singles “Pop That” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’.” In 2017, Montana released Jungle Rules which features the single “Unforgettable” with Swae Lee. “Unforgettable” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified diamond. In 2019, French released his third album of the decade, Montana, which hosts “No Stylist” featuring Drake.
8. Shyne
While working on Biggie’s first posthumous album, DJ Clark Kent discovered Shyne while he freestyled in a barbershop in Brooklyn. Kent soon took Shyne to Bad Boy Studios where Diddy signed him on the spot. Shyne reportedly received millions of dollars, three cars of his choice, and two homes after signing. Just before releasing his debut album in 1999, Shyne and Diddy were involved in a shooting at a nightclub which led to a 10-year prison sentence for Shyne.
Despite this, while incarcerated, Shyne released his self-titled album in September of 2000. The record debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s charts and sold over 900,000 copies. While still incarcerated, Shyne signed a $3 million deal with Def Jam Records and released a second album, Godfather Buried Alive. The project was partially recorded over a prison phone. Regardless of this, the album sold 434,000 copies. Shyne is now a politician in Belize and the leader of the Belize United Democratic Party.
7. Total
Female R&B trio Total was one of the signature acts of Bad Boy Records during the mid-1990s. The group had many hit singles, including “Kissin’ You” and “Can’t You See” featuring The Notorious B.I.G. “What About Us?” and “Trippin’” featured Missy Elliott. Their debut self-titled album, released in 1996, peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and is also certified platinum. Their second album, Kima, Keisha, and Pam,is certified gold.
Along with their own in-group success, Total also contributed vocals to many other Bad Boy label mates’ songs. Ma$e featured Total on his hit song “What You Want.” While they are not officially credited, the group also sang the chorus on Biggie’s hit song “Hypnotize.” Perhaps their most notable feature, however, is their chorus on Biggie’s legendary track, “Juicy.” The hook on “Juicy” also marked Total’s first musical appearance.
6. The LOX
The LOX is a Hip-Hop group from Yonkers, New York, composed of Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch. The group signed to Bad Boy Records in 1996 after Mary J. Blige gave their demo tape to Diddy. Though the group formed in 1994, they gained mainstream buzz after signing to Bad Boy with their release of their first single, “Well, Well, Well.”
In 1997, The LOX gained national exposure for collaborating with Diddy on “It’s All About the Benjamins.” The group then released their multi-platinum tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., ‘We’ll Always Love Big Poppa.” Along with this, The LOX featured on Mariah Carey’s “Honey” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block.” The group then dropped their debut album, Money, Power, & Respect, to huge success as it became certified platinum.
In 1999, The trio attempted to get out of their Bad Boy contract in favor of signing with the Ruff Ryders. However, a legal battle ensued that took years to resolve. There were also stories about tensions between the group and diddy escalating. Regardless of this, the trio continued their success as both a group and as individual acts, and many fans regard them as one of the best rap groups of all time. They’ve since reflected on their beef with Diddy and put it behind them.
5. 112
R&B group 112 signed to Bad Boy Records and succeeded greatly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Diddy signed the group after an audition at Atlanta’s 112 nightclub, which led to the group’s name. 112 had various hits during their time with Bad Boy, including “Only You” featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and “Anywhere.” The group’s best-known song was the Grammy-nominated single “Peaches & Cream,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in the Top 40 for 25 weeks.
Along with this, the group won a Grammy in 1997 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for their performance on Diddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You,” which also featured Faith Evans. The group left Bad Boy Records in 2002 after feeling they had matured professionally and personally. The group signed with Def Jam Records and released another platinum album, Pleasure & Pain, in 2005.
4. Ma$e
After Biggie’s death, Ma$e became the top artist for Bad Boys Records. In 1997 and 1998, Ma$e recorded five platinum singles and five US No. 1 singles, including “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down,” “Mo Money More Problems,” “Been Around the World,” “Feel So Good,” “What You Want,” and “Lookin’ At Me.” Ma$e’s first album, Harlem World, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and has since reached 4x platinum status in the US.
After the release of his second album Double Up Ma$e announced his retirement from music to pursue a “calling from God.” During this time, Ma$e became an ordained minister. He has had multiple musical comebacks since retirement and is still a practicing pastor.
3. Faith Evans
Faith Evans was the first female artist to sign with Bad Boy Records in 1994. Before releasing her debut album, Evans wrote and provided background vocals to Usher and Mary J. Blige. In 1995, Evans released her first studio album, Faith, to critical acclaim. The album is certified platinum and features hits such as “You Used to Love Me” and “Soon as I Get Home.” In addition to her musical success, Evans also rose in popularity after marrying The Notorious B.I.G. in 1994.
After her husband was murdered in 1997, Evans helped produce the tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You” with Diddy and 112. The song was a worldwide hit and won a Grammy in 1997. In 1998, Evans received two Grammy nominations for her collaboration with Whitney Houston and Kelly Price on “Heartbreak Hotel.” Faith also received two other platinum certifications for her 1998 release Keep the Faith and her 2001 album Faithfully. As of today, Faith Evans has sold over 20 million records worldwide.
2. Craig Mack
Craig Mack signed to Bad Boy Records in 1993 and was the first rapper to release music under the Bad Boy label. Mack gained national fame with his 1994 single “Flava in Ya Ear.” The single is certified platinum and was nominated for a Grammy in 1995 for Best Rap Solo Performance. The song’s remix was also the breakout appearance for The Notorious B.I.G. and featured the first solo performance from Busta Rhymes.
In 1994, Mack released his debut album, Project: Funk da World. Despite critical acclaim and commercial success, Biggie’s debut album, Ready to Die,overshadowed its release. Mack only delivered one project after this; however, his initial success was critical to Bad Boy’s reputation. The visibility of “Flava in Ya Ear” directly impacted Biggie’s and Bad Boy’s success in the following years.
1. The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie, is regarded as arguably one of the greatest rappers ever. Biggie’s success when signed to Bad Boy Records propelled the label to new heights and established them as the premier rap collective on the East Coast. Biggie’s debut album Ready to Die in 1994 is critically heralded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. As of April 2018, Ready to Die is certified 6x platinum.
Bad Boy released Biggie’s second album, Life After Death, just two weeks after his death in 1997. The posthumous album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified diamond. Media outlets such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, and The Source have named Biggie a rap G.O.A.T. The late MC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Without Biggie, it is difficult to guess what might have become of Bad Boy Records, as Biggie’s image is, still to this day, synonymous with the label.
If not for Biggie’s success in the mid-1990s, Bad Boy Records would not have grown into the decade-spanning label it is today. The Notorious B.I.G. is most definitely the biggest artist of Bad Boy Records and will be until the end of time.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Notorious B.I.G. released his second album, Life After Death. The double LP was released posthumously by Bad Boy Records. Biggie, who was killed two weeks prior to its release, was nominated for three Grammy’s for this project: Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance for “Hypnotize” and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Mo Money Mo Problems.”
Featuring artists like 112, Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Ma$e, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Too $hort and R. Kelly, along with tracks like “Kick In The Door,” “What’s Beef,” “Notorious Thugs,” “Ten Crack Commandments” and “Sky’s The Limit,” it can be said that Life After Death is one of the greatest rap albums of all time. The album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the US Top R&B/Hip Hop chart. It went diamond (that’s 10,000,000 copies sold) in the United States alone, double platinum in Canada, and platinum in the UK. Life After Death has also made appearances on top music charts across the globe. The album has been ranked by countless publications as one of the top rap and Hip-Hop albums of all time (The Source ranked it as #8 in 2005).
Salute to Diddy and the rest of the Bad Bot family for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
In August of 2021, DJ Premier presented the debut episode of So Wassup?, primarily as a vehicle to not only salute the floppy disk but to also document and demonstrate how the technology of the time influenced not only his sound and production but the sound of his contemporaries as well. However, over the lifespan of the series, which has now generated over four million unique views, So Wassup? has transformed into something much greater.
At the core of So Wassup?, DJ Premier is both the orator and narrator, inclusively and informatively exploring and discussing some of his most beloved productions and collaborations as only he can. Watching an episode of So Wassup? is akin to being a fly on the studio wall and magically transported back to when these classics were originally created; not only from a technical perspective but a personal one as well. Each episode is embedded with anecdotal gems from Preem, as the legend dissects not only how he put each track together musically, but also fascinating back stories on how these collaborations came to fruition.
While each episode of So Wassup? is different in its own specific way, as Premier states in his intro to Episode #54, “This One Is Mandatory”! Recorded on 3-9-23 to remember the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G., Preem recounts and takes you through the complicated process of how their most celebrated collaboration “Ten Crack Commandments” was born.
The Notorious B.I.G., a.k.a Biggie, passed away 26 years ago, and since, the rap community has mourned. On the 26th anniversary of his death, the tributes continue to pour in from every corner of hip-hop. The Greatest Rapper Of All Time The Notorious B. I.G. known as “Biggie” or “Big Papa” to others, was shot and […]
A new memorial honoring the late The Notorious B.I.G. was unveiled on Thursday in Brooklyn.
According to CBS News, New York City mayor Eric Adams helped in the reveal of the new mosaic memorial, located at Saint James Place and Fulton Street. The intersection is also known as Christopher Wallace Way, where the late rapper grew up.
The new mosaic is based on an iconic image of the rapper, and the face has a mirror, reflecting the rapper’s former home.
Earlier today (March 9), remembering his late friend, Diddy hit Instagram to salute the legend and show love.
“There will NEVER be another. The GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME. Today we celebrate and honor you king. Love and miss you!! @TheNotoriousBIG”
On this day in 1997, Brooklyn native and Hip Hop legend Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in LA. 26 years ago
Wallace left Puff Daddy’s Vibe Magazine party in a GMC SuburbanS.U.V.V that stopped at a red light at Wilshire Boulevard and South Fairfax. While stopped a Chevrolet ImpalaS.S.S pulled up beside him and his entourage. According to witnesses, a black male dressed in a blue suit and bow tie rolled down his window and shot Biggie four times and he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
After years of investigations and conspiracy theories as to who killed Biggie and why, no one has been brought to justice to answer for Wallace’s death. Former LAPD Detective Russell Poole fought vigorously, even sometimes against his own peers, to get to the bottom of his untimely death. Poole died from a heart attack on August 19, 2015, while discussing the Tupac Shakur and Wallace cases at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The legacy B.I.G.. left behind is officially embedded in Hip Hop culture two decades later and will continue to influence the community as his family and friends share his story.
Today (March 9) is the anniversary of the death of The Notorious B.I.G. Remembering his late friend, Diddy hit Instagram to salute the legend and show love.
“There will NEVER be another. The GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME. Today we celebrate and honor you king. Love and miss you!! @TheNotoriousBIG”
On this day in 1997, Brooklyn native and Hip Hop legend Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in LA. 26 years ago
Wallace left Puff Daddy’s Vibe Magazine party in a GMC SuburbanS.U.V.V that stopped at a red light at Wilshire Boulevard and South Fairfax. While stopped a Chevrolet ImpalaS.S.S pulled up beside him and his entourage. According to witnesses, a black male dressed in a blue suit and bow tie rolled down his window and shot Biggie four times and he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
After years of investigations and conspiracy theories as to who killed Biggie and why, no one has been brought to justice to answer for Wallace’s death. Former LAPD Detective Russell Poole fought vigorously, even sometimes against his own peers, to get to the bottom of his untimely death. Poole died from a heart attack on August 19, 2015, while discussing the Tupac Shakur and Wallace cases at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The legacy B.I.G.. left behind is officially embedded in Hip Hop culture two decades later and will continue to influence the community as his family and friends share his story.
On this day in 1997, Brooklyn native and Hip Hop legend Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in LA. 26 years ago
Wallace left Puff Daddy’s Vibe Magazine party in a GMC SuburbanS.U.V.V that stopped at a red light at Wilshire Boulevard and South Fairfax. While stopped a Chevrolet ImpalaS.S.S pulled up beside him and his entourage. According to witnesses, a black male dressed in a blue suit and bow tie rolled down his window and shot Biggie four times and he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
After years of investigations and conspiracy theories as to who killed Biggie and why, no one has been brought to justice to answer for Wallace’s death. Former LAPD Detective Russell Poole fought vigorously, even sometimes against his own peers, to get to the bottom of his untimely death. Poole died from a heart attack on August 19, 2015 while discussing the Tupac Shakur and Wallace cases at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The legacy B.I.G.. left behind is officially embedded in Hip Hop culture two decades later and will continue to influence the community as his family and friends share his story.
