Biggie Smalls | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 28, 2025

Who is Biggie Smalls?

Biggie Smalls, born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, emerged as a monumental figure in East Coast hip hop. Known for his unique, powerful baritone and storytelling prowess, he became synonymous with the genre during the 1990s. Biggie's life was marked by early struggles, growing up in a single-parent household where he was introduced to the streets at a young age. His childhood experiences led him to both drug dealing and a passion for music, which ultimately redirected his life towards a successful career in hip hop, dramatically altering the industry's landscape.

Signing with Bad Boy Records, Biggie rose to fame with his debut album, "Ready to Die," released in September 1994. The album highlighted his multifaceted storytelling, blending intimate vulnerability with the gritty realities of street life. Biggie's impact was further solidified in the hip hop community through hits like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa." His friendship-turned-rivalry with fellow rapper Tupac Shakur defined much of the era and exemplified the escalating East Coast-West Coast feud. Tragically, Biggie's life was cut short when he was murdered on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to influence the genre.

Early Life and Education

Christopher George Latore Wallace, known to the world as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G., was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a household rooted in Caribbean culture, his mother, Voletta, played a pivotal role in his formative years, working multiple jobs to provide him with opportunities. He attended the private Roman Catholic Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School before transferring to George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, where he encountered future rap legends like DMX and Jay-Z. However, Biggie's academic journey was turbulent; he struggled with truancy and ultimately dropped out of school at the age of 17.

From a young age, Biggie faced the challenges of his environment, eventually gravitating towards a life on the streets. His large stature earned him the nickname "Big," and by the age of 12, he had begun selling drugs in his neighborhood, a decision shaped by his family's financial struggles and his desire to assert his independence. Despite his early encounters with the law and the temptations of street life, Biggie's talent for storytelling began to emerge during his teenage years, hinting at the lyrical prowess that would later redefine East Coast hip-hop.

Career Start: The Rise of Biggie Smalls

Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, began his musical journey in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, during his teenage years. Initially using rap to entertain friends and neighborhoods, Biggie recorded a demo tape under the name Biggie Smalls, inspired by a character from the 1975 film "Let's Do It Again". His talent caught the attention of The Source magazine, which featured him in their Unsigned Hype column in March 1992. This exposure led him to collaborate with other emerging rappers and ultimately caught the eye of Sean “Puffy” Combs, an influential A&R executive who had just started his own label, Bad Boy Records.

In 1993, Biggie released his first single, "Party and Bullshit," which was pivotal in establishing his presence in the hip-hop scene. His deep, commanding voice and vivid storytelling resonated with audiences, setting the stage for his debut album, "Ready to Die", which was released in September 1994. The album received critical acclaim and revitalized the East Coast hip-hop scene, dominated by West Coast sounds at the time. Biggie's unique ability to articulate the struggles of street life while embracing mainstream appeal captured the hearts of many. His tracks, such as "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," showcased his versatility and laid the groundwork for his ascent as one of hip-hop’s most important figures.

Career Success: Ready to Die and Beyond

Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., achieved monumental career success with the release of his debut album, "Ready to Die", in September 1994. The album's lead single, "Juicy," not only showcased his storytelling prowess and smooth flow but also expanded his audience, marking a resurgence of East Coast hip hop in a time overshadowed by West Coast influences. Within two months, "Ready to Die" was certified gold and eventually went quadruple-platinum. The tracks, including "Big Poppa" and "Suicidal Thoughts," reflected both the glamour and sordid realities of Biggie's life, which resonated with listeners and solidified him as a leading figure in the genre.

Following the commercial success of his debut album, Biggie continued to soar in the industry. His second studio album, released posthumously as "Life After Death" in March 1997, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts and selling over 10 million copies, ultimately earning a diamond certification. The album featured hit singles like "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems," which showcased collaborations with other artists like Puff Daddy and Mase. Biggie's innovative sound and lyrical depth carved a lasting legacy in hip hop, influencing countless artists and ensuring his place in music history long after his tragic death.

Feud with Tupac and Legal Issues

The relationship between Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur was initially one of friendship and mutual respect, with Tupac even mentoring Biggie as he began his rise in the music industry. However, this camaraderie turned into a bitter rivalry following a shooting incident in November 1994, where Tupac was shot multiple times at a recording studio in New York. Tupac believed that Biggie and his label boss, Sean "Puffy" Combs, were involved in the attack, which resulted in an escalating feud that spilled over into their music and public personas. The animosity culminated in Tupac's infamous diss track "Hit "Em Up," where he made incendiary claims about his rivalry with Biggie, including allegations of personal betrayal.

Amidst the feuding, Biggie faced his share of legal troubles, which did not help his rising profile. In March 1996, he was arrested for threatening two autograph hunters with a baseball bat, leading to community service. That summer, a police raid on his New Jersey home uncovered significant amounts of marijuana and several firearms, resulting in further legal challenges. These issues, coupled with the intense media scrutiny surrounding his rivalry with Tupac, placed additional pressure on Biggie. As the East Coast-West Coast rap feud intensified, both rappers became entwined in a larger narrative that overshadowed their individual artistry, ultimately leading to tragic consequences that forever changed the landscape of hip hop.

Personal Life: Married Life with Faith Evans and Children

Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., had a significant personal life that intersected with his musical career. He married the R&B singer Faith Evans on August 4, 1994, just days after they had met at a photoshoot. Their whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage exemplified the bond they formed within the vibrant world of hip-hop, both being signed under Bad Boy Records. Faith became a crucial part of Biggie's life, appearing in his music and supporting his rising career. The couple had a child, Christopher 'CJ" Wallace Jr., born on October 29, 1996, further solidifying their family ties.

Despite their seemingly solid marriage, the couple faced external pressures from Biggie’s tumultuous lifestyle and the escalating feud with Tupac Shakur. The highly publicized rivalry between their husbands created additional strain on their relationship. However, Faith remained a key figure in Biggie's life and is often regarded as one of his greatest inspirations. Following Biggie’s tragic death in 1997, Faith continued to honor his legacy through various tributes while navigating the complexities of being a single mother. Their love story, much like his music, remains a compelling narrative in the annals of hip-hop history.

Net Worth and Earning: Biggie's earnings

Christopher Wallace, known as Biggie Smalls and the Notorious B.I.G., had a profound impact on hip-hop, despite his life being tragically cut short at the age of 24. While exact figures on his net worth can vary, estimates placed it at around $10 million at the time of his death in 1997. Most of Biggie's earnings stemmed from his successful music career, including album sales, concert tours, and royalties from his recordings. Following his murder, his legacy continued to generate income through posthumous releases and collaborations, showcasing the enduring appeal of his music and influence in the industry.

Biggie's first album, "Ready to Die," released in 1994, catapulted him to fame, earning multi-platinum certifications and establishing him as a formidable force in East Coast hip-hop. The album's success was propelled by hit singles like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," which became iconic tracks of the genre. His impressive earnings were also bolstered when his second double album, "Life After Death," was released shortly after his passing, achieving immense commercial success and reaffirming his status as one of the greatest rappers in history.

Beyond album sales, Biggie's earnings were enhanced by collaborations with prominent artists, including Michael Jackson and Puff Daddy. Even years after his death, his music continues to be featured in various movies, commercials, and soundtracks, showcasing the lasting impact of his work. Biggie remains a significant figure in hip-hop culture, with his estate continuing to benefit from his artistic legacy through merchandise, music royalties, and licensed projects.