Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace, was a prominent American rapper and cultural icon known for his storytelling ability and relaxed lyrical style. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, he faced challenges early in life, including a tumultuous family situation and involvement in drug dealing.

In an interview, Lugo explains his interest in Notorious B.I.G.
”Biggie and Tupac are two of the most influential figures in Hip Hop history. There’s always been a debate about who was the greatest rapper, and it’s intriguing that both are linked in their untimely deaths. Their images are iconic. Growing up in Philly, I saw many “rest in peace” murals for people who were shot or passed away suddenly. These murals were often temporary and got covered up by the city, but by painting these iconic portraits on ceramics, I give longevity and memory to the people I’m commemorating. Thinking about what makes up the patterns in Hip Hop culture, these vessels are adorned with visual elements like the patterned sweater Biggie wore on an album cover. I did the same with Tupac, even though he isn’t directly connected to that design. I wanted to show the synthesis of both their stories being forever linked.”

Biggie’s music career took off in the 1990s after he caught the attention of Sean Combs and signed to Bad Boy Records, adopting the moniker Notorious B.I.G. He released his groundbreaking debut album, *Ready to Die*, in 1994, followed by the posthumous album *Life After Death* after his tragic murder in 1997.

His hits, such as "Juicy," "Big Poppa," and "Hypnotize," showcased a blend of personal reflection, humor, and insight into the complexities of life, often addressing themes of success and struggle. Notorious B.I.G. played a crucial role in shaping East Coast hip-hop, countering the dominance of West Coast rap during the 1990s. He is remembered as a legendary figure in hip-hop, with his influence extending beyond music into fashion and community initiatives, including foundations for youth education. His legacy continues to resonate, as evidenced by honors like his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and street renaming in his honor in Brooklyn.
Published in: 2023 By: Strother, Eric S.

Notorious B.I.G.'s music is characterized by his skill as a storyteller and his relaxed, flowing style. He frequently made reference to violence and his involvement with drug dealing, making him an icon of so-called gangsta rap, but he also used his songs to showcase his sense of humor and his romantic side. His albums featured a contrast of dark "reality raps" and lighter, fun-oriented dance tracks. Many of his raps begin with utterances like "Uhh, uhh" before the lyrics begin, as if feeling out the groove before beginning to rap, along with additional interjections throughout by Combs (credited under the name Puff Daddy). Structurally, Notorious B.I.G.'s songs typically contrast rapped verses with sung refrains.

"Juicy." The first single from Ready to Die shows Notorious B.I.G. reflecting on how far he had come from being a thug on the street to being a hip-hop star. Throughout the song, he contrasts his life of poverty and crime in his early years with the life of prosperity he lived after he became successful. The accompaniment is sampled from the song "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume. Verses are rapped by Notorious B.I.G., while the chorus is sung by the rhythm-and-blues group Total.

Notorious B.I.G. is largely credited with saving East Coast rap from being completely overshadowed by West Coast rap in the 1990s. His music has been remixed and sampled by many others since his death, and he has received numerous honors from the hip-hop community and as well as from the music industry as a whole. For example, in 2020 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to his solo career, Notorious B.I.G. promoted the careers of artists such as Lil' Kim, Lil' Cease, and Jay-Z through his collaborations with Junior M.A.F.I.A. and later the Commission.

Notorious B. I.G.'s legacy extends beyond music. His music video for the song "Hypnotize" ushered in the trend of wearing suits made from shiny fabrics. In addition, the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, named in his honor and headed by his mother, sponsored an annual black-tie dinner called B.I.G. Night Out to honor his memory and raise funds for children's school supplies and equipment. In the hip-hop community he is seen as a legend, especially in his native Brooklyn. In 2019 it was announced that a Brooklyn street would be named after him, indicating his status as a cultural icon.
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