What Are Some Fun Facts About Biggie Smalls?

Christopher Wallace, better known by his stage names The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was a rap icon whose influence still resonates in the music industry today. Born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie Smalls rose to fame during the 1990s as one of the most talented and respected rappers of his generation. Beyond his extraordinary musical talent, there are several fascinating and lesser-known facts about the larger-than-life figure that was Biggie Smalls. Let's explore some of these fun facts about the legendary rapper.

1. The Name "Biggie Smalls": One of the most intriguing aspects of Biggie Smalls' career is his stage name. Originally, he adopted the moniker "Biggie Smalls" as a tribute to a character from the 1975 film "Let's Do It Again." However, due to legal issues surrounding the name's usage, he later changed it to "The Notorious B.I.G." B.I.G. also stands for "Business Instead of Game," which reflected his dedication to his music career.

2. Early Freestyle Battles: Before achieving mainstream success, Biggie Smalls honed his skills through freestyle battles on the streets of Brooklyn. He would participate in rap competitions, showcasing his lyrical prowess and captivating the attention of those who witnessed his talent. These battles were crucial in shaping his unique flow and lyrical style, which would later become his trademark.

3. "Ready to Die" Album: Biggie Smalls' debut studio album, "Ready to Die," released in 1994, is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. What makes it even more remarkable is that it was largely recorded while he was still living in poverty. The album's introspective and storytelling approach, coupled with its gritty production, showcased Biggie's ability to craft compelling narratives and earned him critical acclaim.

4. "Life After Death" Album: Released shortly after his untimely death, "Life After Death" was Biggie Smalls' second and final studio album. What sets it apart is the eerie coincidence of its content. The album delves into themes of mortality, death, and the afterlife, which tragically became a reality for Biggie just weeks before its release. "Life After Death" became a monumental success, solidifying his legacy and confirming his status as one of rap's greatest storytellers.

5. Collaboration with Rival Tupac Shakur: Despite their well-documented rivalry, Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur, another rap legend, actually collaborated before their relationship soured. The two artists appeared together on the track "Runnin' (From Tha Police)," released posthumously in 1997. This collaboration serves as a reminder of the immense talent both artists possessed and the tragic loss that occurred due to their conflicts.

6. Acting Endeavors: Biggie Smalls had aspirations beyond music and briefly ventured into acting. He appeared in the films "Juice" (1992) and "Who's the Man?" (1993). Although he did not pursue acting extensively, these roles showcased his natural charisma and hinted at his potential in the world of entertainment beyond music.

7. Sampling Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust": One of Biggie Smalls' most popular songs, "Hypnotize," released in 1997, features a prominent sample from Queen's classic track "Another One Bites the Dust." The seamless blending of rock and rap elements in the song helped introduce Biggie to a wider audience and further demonstrated his ability to fuse different musical genres.

Biggie Smalls left an indelible mark on the rap industry with his unique style, captivating storytelling, and charismatic persona. Despite his life being tragically cut short in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, his music continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists. From his early days battling on the streets of Brooklyn to his groundbreaking albums and collaborations, Biggie Smalls will forever be remembered as an icon in the world of hip-hop.