The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace, is one of hip-hop’s most iconic and influential figures. Hailing from the gritty streets of Brooklyn, New York, Biggie, as he was affectionately known, transformed his tumultuous personal experiences into rhymes that captivated audiences worldwide. His unmistakable flow, profound storytelling abilities, and charismatic presence left an indelible mark on the music industry, cementing his status as a true legend.
Who is Biggie Smalls?
The Notorious B.I.G. was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jamaican immigrant parents Voletta Wallace and Selwyn George Latore. He grew up in the Clinton Hill neighborhood, near the border of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and thrived academically in middle school, winning numerous awards for his exceptional English skills.
However, his life took a turn when he began dealing drugs at the young age of 12, eventually leading to several arrests and a nine-month stint in jail in 1991 for a crack cocaine sale charge.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher George Latore Wallace |
| Stage Name | The Notorious B.I.G. |
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Parents | Voletta Wallace, Selwyn George Latore |
Age and Physique
At the time of his tragic death, Biggie Smalls was just 24 years old. Despite his young age, he had already established himself as a towering figure in the hip-hop world, both literally and figuratively.
Standing at 6’3″ and weighing around 300 pounds, Biggie’s imposing physical presence only added to his larger-than-life persona. His deep, rumbling voice and commanding stage presence captivated audiences, cementing his status as a true force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Personal Life and Relationships
Biggie’s personal life was marked by both joy and turmoil. In 1993, he had his first child, a daughter named T’yanna, with his high school sweetheart, Jan. In 1994, he married R&B singer Faith Evans, whom he had met at a photoshoot for Bad Boy Records.
They had a son, Christopher “C.J.” Wallace Jr., born in 1996. However, the couple’s relationship was not without its challenges, as they were separated at the time of Biggie’s death, although they were not legally divorced.
The infamous East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry also impacted Biggie’s relationships. His friendship with fellow rapper Tupac Shakur, once a close bond, soured into a bitter feud that captivated the media and fans alike.
The rivalry, fueled by diss tracks and rumors, is believed to have contributed to the untimely deaths of both artists, with Tupac being murdered in 1996 and Biggie following just six months later.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, the Notorious B.I.G. had amassed a net worth estimated at $10 million (adjusted for inflation). This substantial wealth was primarily earned through his highly successful music career, which saw the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, “Ready to Die,” in 1994, and the posthumous release of “Life After Death” in 1997.
While specific salary details are not publicly available, Biggie’s commercial success and the massive popularity of his music ensured that he was earning a significant income during his brief but impactful career. His estate, managed by his mother, Voletta Wallace, and his widow, Faith Evans, has continued to grow over the decades, with the current estimated value reaching an astounding $160 million.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth at Death | $10 million (adjusted for inflation) |
| Current Estate Value | $160 million |
| Key Income Sources | Music sales, performances, licensing |
Company Details, Investments, and Real Estate
Biggie Smalls did not have any personal business ventures or investments outside of his music career. However, his estate and brand have been meticulously managed and leveraged to maximize the earnings from his extensive musical catalog and legacy.
In 2021, Biggie’s iconic Brooklyn home, where he lived with his wife Faith Evans in 1994, was listed for sale at $1.7 million and ultimately sold for $2 million. This property, which was featured in the documentary “Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.,” stands as a tangible reminder of the rapper’s roots and the enduring impact of his life and work.
Professional Career
Biggie’s professional career as a rapper began in his teenage years, as he honed his skills on the streets of Brooklyn, entertaining crowds and performing with local groups. His big break came in 1991 when he recorded a demo titled “Microphone Murderer” under the moniker “Biggie Smalls.” This tape caught the attention of the editor of “The Source” magazine, who featured Biggie in the publication’s “Unsigned Hype” column.
Biggie’s career skyrocketed when he signed a deal with Uptown Records and began working with producer Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs. After Combs left Uptown to start his own label, Bad Boy Records, Biggie followed him, becoming one of the founding artists of the label. His breakthrough came in 1994 with the release of his debut album, “Ready to Die,” which was a critical and commercial success, cementing his status as a hip-hop icon.
Biggie’s sophomore album, “Life After Death,” was released posthumously in 1997, just 16 days after his tragic murder. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and went on to become one of the few hip-hop albums to be certified Diamond, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
Investments and Funding
As a recording artist, Biggie’s primary source of income was the revenue generated from his music sales, performances, and licensing deals. However, details about any specific investments or funding he may have received are not publicly available, as the rapper’s financial affairs were largely private.
Contact Details and Social Media
Tragically, the Notorious B.I.G. did not have the opportunity to establish an extensive social media presence, as his life was cut short at the age of 24. However, his legacy and influence live on through the countless tributes, fan pages, and official accounts dedicated to preserving and celebrating his extraordinary artistic contributions.
| Legacy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Media Presence | Did not exist; passed before widespread adoption |
| Ongoing Influence | Celebrated through tributes, fan pages, and online discussions |
| Cultural Impact | Respected as one of the greatest rappers, inspiring future generations |
Conclusion
The Notorious B.I.G. was a true titan of the hip-hop world, whose impact and legacy continue to reverberate through the music industry and popular culture. Despite his untimely death, Biggie’s story remains a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the enduring nature of great art. Through his unforgettable music, Biggie Smalls has cemented his place as one of the most revered and influential figures in the history of hip-hop.
Table of Contents