The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G. The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, was a Brooklyn rapper whose luxurious flow, cinematic storytelling, and effortless technique established him as one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history. His 1994 debut "Ready to Die" and the posthumous double album "Life After Death" (1997) are considered cornerstones of East Coast rap, and his rivalry with Tupac Shakur became one of the most discussed and tragic sagas in music history. He was fatally shot in a drive-by attack in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at age 24; his murder also remains unsolved.