Wallace was born and raised in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. His debut album Ready to Die (1994) made him a central figure in East Coast hip hop and increased New York City's visibility in the genre at a time when West Coast hip hop dominated the mainstream. The following year, he led Junior M.A.F.I.A.—a protégé group composed of his childhood friends—to chart success. In 1996, while recording his second album, Wallace was heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop feud. On March 9, 1997, he was murdered by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. His second album, Life After Death (1997), released two weeks later, rose to No. 1 on the U.S. album charts. In 2000, it became one of the few hip-hop albums to be certified Diamond.
Wallace was noted for his "loose, easy flow"; dark, semi-autobiographical lyrics; and storytelling abilities, which focused on crime and hardship. Three more albums have been released since his death, and he has certified sales of over 17 million records in the United States, including 13.4 million albums.
Wallace was born at St. Mary's Hospital in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on May 21, 1972, the only child of Jamaican immigrant parents. His mother, Voletta Wallace, was a preschool teacher, while his father, Selwyn George Latore, was a welder and politician. His father left the family when Wallace was two years old, and his mother worked two jobs while raising him. Wallace grew up at 226 St. James Place in Brooklyn's Clinton Hill, near the border with Bedford-Stuyvesant. Wallace excelled at Queen of All Saints Middle School winning several awards as an English student. He was nicknamed "Big" because he was overweight by the age of 10. Wallace said he started dealing drugs when he was around the age of 12. His mother, often away at work, did not know of his drug dealing until he was an adult. He began rapping as a teenager, entertaining people on the streets, and performed with local groups the Old Gold Brothers and the Techniques. At his request, Wallace transferred from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School to George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, where future rappers DMX, Jay-Z, and Busta Rhymes were also attending. According to his mother, Wallace was still a good student but developed a "smart-ass" attitude at the new school. At age 17, Wallace dropped out of school and became more involved in crime. In 1989, he was arrested on weapons charges in Brooklyn and sentenced to five years' probation. In 1990, he was arrested on a violation of his probation. A year later, Wallace was arrested in North Carolina for dealing crack cocaine. He spent nine months in jail before making bail.
Wallace's lyrical topics and themes included mafioso tales ("Niggas Bleed"), his drug-dealing past ("10 Crack Commandments"), materialistic bragging ("Hypnotize"), as well as humor ("Just Playing (Dreams)"), and romance ("Me & My Bitch"). Rolling Stone named Wallace in 2004 as "one of the few young male songwriters in any pop style writing credible love songs".
Guerilla Black, in the book How to Rap, describes how Wallace was able to both "glorify the upper echelon" and "[make] you feel his struggle". According to Touré of The New York Times in 1994, Wallace's lyrics " autobiographical details about crime and violence with emotional honesty". Marriott of The New York Times (in 1997) believed his lyrics were not strictly autobiographical and wrote he "had a knack for exaggeration that increased sales". Wallace described his debut as "a big pie, with each slice indicating a different point in my life involving bitches and niggaz... from the beginning to the end".
Ready to Die is described by Rolling Stone as a contrast of "bleak" street visions and being "full of high-spirited fun, bringing the pleasure principle back to hip-hop". AllMusic write of "a sense of doom" in some of his songs and the NY Times note some being "laced with paranoia"; Wallace described himself as feeling "broke and depressed" when he made his debut. The final song on the album, "Suicidal Thoughts", featured Wallace contemplating suicide and concluded with him committing the act.
On Life After Death, Wallace's lyrics went "deeper". Krims explains how upbeat, dance-oriented tracks (which featured less heavily on his debut) alternate with "reality rap" songs on the record and suggests that he was "going pimp" through some of the lyrical topics of the former. XXL magazine wrote that Wallace "revamped his image" through the portrayal of himself between the albums, going from "midlevel hustler" on his debut to "drug lord".
AllMusic wrote that the success of Ready to Die is "mostly due to Wallace's skill as a storyteller"; in 1994, Rolling Stone described Wallace's ability in this technique as painting "a sonic picture so vibrant that you're transported right to the scene". On Life After Death, Wallace notably demonstrated this skill on "I Got a Story to Tell", creating a story as a rap for the first half of the song and then retelling the same story "for his boys" in conversation form.
Considered one of the best rappers of all time, Wallace was described by AllMusic as "the savior of East Coast hip-hop". The Source magazine named Wallace the greatest rapper of all time in its 150th issue in 2002. In 2003, when XXL magazine asked several hip hop artists to list their five favorite MCs, Wallace's name appeared on more rappers' lists than anyone else. In 2006, MTV ranked him at No. 3 on their list of The Greatest MCs of All Time, calling him possibly "the most skillful ever on the mic". Editors of About.com ranked him No. 3 on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007). In 2012, The Source ranked him No. 3 on their list of the Top 50 Lyrical Leaders of all time. Rolling Stone has referred to him as the "greatest rapper that ever lived". In 2015, Billboard named Wallace as the greatest rapper of all time.
Since his death, Wallace's lyrics have been sampled and quoted by a variety of hip hop, R&B and pop artists including Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, Fat Joe, Nelly, Ja Rule, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Game, Clinton Sparks, Michael Jackson and Usher. On August 28, 2005, at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, Sean Combs (then using the rap alias "P. Diddy") and Snoop Dogg paid tribute to Wallace: an orchestra played while the vocals from "Juicy" and "Warning" played on the arena speakers. In September 2005, VH1 held its second annual "Hip Hop Honors", with a tribute to Wallace headlining the show.
Wallace had begun to promote a clothing line called Brooklyn Mint, which was to produce plus-sized clothing but fell dormant after he died. In 2004, his managers, Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow, launched the clothing line, with help from Jay-Z, selling T-shirts with images of Wallace on them. A portion of the proceeds go to the Christopher Wallace Foundation and to Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. In 2005, Voletta Wallace hired branding and licensing agency Wicked Cow Entertainment to guide the estate's licensing efforts. Wallace-branded products on the market include action figures, blankets, and cell phone content.
The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation holds an annual black-tie dinner ("B.I.G. Night Out") to raise funds for children's school equipment and to honor Wallace's memory. For this particular event, because it is a children's schools' charity, "B.I.G." is also said to stand for "Books Instead of Guns".
There is a large portrait mural of Wallace as Mao Zedong on Fulton Street in Brooklyn a half-mile west from Wallace's old block. A fan petitioned to have the corner of Fulton Street and St. James Place, near Wallace's childhood home renamed in his honor, garnering support from local businesses and attracting more than 560 signatures.
A large portrait of Wallace features prominently in the Netflix series Luke Cage, due to the fact that he served as muse for the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of Marvel Comics character Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes.
Check It
The Notorious B.I.G. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All these haters mad because I'm so established
They know I'm a beast, yeah I'm a fucking savage
Haters you can kill yourself, uh
In my space shuttle and I'm not coming down
I'm a stereo and she's just so monotone
Sometimes it's just me and all my bottles all alone
I ain't coming back this time
I can't believe it, it's so amazing
This club is heating, this party's blazing
I can't believe it, this beat is banging
I can't believe it, I can't believe it
(Hey) Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
(Yeah yeah, I'm feeling it now)
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Step up in the party like my name was Mr. T
All these hating naggers ain't got natin' on me
Honestly, I gotta stay as fly as I can be
If you Wiki Willy then you get super O.G.
Honeys always rush me 'cause I'm fly, fly, fly
Dummies they can't touch me 'cause I'm floating sky high
I stay swagger-ific you don't need to ask why
You just gotta see with your eyes
I can't believe it, it's so amazing
This club is heating, this party's blazing
I can't believe it, this beat is banging
I can't believe it, I can't believe it
(Hey) Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
(Yeah yeah, I'm feeling it now-ow)
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check this mother-fucker out
It got me in the club, in the club
Just rocking like this, oh, oh
The DunDun
The sun done
Yep, the sun done
Came up, but we still up in dungeon
The DunDun
Yep, in London
Competition, why yes I would love some
How the fuck they get mad 'cause they run done?
Mad 'cause I'm getting money in abundance
Man I can't even count all of these hundreds
Duffle bag every time I go to SunTrust
I leave the rest just to collect interest
I mean interest
Fuck my nemesis
Exclamation just for emphasis
And I don't sympathize, 'cause you a simple bitch
I just pop up on these hoes on some pimple shit
And put the iron to your face you old wrinkled bitch
Oh, we just had to kill it
We on the radio hotter than a skillet
We in the club making party people holla
Money in the bank we be getting top dollar
I'm a big baller,
You a little smaller
Step up to my level
Need to grow a little taller
I'm shot caller
Get up off my collar
You a Chihuahua
I'm a Rottweila'
I can't believe it, it's so amazing
I can't believe it, this beat is banging
I can't believe it, it's so amazing
I can't believe it, I can't believe it
(Hey) Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
(Yeah, yeah, I'm feeling it now)
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
The lyrics to "Check It Out" by The Notorious B.I.G. are actually a remix of a song called "Video Phone" by Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga. The song is meant to be a boastful, confident anthem about the artist's success and influence within the music industry. The opening line, "Stepped in the party like my name was 'that bitch'" sets the tone for the song's bold and unapologetic lyrics. The artist proclaims their status as a "beast" and a "fucking savage" and dismisses any haters or criticism with lines like "Haters you can kill yourself" and "Fuck my nemesis."
Throughout the song, the artist flaunts their wealth and success, boasting about their expensive cars, designer clothes, and stacks of money. They also make references to pop culture icons like Mr. T and their own status as an "O.G." (original gangster).
The chorus of the song is a repeated line of "Check it out," encouraging listeners to take notice of the artist's swagger and talent. The lyrics ultimately serve as a statement of power and dominance, emphasizing the artist's place at the top of the hierarchy in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Stepped in the party like my name was "that bitch"
I entered the event in a confident, attention-grabbing manner
All these haters mad because I'm so established
Envious individuals dislike me because of my success and position in society
They know I'm a beast, yeah I'm a fucking savage
Others recognize my ferocity and tenacity in achieving my goals
Haters you can kill yourself, uh
Detractors may take harmful action towards themselves if they cannot handle my success
In my space shuttle and I'm not coming down
I am soaring high and am unwilling to come down from my success
I'm a stereo and she's just so monotone
I am vibrant and dynamic, while others lack excitement and energy
Sometimes it's just me and all my bottles all alone
Occasionally, I prefer to be alone with my alcohol and thoughts
I ain't coming back this time
I have no intention of returning to a previous state or situation
Step up in the party like my name was Mr. T
I make my entrance into an event with confidence and bravado
All these hating naggers ain't got natin' on me
Individuals who dislike or criticize me are insignificant in comparison to my success
Honestly I gotta stay as fly as I can be
I strive to maintain my stylish appearance and persona
If you Wiki Willy then you get super O.G.
If you research my history and background, you will find that I am a highly respected original gangster
Honeys always rush me 'cause I'm fly, fly, fly
Women are drawn to me because of my attractive and stylish appearance
Dummies they can't touch me 'cause I'm floating sky high
Incompetent people cannot affect me because I am soaring high above their influence
I stay swagger-ific you don't need to ask why
I exude confidence and style, and do not need to explain why
You just gotta see with your eyes
My appearance and demeanor must be observed to truly be appreciated
The sun done
The sun has risen
Came up, but we still up in dungeon
Although the day has started, we are still in a dark and underground place
Competition, why yes I would love some
I welcome competition and relish in the opportunity to prove myself
How the fuck they get mad 'cause they run done
I find it ridiculous that others become upset when they are surpassed by me
Mad 'cause I'm getting money in abundance
Others are jealous of my wealth and abundance
Man I can't even count all of these hundreds
I have so much money that I cannot keep track of how much I have
Duffle bag every time I go to SunTrust
I always bring a large amount of money with me to the bank
I leave the rest just to collect interest
I keep a portion of my money in the bank to collect interest
Fuck my nemesis
I do not have any concern or regard for my enemies
Exclamation just for emphasis
I use exclamation marks for emphasis when speaking or writing
And I don't sympathize, 'cause you a simple bitch
I do not feel sympathy for those who are beneath me or are unimportant
I just pop up on these hoes on some pimple shit
I surprise or intimidate women who are beneath me or not worth my time
And put the iron to your face you old wrinkled bitch
I threaten to physically harm an older, unattractive woman
Money in the bank we be getting top dollar
I have a lot of money in the bank and am getting a high dollar value for it
I'm a big baller,
I am a highly successful and wealthy individual
You a little smaller
You are beneath me in terms of success and wealth
Step up to my level
Try to achieve the same level of success and wealth as me
Need to grow a little taller
You need to improve yourself and become more successful
I'm shot caller
I make important decisions and direct others
Get up off my collar
Do not cling to me or depend on me excessively
You a Chihuahua
You are insignificant and small in comparison to me
I'm a Rottweila'
I am a strong, powerful, and successful individual
Oh we just had to kill it
We performed exceptionally well and exceeded expectations
We on the radio hotter than a skillet
We have become very popular on the radio
We in the club making party people holla
We are entertaining and engaging the crowd at the club
Money in the bank we be getting top dollar
We are making a lot of money and receiving a high dollar value for it
I can't believe it, it's so amazing
I am in awe and disbelief of the situation
This club is heating, this party's blazing
The club and party are very exciting and energetic
This beat is banging
The music is very engaging and enjoyable
Check it out
Take notice of what is happening or being said
Yeah yeah, I'm feeling it now
I am currently experiencing enjoyment or excitement
Check this mother-fucker out
Take notice of this impressive or entertaining thing
We in the club making party people holla
We are entertaining and engaging the crowd at the club
Just rocking like this, oh, oh
We are dancing or moving in a lively manner
The DunDun
A sound effect used for dramatic effect
Yep, the sun done
The sun has risen
Came up, but we still up in dungeon
Although the day has started, we are still in a dark and underground place
The DunDun
A sound effect used for dramatic effect
Yep, in London
We are currently in London
Competition, why yes I would love some
I welcome competition and relish in the opportunity to prove myself
How the fuck they get mad 'cause they run done
I find it ridiculous that others become upset when they are surpassed by me
Mad 'cause I'm getting money in abundance
Others are jealous of my wealth and abundance
Man I can't even count all of these hundreds
I have so much money that I cannot keep track of how much I have
Duffle bag every time I go to SunTrust
I always bring a large amount of money with me to the bank
I leave the rest just to collect interest
I keep a portion of my money in the bank to collect interest
I mean interest
I am referring specifically to collecting interest on my money
Fuck my nemesis
I do not have any concern or regard for my enemies
Exclamation just for emphasis
I use exclamation marks for emphasis when speaking or writing
And I don't sympathize, 'cause you a simple bitch
I do not feel sympathy for those who are beneath me or are unimportant
I just pop up on these hoes on some pimple shit
I surprise or intimidate women who are beneath me or not worth my time
And put the iron to your face you old wrinkled bitch
I threaten to physically harm an older, unattractive woman
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Woolley, Geoffrey Downes, James Brown, Onika Tanya Maraj, Trevor Charles Horn, William Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marcusraylandvillarico2461
I love it when you call me señorita ❌
I love it when you call me big poppa ✔️
@x4k1lla18
Lol that song sucks this is the best that song is like the kidz bop version of this song.
@chichitrain7528
SUPREMO two different genres and generations. They don’t relate at all
@randyspaceship
i m stealing this
@pushme9025
SUPREMO yeaaaah
@zzzangetsuuu
That's fairly selfish of you, eh? there is simply nothing wrong with this comment and why would they stop because some random person on the internet told them to? Also, I don't understand how this is a problem. There are two possibilities:
Either you're on your period or you're just a complete loser. Now, fucking shut up for once.
@talibanbidness
Welcome back. This isn’t your first time here.
@erickdelgado7678
How do you know?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!??.????
@agonimeri8815
thats true broo
@humanreplicaai3719
It is