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.
n
the Notorious B.I.G. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love niggas! I love niggas!
Cause niggas are me!
And I should only love that 'presents me
I love to see niggas go through changes (Whoooo!!)
I love to see niggas shoot through shit (Did it again)
And to all niggas that do it I love
To all my Brooklyn (Niggas!)
To all my Uptown (You niggas understand?!)
To all my Bronx (It's war nigga)
To all my Queensbridge (I'll blow you away)
Back up chump, you know Biggie Smalls grips it quick
And kicks it quick, you know how black niggas get
With the hoods fatigues with the boots with trees
Smokin weed, flippin ki's, makin crazy G's
Hittin' buckshots at niggas that open spots
On the avenue, take my loot, and I'm baggin you
Pimpin hoes that drive Volvo's and Rodeos
Flash the Roll, make her wet, in her pantyhose
Damn, a nigga style is unorthodox
Grip the glock, when I walk down the crowded blocks
Just in case a nigga wanna act out
I just black out, and blow they motherfuckin back out
That's real
We the realest nigga
50 Cent and B.I.G. my nigga
Don't try to act like you don't feel a nigga
Biggie yo nigga, 50 yo nigga
Squeeze the trigga' leave a nigga fa' sho!
We the realest nigga
50 Cent and B.I.G. my nigga
Don't try to act like you don't feel a nigga
Biggie yo nigga, 50 yo nigga
Squeeze the trigga' leave a nigga fa' sho!
When we smoke spliffs, we pack four-fifths
Just in case dread wanna riff
He get a free lift to the cemetary, rough very
Not your ordinary, we watch you get buried
That's a real nigga for ya
Get mad do a quarter flip the script, and rip your lawyer
Spit at the D.A. cause fuck what she say
She don't give a fuck about your ass anyway
Up North found first stop Watertown
Of fist-skill, where the hand skills are real ill
You'll be a super Hoover doo-doo stain remover
Ha hahhh, yo Chief, pass the Buddha
We the realest nigga
50 Cent and B.I.G. my nigga
Don't try to act like you don't feel a nigga
Biggie yo nigga, 50 yo nigga
Squeeze the trigga' leave a nigga fa' sho!
We the realest nigga
50 Cent and B.I.G. my nigga
Don't try to act like you don't feel a nigga
Biggie yo nigga, 50 yo nigga
Squeeze the trigga' leave a nigga fa' sho!
When I was young my M.O. was to go hand-to-hand
And even my P.O. she called me the Ginger Bread Man
I catch a new case, and tell her ass "catch me if you can"
Don't let your people fill you up wit octane I'm not playing
Get gassed up to get blast up
Real B.I.G. style watch the kid break it down
Check it, thou shalt not fuck wit North C. Papa
50 Cent, I'll break yo ass off propa'
There's no place like home, New York - New York
I run this city, I don't dance around like Diddy
Niggas is giddy, till they act smack silly
Or spray wit the Mack Milly, they don't want drama really
Pussy niggas get hard lip syncing my lyrics like Milly Vanilly
Even the hood they feel me {*gun cocked*} hah! I'm on fire!
Niggas out in Philly they feel me, they bump my shit
Every bootlegger you know, bump my shit, bitch!
We the realest nigga
50 Cent and B.I.G. my nigga
Don't try to act like you don't feel a nigga
Biggie yo nigga, 50 yo nigga
Squeeze the trigga' leave a nigga fa' sho!
We the realest nigga
50 Cent and B.I.G. my nigga
Don't try to act like you don't feel a nigga
Biggie yo nigga, 50 yo nigga
Squeeze the trigga' leave a nigga fa' sho!
The song "N*ggas" by The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Buff1 is a braggadocious track about Biggie's love for his fellow Black men. The first few lines of the chorus express his admiration for Black men as a reflection of himself. However, his love for them also extends to their resilience in the face of adversity, evidenced by lines like "I love to see niggas go through changes" and "I love to see niggas shoot through shit."
The first verse speaks to his association with other New York City boroughs like Brooklyn, Uptown, the Bronx, and Queensbridge, and while he professes his love for Black men, he also warns potential enemies to back up, as he's quick to pull his weapon. The second verse features 50 Cent and further displays their bravado and reputation, as they talk about packing four-fifths and not tolerating drama.
The song also contains several playful puns and wordplay, such as "we watch you get buried" and "Even the hood they feel me, hah! I'm on fire!" Overall, the song is a celebration of Black masculinity and resilience in difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Shadyville Entertainment, Bad Boy collaboration
This song is a collaboration between Shadyville Entertainment and Bad Boy.
I love n****s! I love n****s!
The singer loves black people and identifies with them.
Cause n****s are me!
The singer feels like they are the same as black people.
And I should only love that 'presents me
The artist should only love the parts of themselves that are represented by black people.
I love to see n****s go through changes (Whoooo!!)
The artist enjoys watching black people go through different experiences and grow.
I love to see n****s shoot through shit (Did it again)
The singer admires black people who are able to succeed despite difficult circumstances.
And to all n****s that do it I love
The singer loves all the black people who succeed and overcome obstacles.
Back up chump, you know Biggie Smalls grips it quick
Don't mess with Biggie Smalls because he is quick to pull out a gun.
And kicks it quick, you know how black n****s get
Black people can be very violent when provoked.
With the hoods fatigues with the boots with trees
Biggie Smalls dresses in military-style clothing and boots.
Smokin weed, flippin ki's, makin crazy G's
Biggie Smalls sells drugs and makes a lot of money.
Hittin' buckshots at n****s that open spots
Biggie Smalls shoots people who try to encroach on his drug-selling territory.
On the avenue, take my loot, and I'm baggin you
Biggie Smalls robs people and takes their money.
Pimpin hoes that drive Volvo's and Rodeos
Biggie Smalls has sex with prostitutes who drive nice cars.
Flash the Roll, make her wet, in her pantyhose
Biggie Smalls flaunts his wealth in front of these prostitutes and turns them on.
Damn, a n****a style is unorthodox
Biggie Smalls has a unique, unconventional style.
Grip the glock, when I walk down the crowded blocks
Biggie Smalls carries a gun with him when he walks around in public.
Just in case a n****a wanna act out
Biggie Smalls is prepared to defend himself against anyone who might try to harm him.
I just black out, and blow they motherfuckin back out
Biggie Smalls will shoot and kill anyone who threatens him.
That's real
This is the harsh reality of Biggie Smalls' life.
When we smoke spliffs, we pack four-fifths
When Biggie Smalls and his friends smoke marijuana, they also carry guns with them.
Just in case dread wanna riff
In case someone wants to start a problem, Biggie Smalls is ready to shoot them.
He get a free lift to the cemetary, rough very
Anyone who messes with Biggie Smalls will end up dead.
Not your ordinary, we watch you get buried
Biggie Smalls and his crew are not like regular people; they enjoy watching others suffer and die.
Get mad do a quarter flip the script, and rip your lawyer
If someone tries to take legal action against Biggie Smalls, he will retaliate and thwart their efforts.
Spit at the D.A. cause fuck what she say
Biggie Smalls has no respect for the district attorney and doesn't care what they say.
She don't give a fuck about your ass anyway
The district attorney does not care about black people.
Up North found first stop Watertown
Biggie Smalls was sent to a prison in Watertown, New York.
Of fist-skill, where the hand skills are real ill
In prison, Biggie Smalls became very skilled with his fists.
You'll be a super Hoover doo-doo stain remover
Biggie Smalls will punch someone so hard that they will crap themselves.
Ha hahhh, yo Chief, pass the Buddha
Biggie Smalls wants someone to pass him the marijuana.
When I was young my M.O. was to go hand-to-hand
When Biggie Smalls was younger, he used to sell drugs in person (not over the phone or internet).
And even my P.O. she called me the Ginger Bread Man
Even Biggie Smalls' probation officer was afraid of him and called him a scary name.
I catch a new case, and tell her ass "catch me if you can"
Biggie Smalls breaks the law and isn't scared of getting caught.
Don't let your people fill you up wit octane I'm not playing
Don't let other people influence you to do dangerous things; Biggie Smalls is not joking around.
Get gassed up to get blast up
People who get too excited or hyped up are likely to get hurt or killed.
Real B.I.G. style watch the kid break it down
Biggie Smalls is known for his unique style and wants people to admire it.
Check it, thou shalt not fuck wit North C. Papa
Don't mess with Biggie Smalls.
50 Cent, I'll break yo ass off propa'
Biggie Smalls and 50 Cent are both tough and will beat up anyone who challenges them.
There's no place like home, New York - New York
Biggie Smalls loves New York and thinks it's the best place in the world.
I run this city, I don't dance around like Diddy
Biggie Smalls is in charge of New York, unlike Puff Daddy who is more of a performer than a leader.
N****s is giddy, till they act smack silly
Black people get excited and foolish until someone puts them in their place.
Or spray wit the Mack Milly, they don't want drama really
If someone messes with Biggie Smalls, they will get shot with a machine gun; most people don't want this to happen.
Pussy n****s get hard lip syncing my lyrics like Milly Vanilly
Weak people try to act tough by pretending to rap Biggie Smalls' lyrics, but they're not authentic.
Even the hood they feel me {*gun cocked*} hah! I'm on fire!
Biggie Smalls is respected even in the toughest parts of town; he is ready to defend himself at any moment.
N****s out in Philly they feel me, they bump my shit
Even people in Philadelphia like Biggie Smalls' music.
Every bootlegger you know, bump my shit, bitch!
Biggie Smalls' music is so popular that even people who sell bootleg copies of his CDs like to listen to it themselves.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDY THELUSMA, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, CURTIS JACKSON, TONY MARIO DOFAT, UMAR BIN HASSAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@arawfranco9247
That " she crying, headshot put her rest" line was cold asf!! 🥶
@robelgebre2698
popp open the briefcases nuttin but franklin facess !!!! like Nas said BIG HAD THE GAME ON HEADLOCK !
@KtotheG
@@robelgebre2698 Nas had some cold stories, too... "The Set Up," "Suspect Witness," and "Shootouts" were all movies and vignettes. I used to think they were low key competing against one another back then to see who could be the best Martin Scorsese or Alfred Hitchcock of rap.
@riddley39
@@KtotheG “suspect witness don’t come outside you might get your shit push back tonight”
Love that shit!
@1295shawnlewis
Turn Me 🆙 https://youtu.be/ZBzUF8Y5x14
@DaChefIzPoppN
🔥🔥🔥🔥
@stevelumumbashabazzz5087
No one was better than this dude. And no one will. He’s the best MC ever!!
@TPositivevibes
The goat
@neyunyan3207
God bless you
@anointedone5154
Pac will always be the greatest