Jay Z's relationship with Biggie Smalls has been somewhat contentious in the hip-hop game. Producer and founder of Murder Inc. Irv Gotti further convoluted this controversial bond. He says Jay Z "ran to the Biggie formula" for his Vol.2...Hard Knock Life record.
Jay Z was among the few who got a verse from Biggie on his excellent first album, Reasonable Doubt, and actually grew up with the iconic Brooklyn rapper. The two even went to the same school (which whould also produce Busta Rhymes and DMX). Lil Kim told MTV News, "[Biggie] and Jay Z just had this adorable friendship. They were so competitive with each other, but it was such a friendly competitiveness, and I loved it because that's how it's supposed to be when you like somebody." Not only did the two attend school together, they also sold drugs together, and performed on the same stage. Further, Biggie was instrumental in the launch of Jay's career, and helped establish the soon-to-be-star among critics and Hip Hop heads.
In the past, Jay Z has been called out for stealing Biggie's lyrics, which he claims serves as a means of homage to the dead rapper. In response to criticism, Jay Z told Power 106, "I take [Biggie] everywhere I go. I've taken him on every step, every accomplishment. He'll be there in some sort of way, whether that be live in concert or on record, or some acknowledgement." However, upon his death, Jay Z told MTV in 1998, "I don't have anyone to bounce off of, you understand? We bounced off each other like, 'Oh that was crazy; I gotta make something crazier.' When you don't have that, you don't have that gauge." he continued, "It's just hard to adjust; you have to find other ways to motivate yourself."
That's where Irv Gotti comes in. According to Gotti, after Biggie's death, Jay was eager to fill the void. He told Complex, "Jay Z, he made Reasonable Doubt, which is one of the greatest rap albums ever. Biggie died. He went and ran to the Biggie formula. So, he figured 'I'll get all them great records they was about to give Big.'
