Christopher George Latora Wallace, popularly known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was one of the most legendary hip-hop artists of all time because of his contribution to the music scene. Take a look back at the rapper's life and success before his tragic death 26 years ago.
According to Power 105.1, the musician died on March 9, 1997, in the streets of Los Angeles, California. He was reportedly in the city to promote his album "Life After Death."
At the time, the hip-hop legend was traveling to a party with his entourage. When his vehicle stopped at a red light, someone opened fire and he was shot four times.
Biggie was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite doctors' efforts, he died at the age of 24. According to an autopsy report released in 2012, only one bullet that hit him was fatal. The fourth bullet reportedy entered his right hip and heavily affected his internal organs.
Days after his passing, he was laid to rest in Brooklyn, New York where some of the legendary artists from the hip-hop industry attended his funeral like Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Diddy, and many more.
READ ALSO: The Cure 2023 North American Tour: Dates, Venues, How to Buy Tickets, More!
Notorious B.I.G.'s Life and Career
Born and raised in New York City, Biggie was the only child of Jamaican immigrant parents. He found his love for rap music at a young age as he started entertaining people and performed with local musicians when he was a teenager.
He went to George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School in Brooklyn where Busta Rhymes and Jay-Z also studied.
Despite him being described as a smart kid by his mother, he dropped out of school in 1989 and was involved in several illegal activities. He was later arrested on weapon charges, violation of probation, and for dealing with illegal drugs.
After getting released from jail, he immediately turn back to his love of music and recorded a demo tape with the alias Biggie Smalls.
His biggest break came when he got a chance to remix Mary J. Blige's "Real Love," which began a string of successes through the years, and even became friends with other legendary rappers like Tupac Shakur and many more.
Before his death, The Notorious B.I.G. released several singles and an album, which is still influential to some of the artists in the present.
READ MORE: SZA Wrote 'I Hate U' in 15 Minutes; Here's How R&B Star and Producer Made the Massive Hit
