On May 21, 1972 Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was born.

Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.)
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He is best known for increasing the East Coast’s hip hop presence during the time hip hop was being dominated by the West Coast. He had an alleged long standing rivalry with former friend and West Coast rapper, Tupac Shakur. In addition, he worked often with Sean Combs (aka P. Diddy) and Lil’ Kim, as well as married to R&B star Faith Evans.

“Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G.:

Biggie Smalls was killed on March 9, 1997 by an unknown assailant, 16 days before the release of his album, “Life After Death.” Throughout his hip hop career, Biggie Smalls has sold over 17 million within the United States, and continues to be one of hip hop’s greatest icons.