Christopher Wallace, higher recognized to the world as The Infamous B.I.G., stays one of the crucial revered figures in hip hop historical past. Although his profession was reduce tragically brief, his music, persona and affect have endured for many years. As followers mark his birthday on 21 Could, we glance again at eight compelling details concerning the man behind the mic, his heritage, his artistry and his lasting cultural affect.
His Jamaican Heritage Was a Enormous Affect
Born in Brooklyn to Jamaican dad and mom, Biggie was deeply linked to the island by way of his mom, Voletta Wallace, who got here from Trelawny. She usually took him again to Jamaica to go to household, together with her musically inclined brothers Dave and Lou.
These visits left a powerful impression on younger Christopher, who usually hung out together with his uncles listening to reggae and absorbing the island’s rhythms. Ms Wallace as soon as recalled that “he cherished Jamaica, as a result of they spoiled him rotten,” and spoke fondly of the enjoyment he present in these musical moments together with his uncles on the veranda or within the yard.
The That means Behind ‘B.I.G.’
Though broadly referred to as Biggie Smalls, Wallace couldn’t legally use the title attributable to a trademark battle with actor Calvin Lockhart, who performed a personality by that title within the 1975 movie Let’s Do It Once more. After adopting the nickname, Biggie was pressured to drop it and as an alternative took on the now-iconic stage title The Infamous B.I.G., which he mentioned stood for “Enterprise As a substitute of Sport,” although the Christopher Wallace Memorial Basis states it means “Books As a substitute of Weapons.”
He Embraced His Dimension and Presence
At 6 toes 3 inches tall and weighing roughly 400 kilos, Biggie was a commanding determine with a presence that matched his lyrical prowess. His nickname wasn’t nearly stature. It was a part of his id, each bodily and artistically. Even throughout his college days at Westinghouse Excessive in Brooklyn, he was affectionately known as “Huge,” a reputation he would finally make well-known worl
Solely One Album Launched Throughout His Lifetime
Regardless of his towering presence in hip hop, Biggie solely launched one studio album whereas alive. His debut, Able to Die, got here out in 1994 and solidified his status as a robust storyteller with a novel voice. He accomplished his second album, Life After Demise, earlier than his homicide in March 1997, but it surely wasn’t launched till two weeks after his passing.
The album later achieved Diamond certification, promoting over 10 million copies. A 3rd posthumous launch, Born Once more, got here in 1999 and featured unreleased materials and collaborations with different artists.
He Married Religion Evans Simply Days After Assembly Her
Biggie’s relationship with R&B singer Faith Evans was nothing in need of swift. The 2 met throughout a Dangerous Boy Data photoshoot in 1994, and inside 9 days, they have been married. The choice stunned many within the trade, and Biggie later acknowledged that their spontaneity might need overshadowed the possibility to really get to know one another first. Though the wedding confronted its challenges, the couple remained shut and had one baby collectively, Christopher “CJ” Wallace Jr.
One of many Few Rappers to Report with Michael Jackson
Biggie holds the excellence of being one of many few rappers to collaborate with the King of Pop. His first look got here on Jackson’s 1995 monitor This Time Round, featured on the HIStory album. Years later, lengthy after Biggie’s passing, his vocals have been used as soon as once more on the monitor Unbreakable from Jackson’s 2001 album Invincible. These collaborations highlighted Biggie’s broad attraction and solidified his standing as a revered voice throughout genres.
His Son Portrayed Him in Infamous
The 2009 biopic Infamous introduced Biggie’s life story to the massive display, providing a cinematic journey by way of his rise from Brooklyn teenager to hip hop icon. In a becoming tribute, the function of younger Christopher Wallace was performed by his real-life son, CJ Wallace. The movie not solely launched Biggie’s legacy to a brand new era but additionally gave his household the possibility to share their perspective on his journey.
His Mom Was His Best Champion
Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s mom, remained a steadfast guardian of his legacy lengthy after his demise. She based the Christopher Wallace Memorial Basis, supporting training initiatives for younger individuals in his honour. She additionally managed her son’s property with care, rising its worth considerably whereas making certain his music stayed related for brand new generations.
In 2005, she printed Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher, a heartfelt memoir providing uncommon perception into his life past the highlight. Till her passing in 2025, she continued to signify his reminiscence with grace, function and an unwavering perception within the son the world got here to know as The Infamous B.I.G.
An Enduring Legacy
From his Jamaican roots to his lyrical brilliance, The Infamous B.I.G. left an indelible mark on music and tradition. As we have a good time his birthday, we bear in mind not solely the legend but additionally the person. He was deeply linked to his heritage, dedicated to his household, and destined to stay one among hip hop’s most influential voices.
