Remembering the Notorious B.I.G.: 15 Years Later
Fifteen years ago today hip-hop lost one of its greats when the Notorious B.I.G. was tragically murdered in Los Angeles at the age of 24. Fans across the world still mourn his loss and celebrate his legacy as one of the greatest lyricists of all time. With his laid-back flow and remarkable gift of wordplay, Christopher Wallace translated his life as a drug dealer in Brooklyn into often dark, but vivid anthems, inviting listeners to share in his experiences from the streets while entertaining with his whip-smart rhymes.
On the 15th anniversary of his death, staging-rapup.kinsta.cloud looks back on his legendary career with five classic videos. We’ll always love Big Poppa.
“Juicy” (1994)
Revered as one of his best singles, “Juicy” represented the everyman struggle and eventually managing to overcome it. Its video portrayed B.I.G.’s rise to the top, from looking back on his one-room shack to giving interviews poolside.
“Big Poppa” (1995)
Biggie celebrated one of his most successful singles by throwing a killer house party in the video for “Big Poppa.” Bathed in a red light, guests including Mary J. Blige, Puff Daddy, and more toasted to the good life while sipping champagne and laying up in the Jacuzzi.
“One More Chance (Remix)” (1995)
Brooklyn was represented in the Hype Williams-directed video for “One More Chance.” The house party featured Puff tickling the ivories, Heavy D taming the crowd outside, and singers like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Aaliyah, and Total singing the hook.
“Hypnotize” (1997)
Bad Boy helped usher in the shiny suit era with the cinematic video for “Hypnotize,” a lavish mini-movie where Puff and Biggie got run down by helicopters that trailed their yacht. The chase heated up on land where the duo sped away from a gang of motorcyclists and ended up in the confines of their home, where they partied in style.
“Sky’s the Limit” (1997)
As one of the few tracks to get the visual treatment following his death in 1997, “Sky’s the Limit” found a way to make Big little. Director Spike Jonze cast a handful of children to portray him, Puffy, Lil’ Kim, and Busta Rhymes, showing the adolescent crew lounging around a mansion and living the high life.