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The Notorious B.I.G.

Influential American rapper

The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, was a highly acclaimed rapper from Brooklyn, New York. Known for his laid-back delivery and grim lyrics, he rose to fame with his debut album Ready to Die. His second album, released posthumously, solidified his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

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Timeline

Birth of Christopher George Letore Wallace

Christopher George Letore Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls, was born on May 21, 1972.

Christopher's Father Leaves

In April 1974, Christopher's father left the family.

On January 1, 1989, Biggie was arrested.

Dropped Out of High School

Biggie dropped out of high school on May 1, 1989.

Signing to Uptown Records

After being discovered by local DJ Mister Cee, The Source rap magazine's editor featured Wallace in their column. This led to his signing with Uptown Records on July 14, 1992.

Birth of First Child

On August 10, 1992, Biggie welcomed his first child.

First Record Deal

Biggie signed his first record deal on April 25, 1993.

Birth of T'yanna Wallace

On August 8, 1993, Jan Jackson, Wallace's long-time girlfriend, gave birth to his first child, T'yanna. Despite their separation, Wallace promised to provide everything for his daughter.

Biggie Tops the Billboard

On August 1, 1994, Biggie topped the Billboard charts.

Marriage to Faith Evans

Biggie married Faith Evans on August 4, 1994.

Biggie's Debut Release

On September 1, 1994, The Notorious B.I.G. released their debut album, making a groundbreaking entry into the music industry.

Release of Ready To Die album

The album 'Ready To Die' was released, establishing Biggie as a prominent figure in the rap industry.

Biggie hits Top 40 with 'Big Poppa'

On January 1, 1995, The Notorious B.I.G. achieved success as his song 'Big Poppa' entered the Top 40 music charts.

The Notorious B.I.G. tops Hot Dance Music Maxi-Singles Sales

On February 1, 1995, The Notorious B.I.G. achieved the top spot on the Hot Dance Music Maxi-Singles Sales chart with one of his hit singles.

Big Poppa certified gold

The single 'Big Poppa' by Biggie Smalls was certified gold on March 1, 1995.

Ready To Die certified platinum

Biggie Smalls' album 'Ready To Die' was certified platinum on January 1, 1996.

Arrest of The Notorious B.I.G. for Threatening Fans

On March 23, 1996, The Notorious B.I.G. was arrested outside a Manhattan nightclub for chasing and threatening to kill two fans seeking autographs. He pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service.

Birth of The Notorious B.I.G.'s Son, Christopher 'C.J.' Wallace Jr.

On October 29, 1996, Faith Evans gave birth to The Notorious B.I.G.'s son, Christopher 'C.J.' Wallace Jr.

Promotion of Life After Death Album

On February 16, 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. traveled to California to promote his album Life After Death and shoot a music video for the single 'Hypnotize'. He was involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend during this time.

Death of The Notorious B.I.G.

On March 8, 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. attended a party in Los Angeles and was fatally shot while returning to his hotel. His funeral was attended by many prominent figures in the music industry.

Murder of The Notorious B.I.G.

On March 9, 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. was tragically murdered by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting while visiting Los Angeles. His untimely death shocked the music world and left a lasting impact on the hip hop community.

Funeral of The Notorious B.I.G.

On March 18, 1997, The Notorious B.I.G.'s funeral was held in Manhattan with numerous mourners present. His body was cremated after the funeral.

Release of Life After Death Album

Sixteen days after his death, The Notorious B.I.G.'s album 'Life After Death' was released and became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Release of Bad Boy's Born Again Album

In December 1999, Bad Boy released the 'Born Again' album, which featured previously unreleased material mixed with new guest appearances. The album received both positive reviews and criticism for its unlikely pairings.

The Notorious B.I.G. featured on Michael Jackson's Invincible Album

In 2001, The Notorious B.I.G. appeared on Michael Jackson's 'Invincible' album. This collaboration showcased his vocals on the project.

The Notorious B.I.G.'s Vocals on Ashanti's 'Foolish' and 'Realest Niggas'

In 2002, The Notorious B.I.G.'s vocals were heard on hit songs such as 'Foolish' and 'Realest Niggas' by Ashanti. His contribution added to the success of these tracks.

The Notorious B.I.G.'s Collaboration with Shakur on 'Runnin' (Dying to Live)'

The Notorious B.I.G. collaborated with Shakur on the song 'Runnin' (Dying to Live)' in 2003. This collaboration brought together two iconic figures in hip-hop.

Rolling Stone names Wallace as a credible love song songwriter

In 2004, Rolling Stone recognized Wallace as one of the few young male songwriters in any pop style writing credible love songs.

Release of Duets: The Final Chapter Album

In 2005, 'Duets: The Final Chapter' was released, continuing the pattern started on 'Born Again'. The album faced criticism for the lack of significant vocals by The Notorious B.I.G. on some songs.

Notorious B.I.G. Bigger Than Life

The Notorious B.I.G. was featured in archive footage in the 2007 documentary 'Notorious B.I.G. Bigger Than Life'.

Release of Notorious biographical film

A biographical film about The Notorious B.I.G.'s life, starring Jamal Woolard as Wallace. The movie received mixed reviews and grossed over $44 million worldwide.

Release of The King & I Duet Album

On May 19, 2017, the duet album 'The King & I' featuring Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G. was released. The album contained previously unreleased music, showcasing the collaboration between the two artists.

The Notorious B.I.G. was featured in archive footage in the 2018 documentary 'Quincy'.

Release of C.J. Wallace's house remix of 'Big Poppa'

Wallace's son, C.J., released a house remix of his father's hit 'Big Poppa' in August 2020.

Release of Netflix documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell

A Netflix documentary executive-produced by Voletta Wallace and Combs, focusing on The Notorious B.I.G.'s life before he rose to fame as 'The King of New York'.

End of the Timeline
The Notorious B.I.G.

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