7 Secrets Biggie Kept Even In The Casket

From The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, to Big Poppa, the Brooklyn native Christopher Wallace remains an enduring icon in hip-hop culture. Even today, after his untimely death in 1997, fans and historians alike find themselves intrigued by the many secrets this legendary rapper carried to his grave. Here, we delve into 7 Secrets Biggie Kept Even In The Casket, exploring the lesser-known aspects of his life and career that paint a richer, more nuanced picture of the man behind the music.

The Origins of His Moniker

Biggie Smalls was already a name in New York's underground rap scene before it became his stage name. The nickname "Biggie" originated from a kid in his neighborhood who started calling him that due to his large stature. But the name "Smalls" was inspired by an old-timey street hustler from the 1950s movie "Let's Do It Again."

Table of Biggie's Aliases:

His High School Drop-out Was Not Just a Phase

<p class="pro-note">📘 Pro Tip: Dropping out of school doesn't mean losing out on education; Biggie showed us the importance of lifelong learning through different mediums.</p>

Biggie left school at the age of 17, much to the dismay of his mother, Voletta Wallace. However, this decision was not about giving up. He pursued his passion, which eventually shaped the music industry in unparalleled ways. His lyrics were laced with street wisdom, life experiences, and a remarkable hunger for success that textbooks couldn't provide.

The Mysterious Relationship with Tupac Shakur

The Tension and Reconciliation

The feud between Biggie and Tupac is one of hip-hop's most talked-about rivalries. While they had a history of friendship, things took a sour turn with accusations and diss tracks, culminating in Tupac's murder. But there were moments of reconciliation that were kept out of the public eye, hinting at a deeper connection than mere rivalry:

• Mutual respect: Both artists had expressed admiration for each other's work before the rift.
• Business disagreements: Some point to record label politics and personal egos as fuel for the feud.
• A shared understanding: Despite the conflict, there were claims they reached an understanding, perhaps even a truce, shortly before Tupac's death.

<p class="pro-note">🎹 Pro Tip: Sometimes, friendship can overcome even the fiercest competition; the music industry could learn from Biggie's and Tupac's private moments of reconciliation.</p>

The Legacy of Notorious B.I.G.

The Unexpected Mentor

Biggie's ability to weave storytelling with introspection made him an unintentional mentor to up-and-coming artists. He shared secrets of the music business, the art of lyricism, and the balance between street credibility and commercial success. Here are some examples:

1. Lyrical Mastery: Biggie's flow and storytelling were unparalleled, often using a narrative style to describe life experiences with such vivid detail that it felt like he was speaking directly to his audience.

2. Personal Connections: He connected with fans and peers through personal anecdotes, offering glimpses into his life's trials and triumphs.

3. Artist Development: He not only left behind timeless tracks but also influenced the next generation's approach to hip-hop.

<p class="pro-note">🎵 Pro Tip: By studying Biggie's approach to music, aspiring artists can learn how to craft authentic, emotive songs that resonate deeply with listeners.</p>

The Art of Maintaining Privacy

Biggie kept many personal aspects of his life confidential. He avoided the limelight when it came to his relationships, his battles with weight, his struggles with fame, and his legal issues. Here's how:

• Relationship Secrecy: Even with high-profile relationships, Biggie shielded his personal life from the media.
• Weight and Health: His battle with weight was often a comedic reference in his lyrics, yet he rarely spoke of it outside his rhymes.
• Legal Troubles: From his arrest in North Carolina for a song lyric deemed pornographic to multiple run-ins with the law, Biggie was famously silent on his legal issues, letting his music do the talking.

Biggie's Legal Headache: The Mobb Deep Beef

Despite an intense lyrical beef with Mobb Deep, Biggie chose to resolve their issues through a business deal with the group's manager, rather than escalating the situation. This strategic approach to conflict is one of his lesser-known attributes:

• Lyrics over Violence: By not engaging in physical violence, Biggie showcased a maturity rare for the era.
• Professionalism: He kept his focus on the music and used industry channels to address beef.

<p class="pro-note">📽️ Pro Tip: Using legal avenues or business negotiations can often resolve conflicts more effectively than violence or public spats.</p>

The Secret Behind His Timeless Tracks

Biggie's music still resonates decades after its release. Here are some secrets behind his timeless tracks:

Timeless Production

• Sampling Mastery: Biggie's ability to sample from diverse sources from jazz to funk gave his tracks a unique feel that was both nostalgic and fresh.
• Collaborative Genius: Collaborations with producers like Puff Daddy and Easy Mo Bee created tracks that had a universal appeal.

Crafted Lyrics

• Street Wisdom: His lyrics drew from his environment, offering an authentic voice of the streets that could both resonate and educate.
• Storytelling: He had an extraordinary ability to tell stories, sometimes humorous, sometimes grim, but always with a genuine, reflective edge.

<p class="pro-note">🎧 Pro Tip: Emulating Biggie's storytelling techniques and sampling strategies can help modern producers craft tracks that stand the test of time.</p>

The Unspoken Support Network

Biggie Smalls had a network of friends and family who provided support during his turbulent career and personal life:

• Friends like Lil' Cease: From childhood friends to Junior Mafia members, his inner circle was both a buffer and a source of inspiration for his music.
• Family Connections: His mother, Voletta Wallace, played an integral role in keeping Biggie grounded and offering him a home whenever the spotlight became too harsh.
• Collaborative Partners: His partnership with Diddy and Bad Boy Records shaped not only his career but the entire East Coast rap scene.

In wrapping up this exploration of Biggie's lesser-known life aspects, one can only admire the depth and the mystery that remains even after his passing. From the secrets of his monikers to the nuanced layers of his personal relationships and music, Biggie Smalls was and will forever be an enigma wrapped in hip-hop gold.

Final Reflections:

By understanding these secrets, we get a glimpse into the man behind the myths, the lyrical genius who forever changed hip-hop. Explore more tutorials on hip-hop culture to truly appreciate the impact Biggie had and continues to have.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Pro Tip: Keep learning from legends like Biggie; their techniques, life lessons, and passion for their craft can guide the next generation of musicians.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Was Biggie Smalls a member of any groups?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Biggie was part of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A., where he not only mentored young artists but also featured on their tracks.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the cause of Biggie's death?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Biggie was tragically shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, an incident that remains officially unsolved.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the inspiration behind "Ready to Die"?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>His debut album "Ready to Die" was inspired by his life on the streets, the challenges of growing up in Brooklyn, and his ambitions in the music industry.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did Biggie affect the music industry?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Biggie brought storytelling, lyricism, and charisma to hip-hop, influencing countless artists and defining the East Coast rap sound.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What were some of his business moves outside music?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Biggie dabbled in producing, founded his record label, and had clothing lines, showing his entrepreneurial side even within his short career.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>