Biggie Smalls also known as the Notorious B.I.G. is not just one of the most popular artists from the 1990s. He is arguably one of the biggest artists of all. Unfortunately, Biggie’s life was cut short in 1997 after being assassinated in Los Angeles California amid the East Coast vs. West Coast rap beef. But despite being just 24 years old at the time of his passing, the Bad Boy star’s influence remains prevalent in today’s music.
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Here are some of the top artists who have been influenced by the famed Brooklyn artist.
Jadakiss
Jadakiss’ rap style has withstood the test of time as he had over two decades engrained in the rap game. And Biggie’s influence is a part of it. Ever since he and the Lox were featured on All About the Benjamins it was clear the impact that Biggie had on Jada’s rap style. His raw and gaudy style of storytelling was something that Biggie popularized in the 90’s. Jadakiss also talks about how much Biggie influenced him in his 2008 track Letter to B.I.G.
Jay-Z
Many rap fans believe that Jay-Z represents what Biggie could have been if he were not killed at such an early age. It makes sense, being that Biggie is almost directly responsible for Jay’s introduction to mainstream rap. Jay-Z became popular after his debut album Reasonable Doubt, dropped in 1996 but it was his feature on Biggie’s I Love The Dough in 1997 that familiarized people with who Jay-Z was. In addition, Biggie’s transition from Brooklyn-based kingpin to rap superstar through his storytelling was also something Jay could relate to.
Lil Kim
B.I.G. introduced Lil Kim to the rap game when he rolled out his rap group Junior Mafia in the 1990s. When Kim first began her rap career, her style was similar to Biggie’s. Hardcore, gaudy rap except it was from the female perspective. But it was Biggie who convinced her to slow down her flow and switch from hardcore rap to a more provocative style, to appease the male gaze. Kim’s provocative style of rap has become influential in the style of many of today’s femcees including Nicki Minaj and Cardi B.
Rick Ross
Rick Ross has often been referred to as the Biggie of the South. But that is not just because of their portly stature. Ross uses many of the same elements in his flow to appease fans the same way that Biggie did. Using Biggie’s method of storytelling to convey imagery about the luxury things they indulge in. The beautiful women, the pricey jewelry, the luxury vacations. Rick Ross is pretty much a bearded Notorious B.I.G.
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