The Notorious B.I.G. Photos: Remembering The Late Rapper On His 50th Birthday

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May 21, 2022 12:52PM EDT

Notorious B.I.G. would have turned 50 today. Remember the iconic rapper’s life and legacy in photos.

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Notorious B.I.G.

Notorious B.I.G. — A legend remembered. Christopher Wallace, known as Notorious B.I.G., or Biggie Smalls, was born on May 21, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York, was an American rap icon. Biggie — who was discovered by Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs, aka, Diddy, and was signed to his Bad Boy record label in 1993 — is widely considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. He was known for his raps about hardships and crime.

On March 9, 1997, Biggie killed in a drive-by shooting by an unknown assailant in Los Angeles. Diddy was riding in a car behind him. Biggie’s murder remains unsolved, with docu-series and made-for TV movies, depicting details surrounding the murder and chronicling his life. His second album, Life After Death (1997), released two weeks after his death, and reached number one on the Billboard 200. It was later went certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Biggie was married to Grammy-winning singer, Faith Evans at the time of his death.

Take a look at Biggie and his legacy in photos.

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NYC Mayor Eric Adams Honors Biggie

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Honors Biggie — NYC mayor Eric Adams honors the Christopher ‘Notorious B.I.G.’ Wallace for his 50th birthday on May 19, 2022 at NY City Hall Rotunda in New York City on May 19, 2022. He gave an honorary proclamation to the late rapper’s son, Christopher Jordan Wallace (left).

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Biggie’s Son Celebrates His 50th

Biggie’s Son Celebrates His 50th — Christopher Jordan Wallace looks handsome while at City Hall honoring his late father on May 19, 2022. The rapper would have celebrated his 50th birthday on May 21, 2022.

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Biggie Smalls & Diddy

Biggie Smalls & Diddy — Biggie Smalls and Diddy were pictured posing for photos and greeting fans. Both rappers looked were dressed in embellished shirts and diamond chains.

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Notorious B.I.G. On The Town

Notorious B.I.G. On The Town — Biggie Smalls rocked a white fedora while out and about with Diddy. He showed off his gold diamonds while meeting with fans.

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‘Notorious’

‘Notorious’ — Jamal Woolard is seen playing the rapper in ‘Notorious’. He hit the stage in a white fedora and a blood orange collared button-up.

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Jamal Woolard As Biggie

Jamal Woolard As Biggie — The rapper’s life was imortalized in the movie ‘Notorious’, which came out in 2009. Actor Jamal Woolard played the rapper.

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Biggie’s Funeral

Biggie’s Funeral — Rapper Flavor Flav, foreground, stands with unidentified mourners following the funeral for rapper Notorious B.I.G. at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in New York in March 1997.

The Brooklyn-born ”gangsta”, whose given name was Christopher Wallace but who also went by the stage name Biggie Smalls, was gunned down nine days ago in a still-unsolved Los Angeles drive-by shooting.

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Faith Evans & Son Christopher Wallace, Jr. In 2009

Faith Evans & Son Christopher Wallace, Jr. In 2009 — Faith Evans and son Christopher Wallace, Jr. attend the Street Fighter IV Launch Party in Feb. 2009. Christopher, who goes by C.J., is an actor.

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Biggie & Tupac

Biggie & Tupac — Notorious B.I.G. and friend-turned-rival Tupac Shakur are seen in a shot from the 2002 documentary ‘Biggie and Tupac’. Tupac died months before Biggie in Sep. 1996 in a still-unsolved Las Vegas shooting. Many believe their deaths were related, sparked by their rap rivalry.

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Notorious B.I.G. At The VMAs

Notorious B.I.G. At The VMAs — Biggie stands behind as Michael and Janet Jackson accept the Best Dance Video award during 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. He presented the honor with MTV VJ Bill Bellamy, left.

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Biggie & Diddy In ‘The Show’

Biggie & Diddy In ‘The Show’ — Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs and Notorious B.I.G. appear in the 1995 concert doc ‘The Show’, directed by Brian Robbins. Def Jam founder Russell Simmons stars in and narrates the film.

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Notorious B.I.G. Arrested

Notorious B.I.G. Arrested — B.I.G Rap star Chris Wallace aka Notorious B.I.G., walks to a waiting police car outside the 6th Police Precinct in the borough of Manhattan in New York in 1996. Wallace was arrested early Saturday after he and a friend launched a baseball bat attack on two fans who had asked the performer for his autograph, according to police.

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Notorious B.I.G. In Timbs

Notorious B.I.G. In Timbs — Biggie looks slick in Timbs at the MTV VMAs. He set a style which rappers would emulate for years to come.

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