Biggie Smalls, known to millions as The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of the most defining figures in hip-hop history. His deep voice, storytelling lyrics, and commanding presence on tracks like “Hypnotize” and “Juicy” shaped the sound of 1990s East Coast rap. But behind the stage name was a young man from Brooklyn whose life was cut short at just 24 years old.
His story is one of rapid rise, personal struggles, and a violent death that has never been fully resolved. Fans and researchers alike continue to seek answers about his real name, his family, his height, and the circumstances surrounding his murder. This article assembles verified facts from authoritative sources to provide a clear, neutral overview of Biggie Smalls’ life and legacy.
Who Was Biggie Smalls?
Christopher George Latore Wallace
May 21, 1972 • Brooklyn, New York
March 9, 1997 • Los Angeles, California
The Notorious B.I.G.; hits like “Hypnotize”
Biggie Smalls: Key Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Real name | Christopher George Latore Wallace |
| Stage name | The Notorious B.I.G. / Biggie Smalls |
| Born | May 21, 1972 |
| Died | March 9, 1997 |
| Age at death | 24 |
| Children | T’yanna Wallace and Christopher Jordan Wallace |
| Height | Commonly reported as 6 ft 3 in; not officially verified |
| Notable single | “Hypnotize” |
How Tall Was Biggie Smalls?
Biggie Smalls’ height is a frequently asked question, but sources vary. According to Dimensions.com, he was approximately 6 feet 2 inches (about 1.88 m). However, the Wikipedia entry does not list a height, and other biographical sources like Britannica and Biography.com omit it entirely. The figure of 6 ft 3 in appears in some fan accounts but is not officially verified.
No authoritative source, such as a medical record or official biography, confirms Biggie Smalls’ exact height. The most commonly cited measurement is 6 ft 2 in, but readers should treat this as approximate.
Did Biggie Smalls Have Kids?
Yes, Biggie Smalls had two children. His daughter, T’yanna Wallace, was born in 1993 with his ex-girlfriend Jan Jackson. His son, Christopher Jordan “C.J.” Wallace, was born in October 1996 with his wife, singer Faith Evans, whom he married in 1995. Both children are well-documented in sources such as People and Biography.com.
Who Is Biggie Smalls’ Son?
Christopher Jordan Wallace, commonly known as C.J. Wallace, is the son of Biggie Smalls and Faith Evans. Born in October 1996, he was only a few months old when his father was killed. C.J. has pursued a career in entertainment and entrepreneurship, and he has spoken publicly about preserving his father’s legacy. T’yanna Wallace, his older half-sister, runs a clothing line called Notoriouss.
How Did Biggie Smalls Die?
Biggie Smalls was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. He was leaving a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum, according to Britannica, or a Soul Train Music Awards after-party, as reported by Biography.com. A car pulled alongside his vehicle, and he was shot multiple times. He was 24 years old. The murder remains unsolved in the public record, and no one has been officially charged.
What Were Biggie Smalls’ Last Words?
No verified last words from Biggie Smalls have been reliably documented. The available sources—including Britannica, Biography.com, and People—describe the shooting and his hospitalization but do not record any final statement. Multiple unverified accounts circulate online, but none are backed by authoritative evidence.
Claims about Biggie Smalls’ last words are not supported by credible sources. Readers should treat any such statements as unconfirmed rumors unless they originate from official police reports or family testimony.
For the most reliable information on the unsolved case, refer to news archives from 1997, police records when available, and the official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame biography, which notes the ongoing investigation.
What Is the Timeline of Biggie Smalls’ Life?
- May 21, 1972: Christopher George Latore Wallace is born in Brooklyn, New York.
- August 8, 1993: Daughter T’yanna is born.
- 1994: Debut album Ready to Die is released.
- 1995: Marries singer Faith Evans.
- 1996: Son Christopher Jordan “C.J.” Wallace is born.
- March 9, 1997: Biggie Smalls is killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles.
- 1997: “Hypnotize” and the album Life After Death solidify his posthumous legacy.
What Is Confirmed and Unconfirmed About Biggie Smalls?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Biggie Smalls was the stage name of Christopher George Latore Wallace. | His exact height is commonly reported as 6 ft 3 in but is not universally verified. |
| He was born May 21, 1972, and died March 9, 1997. | His last words are disputed; multiple accounts exist. |
| He had two children: T’yanna Wallace and Christopher Jordan Wallace. | The identity of his killer has never been officially confirmed. |
| “Hypnotize” is a song by The Notorious B.I.G. from the album Life After Death. |
What Was Biggie Smalls’ Impact on Hip-Hop?
Biggie Smalls rose from the streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, to become one of the most influential rappers of the 1990s. His debut album Ready to Die (1994) and its posthumous follow-up Life After Death (1997) are considered landmarks of East Coast gangsta rap. His storytelling, flow, and charisma influenced a generation of artists.
The song “Hypnotize,” released in 1997, became one of his biggest hits and is often cited as a classic. The AllMusic biography describes him as “the most skilled rapper of his era.” His legacy continues through posthumous releases, biographical films, and the work of his children.
Biggie Smalls was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing his place in music history. His influence is evident in the work of modern rappers and in the ongoing cultural fascination with his life and death.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Biggie Smalls?
The most authoritative sources for Biggie Smalls’ biography include Britannica, Wikipedia, and Biography.com. For music details, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and AllMusic provide reliable discography and career context. Official artist platforms like the YouTube channel and Spotify page offer authenticated music streaming.
Family-related information is best sourced from interviews with Voletta Wallace, T’yanna Wallace, and C.J. Wallace, as well as from publications like People. For the murder investigation, primary sources include police records and contemporary news reports from 1997.
What Is the Legacy of Biggie Smalls?
Biggie Smalls’ legacy is that of a transformative artist whose life was tragically short but whose music remains timeless. He is remembered as a master storyteller, a pioneer of 1990s hip-hop, and a cultural icon. His influence extends beyond music into fashion, film, and the broader landscape of American popular culture. For more, explore the The Notorious B.I.G. artist hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G.?
“Hypnotize” is a 1997 single by The Notorious B.I.G. from the album Life After Death. It became one of his most iconic songs, known for its catchy beat and memorable lyrics. The official music video is available on the artist’s YouTube channel.
Who was Biggie Smalls’ wife?
Biggie Smalls married singer Faith Evans in 1995. They remained married until his death in 1997. She is the mother of his son, Christopher Jordan Wallace.
How many albums did Biggie Smalls release?
During his lifetime, Biggie Smalls released two studio albums: Ready to Die (1994) and Life After Death (1997). Several posthumous albums and compilations have been released since.
What was Biggie Smalls’ net worth?
Biggie Smalls’ net worth at the time of his death is not precisely documented in the provided sources. Posthumous earnings from his catalog continue to generate income for his estate.
Where is Biggie Smalls buried?
Biggie Smalls is buried at the Fresh Pond Crematory and Columbarium in Middle Village, Queens, New York. His gravesite is a popular pilgrimage site for fans.
What was Biggie Smalls’ first hit song?
His first major hit was “Juicy” from the album Ready to Die, which reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994.
Did Biggie Smalls have any siblings?
Biggie Smalls was the only child of his parents, Voletta Wallace and Selwyn George Latore. He had no siblings.
What was the cause of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry?
The rivalry was a feud between East Coast and West Coast hip-hop scenes, heightened by the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. The exact origins are complex, involving personal and professional conflicts.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.