Biggie Smalls—as he was affectionately known—rose to prominence and became one of the most iconic and influential rappers of all time. As we remember the life and legacy of this hip-hop legend, we reflect on his talent, his impact on hip-hop, and the mark he left on the world.

Biggie burst onto the scene in the early 1990s, attracting audiences with his distinctive flow, vivid storytelling, and his lyrical prowess. With his debut album, "Ready to Die," released in 1994, Biggie nailed his status as a rap superstar, delivering a gritty and unflinching portrayal of life on the streets of Brooklyn. Tracks like "Juicy," "Big Poppa," and "One More Chance" became instant classics, earning Biggie widespread acclaim.

Beyond his undeniable talent as a performer, Biggie's impact on the genre was also felt through his charismatic personna. With his imposing stature, effortless swagger, and magnetic charm, Biggie commanded attention whenever he stepped onto the stage or into the recording booth. His ability to effortlessly blend streetwise grit with suave sophistication endeared him to fans around the world.

Biggie's life was cut short on March 9, 1997, when he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles at the age of just 24. His death sent shivers through the hip-hop community and left millions of fans mourning the loss of their beloved artists.

In the years since his death, Biggie's music has continued to grow, his albums have achieved multi-platinum success. His posthumous releases include albums "Life After Death" and "Born Again," which have solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

But perhaps Biggie's greatest legacy lies in the impact he had on hip-hop itself. Through his music, he projected light on the realities of poverty and violence.

As we remember The Notorious B.I.G., we celebrate both his incredible talent and musical contributions but also the spirit of determination, creativity, and authenticity that he embodied. Though he may be gone, his music lives on.