The King of New York
The Mona Lisa of Hip Hop.
This 1997 photo of the Notorious B.I.G., taken three days before his death, is widely considered “The Mona Lisa of Hip Hop.”
It depicts the rapper at the height of his powers, claiming his place as the king of rap music. Biggie was larger than life. His brand was more than just music, it was the embodiment of a rags-to-riches story. The American dream, retold through the lens of hip-hop culture. His life and artistry reflected the complexities of urban life, the potential for transformation, and the universal quest for respect and umatched success.
What made Biggie’s brand the BEST?
Lyrical Skill and Storytelling: Biggie was renowned for his exceptional lyrical ability, characterized by his complex rhyme schemes, vivid storytelling, and the ease with which he delivered both. His lyrics painted vivid pictures of life on the streets, including both its allure and its perils, making his stories relatable and compelling to a wide audience.
Flow and Delivery: His flow was smooth yet versatile, capable of adapting to any beat or theme, which showcased his exceptional talent as an MC. His ability to convey emotion, whether it be anger, pain, or joy, through his delivery, made his music resonate deeply with listeners.
Charisma and Personality: Biggie's larger-than-life personality was another factor that contributed to his status. His charisma shone through in his music, interviews, and public appearances, endearing him to fans and helping him to stand out in the rap industry.
Impact on Hip-Hop Culture: Biggie played a significant role in bringing East Coast hip-hop back to the forefront of the genre at a time when West Coast rap dominated the scene. His rivalry with Tupac Shakur, while tragic, also heightened the visibility of both artists and their respective coasts, contributing to the overall growth of hip-hop culture.
Critical and Commercial Success: His albums, "Ready to Die" (1994) and "Life After Death" (1997), received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. "Ready to Die" has been hailed as a seminal album in hip-hop, introducing Biggie's storytelling prowess and unique voice to the world, while "Life After Death" showcased his growth as an artist. Both albums featured hits that remain iconic in hip-hop.
Influence on Future Generations: Even after his death, Biggie's influence on hip-hop has been profound. He inspired a generation of rappers with his technique, storytelling, and ability to connect with listeners. His music continues to be celebrated, studied, and emulated by artists today.
A story from the shoot
When Biggie arrived at the shoot the photographer, Barron Claiborne, had sourced two crowns for him to wear, both of which were too small for his head. The final version, costing $6 and adorned with plastic gemstones, had the padding removed so that it barely fit. Sean “Diddy” Combs, then CEO of Bad Boy Records (who history would reveal clearly can’t be trusted), was also present at the shoot, voicing concerns about said crown, stating that it would make Biggie look like the Burger King. Both Claiborne and Biggie disregarded his comments and created the now iconic picture. The crown would later be auctioned off by Sotheby’s, selling for $594,750 (a 99,125% profit).
