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March 9, 1997 was a day in which hip-hop music would never be the same. Most people on that Sunday morning awoke to the news of the sad and tragic murder of The Notorious B.I.G. If you lived in NYC at the time, you will never forget Angie Martinez crying on Hot 97, as she attempted to tell listeners what happened. It is a day, a moment in time, that still brings tears to my eyes when I think back. Christopher ‘Biggie Smalls — A.K.A. Notorious B.I.G — Wallace meant so much to so many fans that never met him, and yet he meant so much more to the ones that knew him personally. But to see Biggie before he became Notorious was to witness greatness.

DETAILS: The Man Who Killed the Notorious B.I.G. REVEALED 

“Now let’s take a sec to think back…” –Buckshot “Crooklyn Dodgers” 

As I walk down Quincy Avenue toward Bedford, in Bedford Stuyvesant, I can still picture Biggie. I can still see him in 1993, rhyming on that corner that was packed with hustlers and stick-up kids from the infamous LG (Lafayette Gardens) projects. That corner was famous. A lot of weight was moved from that corner store, but nothing was heavier than B.I.G.’s lyrical prowess that hot summer afternoon.

The mayor of Bed-Stuy commanded as much respect as the O.G.s and Young G’s that were shooting C-Lo and arguing five minutes before on that same corner. During these times, there was more money and fame being in the streets than being a rapper. So to watch this B.I.G. man spit street-tales combined with witty punch lines so effortlessly was… “all a dream” to those who were there. Who could have imagined that this large dude standing before the hood that day would go on to worldwide fame? Who would have thought that in two years time, his music would dominate and change the landscape of rap music? Who would think that within four years of the hot 1993 summer, B.I.G. would be gone forever?

It was really that quick.

STORY: 15 Greatest Pictures Of Notorious B.I.G. 

Now it’s 15 years since B.I.G. passed. It’s been almost 19 years since that hot summer afternoon. The pavement that stood strong that scorching day is now chipped, cracked and in need of repair. The neighborhood has changed. No crack vials crunch beneath your Timberland boots as you walk towards Bedford Avenue these days. Hell, Timberland boots in the summer is now considered a crime of fashion. All the Bedford Ave mixtape spots, barbershops and hip-hop clothing stores have all gone away, replaced by coffee shops and bistros.

That corner store that moved weight now moves expensive organic juices from upstate New York farmer’s markets. The O.G.s are mostly gone, while young Gs grew up. The corner is cold and desolate now — even in the summer.
Memories are as precious as photos. The images of Biggie seem so iconic now, and yet, for me, it will always go back to that corner. This weekend, as we party to the tunes of the greatest rapper who ever lived, take a second to reflect.  Think about how great Biggie’s music made you feel. Be “Hypnotized” by “Dreams” of “Unbelievable,” “Notorious Thugs.” “I Love The Dough,” too, but do remember “Mo Money, Mo Problems” and “The World Is Filled” with stories of the “Everyday Struggle.” You may only get “One More Chance” to “Kick In The Door” in this life. Try and avoid “Suicidal Thoughts” because “Sky’s The Limit.” “Think B.I.G.” because Biggie we “Miss U.”

Brandon ‘TNT’ West

Music Exec / Industry Insider/ The Andy Rooney of Hip Hop Culture

Holla at him @tnt718