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#RIPBIG: Fans Remember Biggie Smalls 20 Years After His Murder

Posted byBy Kiersten Willis | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

The Notorious B.I.G. died six months after Tupac Shakur. The two were at the center of the East Coast/West Coast beef. (Promo)

Thursday, March, 9 marks the 20th anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.’s death and, as expected, fans have gathered online to remember one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Born Christopher Wallace in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie Smalls launched his career with the 1994 semi-autobiographical debut “Ready to Die,” which saw commercial success from the singles “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” “Warning” and “Once More Chance.” It was his only studio album that was released during his lifetime as he was murdered days before his sophomore release, “Life After Death,” dropped three years later.

During an appearance at the 1997 Soul Train Music Awards in Los Angeles, Biggie presented an award to Toni Braxton in what would become his last public appearance. On March 9, 1997, the 24-year-old rapper was gunned down in a drive-by shooting after leaving an afterparty for the ceremony and the murder is still unsolved.

Online, fans remembered B.I.G. and his music, which proved successful even after his death and influenced rappers like Jay Z, Nas, 50 Cent, Fabolous, Big Sean and Rick Ross.

https://twitter.com/sulamatraore/status/839857806614401025

Several tweeted about what the state of hip-hop and rap would be like if Biggie, who has several posthumous releases — including an upcoming one with widow Faith Evans — was still alive.

https://twitter.com/Anoali1902/status/839873344413433856

Others dove into theories about the MC’s murder.

https://twitter.com/TheLaunchMag/status/839802871352803328

https://twitter.com/faithy_waithi/status/839848856108007425

Celebrities, including the late performer’s friends and family, also memorialized him.

https://twitter.com/diddy/status/839839344294785026

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRawmOQj721/

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