https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc2K10CrThw
The Notorious B.I.G. was killed 20 years ago today in Los Angeles, California. Though the rapper also known as Biggie Smalls was only able to compile two albums in his lifetime, Ready To Die and Life After Death, his outsized impact on hip-hop endures to this day. It’s no surprise then, that hip-hop fans across the internet are reflecting on his life and music while paying tribute to one of the greatest rappers of all-time.
Sean “Diddy” Combs owes perhaps more than anyone to Biggie’s lyrical prowess. Smalls’ debut album Ready To Die was the first release on Diddy’s Bad Boy record label, and its runaway success propelled Combs and his entire roster into the national spotlight. Combs famously flipped The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” into a star-studded tribute single “I’ll Be Missing You” in the wake of Biggie’s death. On the 20th anniversary, he’s going above and beyond yet again to honor his fallen friend.
#wemissyouBIG pic.twitter.com/OrgrhOyVXl
โ Sean Diddy Combs (@diddy) March 9, 2017
“For us, we lived 20 years of our lives without somebody that has been a big part of our lives, that has basically been responsible for the legend of our careers,” he said in the clip. “He’s fed a lot of families, made a lot of people dance, made a lot of people feel good. On this day, we’re gonna reflect on him because we miss him. Twenty years later, time heals all wounds, but this wound ain’t healed yet.”
Combs also posted other videos talking about the late legend’s life and encouraged others to share via the hashtag #WeMissYouBIG.
https://twitter.com/diddy/status/839736914412449792
https://twitter.com/diddy/status/839879992909697024
https://twitter.com/diddy/status/839892191631790080
R&B singer and Biggie’s widow Faith Evans posted a photo of the rapper when he was just Christopher Wallace.
Some rappers shared their favorite Biggie verses:
https://twitter.com/diddy/status/839840222858854401
https://twitter.com/diddy/status/839854742822092800
https://twitter.com/MikillPane/status/839807104835813376
Rick Ross talked to BET about the rapper’s timelessness.
The Notorious B.I.G's wit and skills are timeless, just ask @rickyrozay! Share your love for #Biggie w/ us using #BIGGIE20! ๐๐พ pic.twitter.com/iFx36EEwoy
— BET (@BET) March 9, 2017
The tributes even extended to The Grey Lady.
Biggie, the Notorious B.I.G., was killed 20 years ago today. Here in Hip Hop Brooklyn, this is always a day of mourningโฆ #biggie20years pic.twitter.com/eL5stL8xcF
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) March 9, 2017
And countless fans — famous and otherwise — shared art, images and lyrics to honor Biggie’s life.
Armed and dangerous
Ain't too many can bang with us
Straight up weed no angel dust#WeMissYouBIG #RIPBIG pic.twitter.com/rM2zs9Uhb2— Binmaster Reggie (@TheMaroonV) March 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/famzmozo/status/839800953880592386
Still #RIPBIG …. can't believe it's been 20years… ๐ pic.twitter.com/iqcokbITMi
— Twiztid (@tweetmesohard) March 9, 2017
"…cause the greatest rapper alive died on March 9th" – @Therealkiss #RIPBig #BiggieSmallsIsTheIllest #NotoriousBIG pic.twitter.com/HdGQPuGMMB
— Street Laced DJs (@StreetLacedDJs) March 9, 2017
March 9th. #RIPBig pic.twitter.com/eMigltclvv
— Porsha (@CherchezLaPorsh) March 9, 2017
When your two favs are in one picture. LEGENDARY. ICONIC. #wemissyouBIG #BIG20 ๐๐ฝ pic.twitter.com/DMTOwbuzu9
— LA LA (@lala) March 9, 2017
RIP Biggie.