February, 1997. I was leaving school when somebody from the office told me that I had a phone call. It was Wendy White, the video promotions person at Arista Records. Up to this point, my TV show, 'Freak It Wit Da Fellaz', was mainly a comedic show with skits mocking pop culture. I had inquired about getting music video service a few weeks back so I could add another dimention to the show. Wendy told me that she had seen the copy of the show I sent her, thought it was really funny, and wanted to know if I was interested in attending the Life After Death advanced listening session. Come again?! After bugging out for a moment, I somehow found the strength to utter out the word "yes."
When I got there, I noticed instantly that I was an outcast. Here I am, a lil’ pale-ass teen amongst writers for various respected publications such as the Source and Vibe magazine. All of a sudden, I look behind me and low & behold, it’s Biggie. Yes, THE Biggie. I had become an instant fan of his since the first time I saw Juicy on 'Video Music Box'. I loved the song so much, I went to the Wiz (a shitty version of Best Buy that’s no longer in business) and copped the cassette single. When his debut album, 'Ready To Die' dropped, I remember sitting on the cold floor of my room, right next to my boombox, listening to the whole album carefully. Damn... it was like a movie... a true journey through his struggles & victories. To this day, it’s the best hip-hop album I’ve ever heard. And there he was in person, hobbling into the room on crutches, still recovering from a car accident he had been in. Those who know me can testify, throughout all the interviews I've done (and I've interviewed some heavy hitters), I'm hardly ever starstruck. Well, that day I was STARSTRUCK. Keep in mind, up to this point I hadn't met or done any interviews with any rappers or entertainers. Look who ended up being the first.
After we all sat and heard B.I.G.’s amazing sophomore double CD, there was a photo opportunity with the big guy. I observed closely as Biggie mean mugged in every picture he took, regardless of who he was with. That was far from my persona but I didn’t wanna be the fool who was cheesing while an angry-looking Biggie was next to me. When it was my turn, I didn’t know what to do. At the last moment, I made this horrific expression trying to look angry and ended up looking like a complete dork in the process. It didn’t help that the camera flash bounced off my skin, making me look even paler than I really was. Not a good look, dude. But I wouldn’t trade it in for the world.
On March 9th, 1997, the world lost a hip-hop legend. In his prime. One of the few rappers that would crack both my "top 10 rappers of all-time" and "top 10 favorite rappers ever" lists. We’ll always love Big Poppa.
Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G.
May 21, 1972 - March 9, 1997
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