Notorious B.I.G.: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2020 Inductee
Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious B.I.G. prophesied his short but impactful career with two of hip-hop's most influential albums -- B.I.G. was inducted posthumously as a performer
The 2020 Inductees Revealed - Celebrate the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Newest Inductee Class (2020)Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees Revealed
Welcome to the official Class of 2020 Inductees, presented by partner Ernst & Young. Watch and celebrate the eight newest Inductees including Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G., T. Rex, Jon Landau and Irving Azoff.
Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie Smalls – aka The Notorious B.I.G. – is celebrated as the greatest of his generation. Born Christopher Wallace on May 21, 1972 in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, he earned the nickname “Big” as a teenager. The legacy of his versatile rapping style – laid-back yet hard, complex yet relatable – finds him among the top artists on “Best Rapper” lists and a direct influence on artists like Jay-Z, Eminem and Nicki Minaj.
Notorious B.I.G.'s Sonic History (2020)Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Notorious B.I.G.'s Sonic History, 2020
Get a quick look into why Christopher Wallace aka Notorious B.I.G. was considered a game changer and major influence on rap, hip-hop and ultimately rock & roll. Only on the Rock Hall YouTube channel, check out these quick series clips diving into each Inductee.
Notorious B.I.G. Suit and Hat (c. 1996) by AkubraRock & Roll Hall of Fame
Notorious B.I.G. Suit and Hat, c. 1996
From his lyrical prowess to his to authentic style, Notorious B.I.G. exemplified and defined an era like no other hip-hop artist. He wore this suit in a photoshoot after a near-fatal car crash in 1996.
Notorious B.I.G. Outfit (1996) by Karl Kani and NikeRock & Roll Hall of Fame
Notorious B.I.G. Outfit, 1996
“His remarkably short career didn’t allow him to get wack, even to peak. He was on the ascent when the flow was silenced,” said Kris Ex, writing for XXL magazine in a tribute issue to Notorious B.I.G. in April 2002.
Notorious B.I.G. Outfit, 1996
Biggie was pictured wearing this outfit on the cover of XXL magazine's tribute issue to Notorious B.I.G. in April 2002. The Brooklyn-based rapper and songwriter was killed in 1997 at the age of 24.
Notorious B.I.G. Sunglasses (c. 1996) by VersaceRock & Roll Hall of Fame
Notorious B.I.G. Sunglasses, c. 1996
“Player’s Anthem” solidified Biggie’s taste for the finer things. Versace sunglasses were one of his style trademarks. More than just the music, Notorious B.I.G. was a trailblazer in merging music, culture and high fashion.
Notorious B.I.G. Sunglasses, c. 1996
B.I.G. was praised by Donatella Versace for his immense impact on the fashion world and was one of the first hip-hop stars (along with Tupac Shakur) to attend Versace’s runway show.
Notorious B.I.G. Necklace (c. 1995)Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Notorious B.I.G. Necklace, c. 1995
Notorious B.I.G. was signed to Uptown Records in March 1992 by Sean Combs. His music gave outsiders glimpses into his childhood with his debut single and global hit, “Juicy.”
Notorious B.I.G. Necklace, c. 1995
The loose autobiography of "Juicy" was an account of his rise to top of the hip-hop scene. B.I.G. was the first to rock “the Jesus-piece” necklace which would set the tone for rappers to come. This is one of the many pieces that he wore.
Hall of Fame Series Interview with C.J. Wallace (2020)Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame Series Interview with C.J. Wallace, 2020
A special conversation with B.I.G.'s son, C.J. Wallace. A social entrepreneur, actor and the co-founder of Think BIG/Frank White, Wallace discusses his father's legacy and his own projects with Jason Hanley, the Rock Hall's VP of Education in this Hall of Fame series event.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony CJ and T'yanna Wallace Acceptance Speeches (2020)Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Induction Speeches for Notorious B.I.G., 2020
B.I.G.'s children C.J. and T'yanna Wallace accept on his behalf.
Induction Ceremony Red Carpet with Carrie Keagan (2020)Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
2020 Induction Ceremony Red Carpet with Carrie Keagan
Back for a third time with the 2020 Induction Ceremony red carpet show hosted by Carrie Keagan with a mix of live and pre-recorded interviews from Inductees and special guests.
ROCK HALL EDU Notorious B.I.G. – aka Biggie Smalls – is celebrated as the greatest rapper of his generation. Use the Notorious B.I.G. Collection to explore his sonic storytelling and influence on fashion. The Inductee Insights video is a great tool for introducing your learners to Biggie. Assets like the Kendrick Lamar Activity Pack guide learners in understanding how Biggie's stories and persona influenced the next generation of rappers.
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST Versatile rapping style, infectious beats, and iconic style.
The 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees exhibit was onsite at the Rock Hall from August 14, 2020 to June 14, 2021.
