Notorious B.I.G. Was Killed 15 Years Ago Today

Photo by Jim Kiernan

Fifteen years ago today, Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G., was shot and killed while visiting Los Angeles to promote his upcoming album and record a music video for "Hypnotize". Wallace had just left an after party for the 11th Annual Soul Train Music Awards at 12:30 a.m. when he was shot in his car—he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m.

His 1997 murder remains unsolved, but last January the LAPD announced they were actively pursuing leads in his slaying, which was followed by the FBI releasing a 359-page file (released under the Freedom of Information Act) that included all of their information on the case between 1997 and 2005, when it was first closed. Most evidence pointed to former LAPD cop David Mack, who was later working for Suge Knight, and was one of the only people in possession of the "very rare Gecko 9mm armor-piercing ammunition" that killed Biggie. Did we mention a “shrine” to Tupac Shakur was also found in his home? Many believe this may have been an LAPD cover up, as it would have ended in convicting one of their own.

Now let's revisit that amazing video showing Biggie freestyling on the streets of Bed-Stuy when he was 17. This took place at Bedford Avenue near Quincy Street—if you visit today, you'll basically be right in front of Do Or Dine.

While Biggie publicly stated he was from Bed-Stuy, he actually lived at 226 St. James Place in the neighboring Clinton Hill (though as Bed-Stuy Patch points out, that area was considered Bed-Stuy at that time). Last year the Fader put out a pretty comprehensive Biggie tour, which you can find here.