The Notorious B.I.G.: 12 Music Acts and Producers Biggie Would Record With Today
Christopher Wallace was taken away from us on March 9, 1997. But rather than present a mournful recollection of his musical impact, the following is a celebration of life, a celebration of what could have been. Throughout his brief, but history-making time in the spotlight, the Notorious B.I.G. flexed his diverse talents with everyone from Mary J. Blige and R. Kelly to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Too Short. But if Biggie were still with us today, who would he collaborate with? Who would bring the best out of the gifted lyricist?
VIBE has put together a list of 12 music artists and producers that would have made beautiful music with the Brooklyn, New York legend. Indeed, we’ll always love Big Poppa.
VIBE has put together a list of 12 music artists and producers that would have made beautiful music with the Brooklyn, New York legend. Indeed, we’ll always love Big Poppa.
Kendrick Lamar
Song Title: “From BK To Compton”
No, the early 90’s East Coast/West Coast feud was not the sole reason for the tragic, untimely deaths of Biggie and Tupac. But the regional beef still managed to poison hip-hop’s atmosphere. Which is why the what-if scenario of Biggie sharing the studio booth with the hottest Los Angeles MC to spit since Snoop first asked fans “What’s my name?” is indeed a cool premise. The clever, lyrical wordplay alone between the rhyme icon and Compton newcomer would have been rewind worthy.
Song Title: “From BK To Compton”
No, the early 90’s East Coast/West Coast feud was not the sole reason for the tragic, untimely deaths of Biggie and Tupac. But the regional beef still managed to poison hip-hop’s atmosphere. Which is why the what-if scenario of Biggie sharing the studio booth with the hottest Los Angeles MC to spit since Snoop first asked fans “What’s my name?” is indeed a cool premise. The clever, lyrical wordplay alone between the rhyme icon and Compton newcomer would have been rewind worthy.
Adele (produced by The Black Keys)
Song Title: “Darkness Before The Light”
From Mary J. Blige and Faith Evans to Kelly Price, Christopher Wallace shined brightly with powerful female vocalists. But if B.I.G. were here today a true curve pitch would be in order. And Adele has the pipes to pull it off. Know this. The acclaimed Grammy-winning darling has professed her love for hip-hop several times during interviews. So combining the highest selling artist of 2012 with one of the most transcendent success stories in rap history makes for an inspired pairing. Adding the Black Keys bluesy tandem of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney adds a raw layer to this unlikely union. Check out the Keys’ 2009 collaborative work Blakroc featuring a bevy of rap standouts that included the likes of Ludacris, Mos Def , and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard and let your imagination run wild.
Song Title: “Darkness Before The Light”
From Mary J. Blige and Faith Evans to Kelly Price, Christopher Wallace shined brightly with powerful female vocalists. But if B.I.G. were here today a true curve pitch would be in order. And Adele has the pipes to pull it off. Know this. The acclaimed Grammy-winning darling has professed her love for hip-hop several times during interviews. So combining the highest selling artist of 2012 with one of the most transcendent success stories in rap history makes for an inspired pairing. Adding the Black Keys bluesy tandem of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney adds a raw layer to this unlikely union. Check out the Keys’ 2009 collaborative work Blakroc featuring a bevy of rap standouts that included the likes of Ludacris, Mos Def , and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard and let your imagination run wild.
Meek Mill (produced by Mike Will Made It)
Song Title: “Black & Ugly As Ever”
There’s a lot that goes into being a successful MC. But having an indelible, standout voice still reigns as the trump card. And Philadelphia’s Meek Mill has one of the most recognizable voices in the game today. Combine the MMG rapper’s manic, attack-dog vocals with Biggie’s frantic “Gimme The Loot” era tone and you would have one ridiculously hype tag-team.
Song Title: “Black & Ugly As Ever”
There’s a lot that goes into being a successful MC. But having an indelible, standout voice still reigns as the trump card. And Philadelphia’s Meek Mill has one of the most recognizable voices in the game today. Combine the MMG rapper’s manic, attack-dog vocals with Biggie’s frantic “Gimme The Loot” era tone and you would have one ridiculously hype tag-team.
Nicki Minaj
Song Title: “A Barbie And B.I.G. Thing”
Okay, okay…the Lil Kim nods are sure to come up. Certainly Queen Bee and Mr. Wallace were the ultimate Bonnie & Clyde. Their chemistry was flawless as by now the explosive pairs’ collaborations have become classics: “Players Anthem,” “Queen Bitch,” and “Get Money.” Of course, Nicki has charted her own path in a more pop-leaning direction. But don’t get it twisted. The same “mixtape” Nicki Minaj that brought it on two-fisted joints like “I Am Your Leader” and the French Montana dancehall workout “Freaks” could have sparred with Big Poppa.
Song Title: “A Barbie And B.I.G. Thing”
Okay, okay…the Lil Kim nods are sure to come up. Certainly Queen Bee and Mr. Wallace were the ultimate Bonnie & Clyde. Their chemistry was flawless as by now the explosive pairs’ collaborations have become classics: “Players Anthem,” “Queen Bitch,” and “Get Money.” Of course, Nicki has charted her own path in a more pop-leaning direction. But don’t get it twisted. The same “mixtape” Nicki Minaj that brought it on two-fisted joints like “I Am Your Leader” and the French Montana dancehall workout “Freaks” could have sparred with Big Poppa.
Tyler The Creator
Song Title: “Bodies In The Attic”
It sounds strange. But the same Versace shade rocking, pink-gator wearing, and Moet sipping Notorious B.I.G. would have been right at home with the bratty, underground, skateboarding, wildin’-out Odd Future crew. Before P. Diddy helped transform Biggie into an American idol, he was a hardcore contributor to what would later evolve into the backpacker hip-hop scene of the late 90s. He got as much satisfaction hearing his music played on commercial radio as he did getting a co-sign from rap’s respected, subterranean gatekeepers Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito. And more importantly, B.I.G. could get as gloriously demented as Tyler. Proof? Peep “Suicidal Thoughts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QW-V8O6f-U).”
Song Title: “Bodies In The Attic”
It sounds strange. But the same Versace shade rocking, pink-gator wearing, and Moet sipping Notorious B.I.G. would have been right at home with the bratty, underground, skateboarding, wildin’-out Odd Future crew. Before P. Diddy helped transform Biggie into an American idol, he was a hardcore contributor to what would later evolve into the backpacker hip-hop scene of the late 90s. He got as much satisfaction hearing his music played on commercial radio as he did getting a co-sign from rap’s respected, subterranean gatekeepers Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito. And more importantly, B.I.G. could get as gloriously demented as Tyler. Proof? Peep “Suicidal Thoughts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QW-V8O6f-U).”
Kanye West
Song Title: “Ashy To Classy”
As the song goes, Kanye West’s big brother (Jay-Z) was B.I.G.’s brother. So on paper ‘Ye jumping on a track with the rhyme heavyweight is intriguing. And as an extra bonus West could supply the same dusty, soulful production that made him a studio deity during The Blueprint era. #NOBRAINER.
Song Title: “Ashy To Classy”
As the song goes, Kanye West’s big brother (Jay-Z) was B.I.G.’s brother. So on paper ‘Ye jumping on a track with the rhyme heavyweight is intriguing. And as an extra bonus West could supply the same dusty, soulful production that made him a studio deity during The Blueprint era. #NOBRAINER.
The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Song Title: “Love This Life”
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League has been the go-to production team for some of Rick Ross’ most acclaimed work. But while the Miami rapper has been compared the most to Biggie, there’s nothing like the real thing. The bombastic, majestic style of the League seemingly fits Biggie like a pair of comfortable Gucci loafers.
Song Title: “Love This Life”
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League has been the go-to production team for some of Rick Ross’ most acclaimed work. But while the Miami rapper has been compared the most to Biggie, there’s nothing like the real thing. The bombastic, majestic style of the League seemingly fits Biggie like a pair of comfortable Gucci loafers.
Drake
Song Title: “Started From The Bottom” (Official Remix)
Don’t laugh. With everyone and their mama rocking over the Toronto rapper’s rags-to-riches tale, it’s not impossible to envision Biggie smashing this omnipresent radio hit.
Song Title: “Started From The Bottom” (Official Remix)
Don’t laugh. With everyone and their mama rocking over the Toronto rapper’s rags-to-riches tale, it’s not impossible to envision Biggie smashing this omnipresent radio hit.
Jeezy
Song Title: “The Hustler’s Prayer”
Once again, it’s all about the voice. And Jeezy’s bruising, sandpaper vox seems tailored made for Biggie’s bluesy tenor. Maybe an older, wiser B.I.G. would have offered some redemptive guidance to the ultimate southern Trap Star.
Song Title: “The Hustler’s Prayer”
Once again, it’s all about the voice. And Jeezy’s bruising, sandpaper vox seems tailored made for Biggie’s bluesy tenor. Maybe an older, wiser B.I.G. would have offered some redemptive guidance to the ultimate southern Trap Star.
Joey Badass
Song Title: “Spread Love, That’s The Brooklyn Way”
The Notorious B.I.G. was known to give some heavy support to the hometown team. Enter 18-year-old Flatbush, Brooklyn spitter Joey Badass who has been deemed the go-to-MC for the trapped-in-the-90’s east coast rap contingent. J.B. is working on his debut with such storied boom-bap producers as DJ Premier, Q-Tip and Pete Rock. There’s no doubt Frank White would have dug the kid.
Song Title: “Spread Love, That’s The Brooklyn Way”
The Notorious B.I.G. was known to give some heavy support to the hometown team. Enter 18-year-old Flatbush, Brooklyn spitter Joey Badass who has been deemed the go-to-MC for the trapped-in-the-90’s east coast rap contingent. J.B. is working on his debut with such storied boom-bap producers as DJ Premier, Q-Tip and Pete Rock. There’s no doubt Frank White would have dug the kid.
