When it comes to people who changed hip-hop, Biggie Smalls is at the top of the list. Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G. and born Christopher Wallace, entered the music scene in 1992 and grew to fame within the rap genre after signing with Sean Comb’s Bad Boy Records. He followed up with his debut studio album, “Ready to Die” in 1994, which included platinum singles “Juicy” and “Big Poppa.” This album made Smalls a staple of the East Coast hip-hop scene and made New York a competitor to the booming West Coast scene.

In 1995, Smalls debuted his protégé group, Junior M.A.F.I.A. with their debut album, “Conspiracy.” This group helped to put other rising hip-hop stars on the map and helped launch the solo career of Lil’ Kim. Smalls’ burgeoning career was unfortunately cut short when he was shot and killed in a drive-by in Los Angeles in March 1997. He was in the midst of promoting his second and final album, “Life After Death,” which debuted just two weeks later. This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified diamond (11X platinum). This album included many platinum singles, including “Hypnotize,” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.” It also featured many famous collaborations, including features with Sean Combs, Jay-Z, 112, Lil’ Kim, R. Kelly, Too Short and D.M.C.

In honor of Smalls’ impressive legacy, take a look at 30 phenomenal tattoos from talented tattooers around the world. Then let us know your all-time favorite Biggie Smalls’ song in the comments section on social media.