Senate Resolution No. 2144

BY: Senator MYRIE

CELEBRATING the life and legacy of the late
Christopher George Latore Wallace on March 9, 2022,
the 25th Anniversary of his death

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
celebrate the life and legacy of the late Christopher George Latore
Wallace on the 25th Anniversary of his death; and

WHEREAS, A man of colossal talent, Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. "The
Notorious B.I.G." was an American rapper and songwriter also known as
"Biggie Smalls", "Big Poppa" or "Big"; he was murdered when he was just
24 years old, yet he is one of the most revered, emulated and
biggest-selling rappers in the game; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 21, 1972, and raised in Brooklyn, New York,
Christopher Wallace released his debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994
after signing with Bad Boy Records; the album, which included his
signature songs "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," made him a central figure in
the East Coast hip-hop scene and increased New York's visibility in the
genre at a time when West Coast hip-hop was dominant in the mainstream;
and

WHEREAS, The following year, Christopher Wallace led his childhood
friends to chart success through his protege group, Junior M.A.F.I.A.;
while recording his second album, he became involved in the growing East
Coast/West Coast hip hop feud; and

WHEREAS, The Notorious B.I.G. died on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles,
California; his double-album "Life After Death", released just 16 days
later, reached number one on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieved a
diamond certification in the United States; and

WHEREAS, With two more posthumous albums released, The Notorious
B.I.G. has certified sales of over 28 million copies in the United
States, including 21 million albums; and

WHEREAS, Revered as the greatest rapper who ever lived by Rolling
Stone, The Notorious B.I.G. was also named the greatest rapper of all
time by Billboard magazine; The Source magazine named him the greatest
rapper of all time in its 150th issue, and in 2006, MTV ranked him at
No. 3 on their list of The Greatest MCs of All Time, calling him
possibly "the most skillful ever on the mic"; furthermore, in 2020, he
was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, The Notorious B.I.G.'s dedication to his music leaves an
indelible legacy of inspiration which will long endure the passage of

time and will remain as a comforting memory to his family, friends and
countless fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and legacy of the late Christopher George Latore
Wallace on the 25th Anniversary of his death; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Christopher George Latore Wallace.