Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., was a highly influential rapper and a major figure in the hip-hop community: 
Unique style
Biggie's distinctive flow, intricate wordplay, and vivid storytelling set him apart from other rappers. 
Real stories
Biggie's music was often semi-autobiographical, telling stories of poverty, crime, and street life. 
Impact on the hip-hop scene
Biggie's music has influenced many people around the world, including Kendrick Lamar. He set the bar high for future rap artists and restored the New York rap scene during a time when West Coast hip hop was dominating. 
Worldwide success
Biggie became a worldwide success and won the 1995 Billboard Music Awards' Rapper of the Year. 
Legacy
Biggie's legacy continues to shape the hip-hop genre long after his passing. In 2022, Rolling Stone named Ready to Die the greatest hip-hop album of all time.