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Notorious B.I.G.: Ten Years Later

Friday, March 09, 2007

March 9, 2007 -- Don't bug out if you hear back-to-back bangers by Notorious B.I.G. on the radio this morning. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the beloved Brooklyn rapper's death.

Born Christopher Wallace - he was also known professionally as Biggie Smalls - B.I.G. was gunned down in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. He was 24 years old.

The murder remains unsolved.

Instead of lamenting the murder, Boston hip-hoppers plan to celebrate his life today by paying homage to the rhymes he left behind.

"Its not even close for me. He's the greatest MC," said JAMN 94.5 Music Director Geespin, who spent yesterday compiling B.I.G. tracks for an on-air dedication at noon today.

Geespin said he will play his favorite B.I.G. tracks, such as "Warning" and "Brooklyn's Finest" featuring Jay-Z. But he also promises to give hip-hop fans a special treat by spinning live show recordings and rare B-sides obtained from a credible source.

"I just hit up Biggie's DJ, Mister Cee, earlier this week," Geespin said. "Trust me, he's got joints that not a lot of people have heard."

Boston rap promoter Edu Leedz is commemorating B.I.G. by recruiting a lineup of notable New England artists for "A Boston Tribute to Biggie Smalls" at McGann's Pub at North Station tonight.

In addition to B.I.G.-only turntable sets by DJ On&On, Boston rappers including Jaysaun, DL, NoDoz and Jake the Snake will rock the way B.I.G. taught by example.

"Hip-hop's supposed to be fun, and Biggie made it fun," Snake said yesterday.

"Even with all the beef, rap music was a lot less tense back then," he added. "That's the era that I was raised on, so I have to pay my respects."

A new Notorious B.I.G. collection, "Greatest Hits," was released Tuesday by his record label, Bad Boy.

In addition to hits such as "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," it's laden with the posthumously concocted "Running Your Mouth" and "Want That Old Thing Back," which feature Ja Rule and Boston native Ralph Tresvant of New Edition fame.

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