The Notorious B.I.G.: Another Life Too Short
By Maximillian Muhammad
Christopher Wallace (aka B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls), otherwise another young brother riding in the back of the Hertz before his time. Only 24 years old and yet had made a powerful impact with his music and his flow, having worked with Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Bones,Thugs-n-Harmony, Lil' Kim, Mary J.Blige, Faith, among others, and of course, his buddy and boss, Sean "Puffy" Combs. Going to Hollywood, succeeding and being Black was a haven for many. 'Cuz with all the racism here, being a superstar and being Black was subtly pushed more to the back...but not anymore.
Black on Black crime wasn't supposed to happen to Hollywood STAR Negroes? Wrong! After 2Pac, it was just a matter of time. It's not A coast thing but a lack of love for Black selves thing. These artist are being pimped into dissing their own people, talking about fear amongest ourselves. That's self genocide. These artist, B.I.G. and 2Pac, were talented but the desire to die says that the life they portrayed in song was sad. That it had no meaning. I, like many, wonder how long and why still? As Quincy Jones was quoted as saying after hearing B.I.G. was at Number 1: at what cost? Puffy is turning profits at Bad Boy for Arista chief Clive Davis but will Mr.Davis in 10, 15, years or so down the line keep B.I.G.'s family's pockets packed and acknowledge the Man properly? Just as with 2Pac, no witnesses or suspects brought in, and just like in the Hood another Black face laid to rest unsolved.
That used to be the unknown Negro...but have times really changed? The last song on the talented B.I.G.'s album, "Life After Death," is the errie and haunting "You're Nobody till Somebody Kills You." If people would just appreciate life...especially Black folks, 'cuz we do matter. We come in all packages and professions and interests. We deserve better. We deserve growth. We are remembering more...which ensures change. Just like with Girl X in Chicago...our souls matter. We aren't just a phase.