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Back to Biggie's 15-Year Death Anniversary

Chiddy Bang

Gino DePinto

Biggie was a rare talent. He was able to cross over into mainstream success without dumbing himself down. He was a great storyteller and would bring you on a journey through his songs. Listening to him was like watching a mini movie in your mind. He was a huge inspiration to a whole generation of rappers and his music lives on through those of us who were fans. What's crazy is I'm actually good friends with his daughter who lives near me in Pennsylvania.

He was larger than life literally and figuratively. For a big guy he was a superstar -- he owned his looks and made them a positive instead of a negative. That's what they call swag. The sound of his voice was also very unique and that was like his instrument. You knew it was Biggie instantly. He just made his own lane. When most other rappers were "grimy" at the time, he was dressing fly wearing designer brands and all that. I'd say he was probably the first rapper to really set off the whole luxury movement in hip-hop.