The Notorious B.I.G. — Timeline
Key moments in the life of The Notorious B.I.G..
1972
Born Christopher Wallace on May 21 in Brooklyn, New York
1989
Began selling crack cocaine in Brooklyn; arrested and served time in jail
1991
Released from prison; began pursuing hip-hop career seriously
1992
Signed to Uptown Records as an artist and intern; worked with A&R Sean Combs
1993
Released debut single 'Party and Bullshit' on the Juice soundtrack
1994
Released debut album 'Ready to Die' on Bad Boy Records; achieved critical and commercial success
1995
Won Billboard Music Award; became leading figure in East Coast hip-hop
1997
Released second album 'Life After Death' to widespread acclaim
1997
Shot and killed on March 9 in Los Angeles at age 24; case remains officially unsolved
2000
Posthumous album 'Born Again' released featuring previously unreleased tracks