Today marks what would have been the 44th birthday of late Hip Hop icon the Notorious B.I.G.
Although Biggie’s untimely death certainly left a void in Hip Hop and the music industry as whole that can never truly be filled, the legacy he left behind through his music has lived on for over 20 years and counting.
In celebration of his birthday today, here’s a look at 9 of his most memorable collaborations with some of Hip Hop & R&B’s favorite ladies.
Notorious B.I.G. feat. Faith Evans & Mary J. Blige – One More Chance
An undisputed classic in Biggie’s catalogue, this smooth collabo saw Big team up with Bad Boy first lady Faith Evans with a subtle assist from the reigning queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. Add in one of the most star-studded music videos to date and the rest was history.
Notorious B.I.G. feat Lil Kim (Junior M.A.F.I.A.) – Get Money
Another classic Hip Hop staple, Big and Kim’s insane verses over this Sylvia Striplin sample were like any other back then and have yet to be matched even today.
Total feat. Notorious B.I.G. – Can’t You See (Remix)
Diddy and the Hitmen struck gold with this hard-hitting production that heard the Bad Boy divas of Total do what they do best behind a classic Big intro verse.
Mary J. Blige feat. Notorious B.I.G. – Real Love (Remix)
The original version of Mary’s “Real Love” was an instant fan-favorite on its’ own, so when she dropped this remix with a fire verse from Big, it was a done deal all over again.
Lil Kim feat. Notorious B.I.G – “Drugs”
The second Kim and Big collabo on our list, Kim took the lead with ease while Big chimed in with an infections chorus for this hidden gem from her debut album Hardcore.
Ashanti feat. Notorious B.I.G. – Unfoolish
When Ashanti sample Biggie’s “One More Chance” on her debut single “Foolish,” it was only fitting that the song’s remix feature a verse from one of Big’s most notorious collaborations.
Missy Elliot feat. Notorious B.I.G. – Ultimate Rush
The “Biggie Duets” album (officially titled Duets: The Final Chapter) was one of many true testaments to the way Big’s legacy continues to live on through his music and this Missy Elliot-assisted track featuring a sample of his infamous chorus from Lil Kim’s “Drugs” single was the perfect addition to the collection.
Da Brat feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Jermaine Dupri – Da B Side
Da Brat and Biggie both dropped their debut albums in the same year and when they teamed up for this little known collaboration from the Bad Boys movie soundtrack, it was a truly a moment.
Monica feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Missy Elliot – Everything To Me (Remix)
Monica’s “Everything To Me” ballad was an instant R&B hit and given her love for Hip Hop, adding in a Big verse for the remix was the natural next step.
Nicki Minaj – Warning Freestyle
A bonus on our list that doesn’t actually feature any verses from Big , a young Nicki flipped the script over an instrumental version of Big’s infamous hood anthem “Warning” to make it her own as only she could.
Be sure to catch up on everything you missed from our weekly Saturday Soundtrack series HERE and check back next week for more new and classic tunes from the ladies of Hip Hop & R&B.
