The death of Notorious BIG 15 years later: What if he lived?

Wow, where did that time go? Fifteen years ago I was single, no kids, living in Kansas City,working for the State of Missouri's Division of Youth Services trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I heard the news that Biggie had got shot, I was stunned. Yet, it has been fifteen years and we are no closer to finding his killer. I liked his music because of his beats. Of course I could only handle the radio version. When I would go out and hear the 'unedited' version, I was shocked at some of the language, but I still liked the beat. I do not think that Biggie would still be rapping about the same type of stuff because his lifestyle would have changed. There will never be another Notorious BIG!!!!

It's difficult to imagine what hip-hop might look like, had The Notorious B.I.G. lived. We know what it looks like now, in the wake of his tragic and untimely death at the hands of a still-unknown gunman, but his was such a presence that it completely altered the time he lived in, and undoubtedly would have had a huge impact for many more years.

Rappers have imitated his style, adopted his flow, borrowed his lyrics, and rocked puffy Gucci links, attempting to fill the void the overweight wordsmith left. But, ain't no other kings in this rap thing; Biggie Smalls reigns supreme.

On the 15th anniversary of his passing, it's futile to ask "what if?" We're long past the time of wondering, and must accept the fact that he's truly gone. It is, however, an opportunity to take a look at his legacy and remember just what he meant to hip-hop culture, and the legions of fans that adored him.

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