12 Rappers Who Were Influenced By The Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie was only able to release two albums before his life was tragically cut short, but in that time he made a name for himself as one of the best rappers of all time. With his ability to rhyme like no other while perfectly controlling his flow to fit the beat, Biggie brought East Coast rappers into the limelight. With so many rappers in the game crediting Biggie for getting them into the industry, it's easy to see how great he was in shaping rap for the new millennium

1. Jay Z

Jay actually went to high school with Biggie, battle rapping on the streets of Brooklyn at a young age

2. Lil' Kim

Kim met Biggie when she was in high school, and he helped her rise to fame by promoting her Junior M.A.F.I.A. group

3. Lil' Cease

Biggie frequently dropped Lil' Cease's name, helping the Junior M.A.F.I.A. member reach new heights in the industry

4. Sean "Diddy" Combs

Diddy signed Biggie to his Bad Boy Label, helping Diddy to reach new heights in the rap world

5. Shyne

Shyne was signed by Bad Boy Records, and his first single "Bad Boyz" sounded so much like Biggie that many thought it was an unreleased single from the departed rapper

6. 50 Cent

50 Cent used a Biggie verse on "Realist N***as," which would be featured on the Bad Boys II soundtrack. The song would go on to be a hit on New York radio stations

7. Lil Wayne

The ways Wayne brings it in his lyrics are reminiscent of Biggie when he was coming into his own, as his brash style and lyrical dexterity are very similar to Biggie

8. Cam'ron

Biggie was so impressed by Cam'ron that he introduced him to his partner Lance "Un" Rivera, who signed him to his Untertainment label

9. Jadakiss

Jadakiss became good friends with Biggie after his group, the LOX, signed with Bad Boy Records

10. Tupac

Their relationship started off as a friendly rivalry between east and west, helping both rappers rise to new heights as they pushed each other

11. Mase

Collaborating with Biggie on "Mo Money Mo Problems," Mase would eventually rise to the top of Bad Boy upon Biggie's death

12. Eminem

Eminem is one of the best freestyle rappers ever, but even he couldn't outshine Biggie on "Dead Wrong" when the two came together

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