The Notorious B.I.G.
Awards & Honours
19
Awards Won
4
Honours
5
Rankings
4
Covers
2
Records
The Notorious B.I.G. is consistently ranked among the greatest rappers of all time by major publications. Rolling Stone placed him at No. 3 on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2011. Billboard ranked him No. 1 on its Top 10 Greatest Rappers of All Time in 2015. VH1 named him the greatest rapper on its 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list in 2012. The Source ranked him No. 1 on its Top 50 Lyricists of All Time in 2012. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing his impact on music history. His album Life After Death holds a Guinness World Record as the largest-selling rap album of all time with diamond certification.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
Posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Guinness World Record
Largest-selling rap album of all time (diamond-certified) for Life After Death.
Christopher Wallace Way
A section of Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn was renamed Christopher Wallace Way.
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award for Lifetime Achievement
Posthumous lifetime achievement award.
Rankings & Lists
100 Greatest Artists of All Time
Top 10 Greatest Rappers of All Time
50 Greatest Rappers of All Time
Top 50 Lyricists of All Time
50 Greatest Rappers of All Time
Magazine Covers
Rolling Stone
March 1997
Biggie Smalls: The Last Interview
The Source
November 1994
The Notorious B.I.G.: Ready to Die
Vibe
April 1997
The Notorious B.I.G.: Life After Death
XXL
Summer 1997
The Notorious B.I.G.: The King of New York
Records & Feats
Largest-selling rap album of all time (diamond-certified)
Life After Death became the first rap album to achieve diamond certification by the RIAA, selling over 10 million copies.
First posthumous album to debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200
Life After Death debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after his death, a first for a posthumous rap album.