Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G., aired on A&E in 2017, is a three-hour biographical documentary that takes an intricate, in-depth look into the life and times of Christopher Wallace, popularly known by his stage name Notorious B.I.G. or simply Biggie, who was one of the most influential rappers and iconic figures in the hip-hop community. Through a spellbinding combination of archived footage, newly conducted interviews, narration, and animations, the documentary goes beyond the fame and dives deeply into the shaping and identity of the man beneath the artist – from his Brooklyn roots right up until his untimely demise.

The documentary does an impressive job highlighting Biggie's personal reflections and his journey from a high school dropout turned crack dealer to one of the most recognized and successful rap artists of the 1990s. His upbringing in the rugged and dangerous streets of Brooklyn during the crack-cocaine epidemic serves as a background, helping viewers understand the struggles and aspirations that carved out his ambitious personality and also influenced his brand of storytelling within his music. Instead of solely focusing on the artist and his notorious life, the documentary takes a bold step of shedding light on the socio-political background of the era as well.

One of the things that sets Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. apart from the rest is the clever use of Biggie's songs throughout to paint vivid pictures of his life's happenings. By pairing the lyrics with his life story, viewers gain an appreciation for the raw truth and emotion his music conveyed while deeply resonating with his personal experiences.

Another unique aspect of the documentary is the exclusive interviews with the key figures in Biggie's life. The fact that his mother Voletta Wallace, widow Faith Evans, and close friends like Sean "Diddy" Combs and Lil Kim participated in this project lends a special kind of credibility and authenticity to the storytelling. These interviews serve as a testament to personal stories, anecdotes, love, camaraderie, and even tears that offer an unparalleled look into who Christopher Wallace was as a son, husband, friend, and father.

The documentary also delves into the intricate details surrounding the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry that escalated in the mid-1990s and which notoriously pitted Biggie against fellow rapper Tupac Shakur. Handling this sensitive subject with nuance, it remains neutral and fact-driven rather than sensationalistic. As part of the exploration, they discuss Biggie's growth as an artist, his relationships, the impact the rivalry had on his life, and the circumstances leading up to his tragic assassination at the peak of his career.

One way the documentary stands out is in its storytelling technique. Biggie’s own taped recordings serve as a narrative voice, allowing him to essentially tell his own life story from beyond the grave. This, combined with animated visuals, gives a fresh perspective on his life events from his perspective. It’s a creative way that keeps the viewer engaged and motivated to continue unraveling Biggie's journey.

Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. is a beautifully crafted homage that honors a life complex yet rewarding, that was unfortunately extinguished too soon, but which still echoes loudly in the hip hop community and in the hearts of his fans worldwide. The documentary does an exceptional job of humanizing Biggie, presenting him not just as an influential rapper, but as an individual with dreams, desires, flaws, and fears.

In capturing the essence of his life, dreams, and legacy, "Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G." does an outstanding job of documenting the raw, unfiltered life of a man who rose from the tough streets of Brooklyn to becoming one of the greatest rappers of all time, shedding light on the narrative of a man who led a notoriously significant life, and left an indelible mark on the world. It is indeed an essential watch for Biggie fans, rap and hip hop enthusiasts, and even just those interested in a deeply human tale of struggle, ambition, triumph, and tragedy.