In an interview, sports commentator and media personality Stephen A. Smith opened up about his admiration for the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., commonly known as Biggie Smalls.
Smith, who is no stranger to expressing strong opinions, did not hold back when discussing Biggie’s impact on the music industry.
During the recent Connect The Dots podcast episode, Smith reminisced about Biggie’s lyrical prowess and the unique sound that set him apart.
“If Biggie were alive today, I think he could be Hov,” he mused in reference to the legendary rapper Jay-Z.
Smith continued: “I’m not sure, though, but I will tell you that his lyrics, along with his music—the sound of it—I gotta give it to Biggie.”
Related stories
Smith’s words resonate with fans who have long debated the hypothetical scenarios surrounding Biggie’s untimely demise. The Brooklyn-born artist, whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was tragically murdered in 1997 at the age of 24. His death left a void in the hip-hop world, and many wonder what heights he could have reached had he lived longer.
The comparison between Biggie and Jay-Z is inevitable. Both artists emerged during the golden era of East Coast hip-hop, and their impact on the genre remains unparalleled. Jay-Z, now a billionaire entrepreneur and cultural icon, has consistently topped charts and influenced generations of artists. His business ventures, philanthropy, and lyrical prowess have solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Yo Gotti hails Jay-Z as inspiration
Meanwhile, American rapper Yo Gotti has been making waves in the music industry for over two decades but is not content with being a successful artist.
He is also a savvy businessman who has diversified his portfolio and invested in various ventures, from sports to restaurants. And he credits Hip Hop mogul Jay-Z for inspiring him to further his education and learn more about the business world.
In an exclusive interview with Forbes, Yo Gotti revealed that watching how Jay-Z has handled himself over the years motivated him to enrol in classes at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, one of the top business schools in the country.
