The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, was an influential American rapper in the 1990s who played a significant role in popularizing East Coast hip-hop. With his distinctively relaxed, deliberate delivery and vivid storytelling abilities, he was known for lyrical themes that focused on crime, hardship, and the trials of inner-city life. His most influential works include his debut album "Ready to Die" and the posthumously released "Life After Death." Despite his early death in 1997, The Notorious B.I.G.'s impact on the rap genre continues to be widely recognized and celebrated.