Who Signed Biggie: The Record Label Behind The Notorious B.I.G.

Who Signed Biggie: The Record Label Behind The Notorious B.I.G.

By Marcus Bennett

March 9, 2025 at 08:21 PM

The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was primarily signed to Bad Boy Records, founded by Sean "Diddy" Combs (then known as Puff Daddy). Biggie signed with Bad Boy Records in 1992, marking the beginning of a partnership that would revolutionize hip-hop music.

Bad Boy Records served as Biggie's primary label throughout his entire mainstream career, releasing both of his studio albums: "Ready to Die" (1994) and the posthumous "Life After Death" (1997). The label was responsible for handling his distribution, marketing, and promotion.

While Bad Boy Records was Biggie's main label, it's important to note that the label itself had a distribution deal with Arista Records. This meant that Biggie's music was technically distributed through Arista, though Bad Boy maintained creative control and direct oversight of his career.

The partnership between Biggie and Bad Boy Records proved incredibly successful, with his debut album "Ready to Die" achieving platinum status and establishing both the artist and the label as major forces in the hip-hop industry. The relationship continued until Biggie's untimely death in 1997.

Today, Biggie's musical catalog remains under the control of Bad Boy Records, though the label now operates under different distribution partnerships. His legacy continues to be managed through this label, which has overseen the release of various posthumous albums and compilations.

In summary, Biggie was signed exclusively to Bad Boy Records, with Arista Records handling distribution during his active career. This relationship produced some of hip-hop's most iconic albums and helped establish Bad Boy Records as a powerhouse in the music industry.

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