The Notorious B.I.G. Christopher George Latore Wallace ( May 21 , 1972 -- March 9 , 1997 ) , better known by his stage names The Notorious B.I.G. , Biggie , or Biggie Smalls , was an American rapper .
Christopher George Latore Wallace ( May 21 , 1972 -- March 9 , 1997 ) , better known by his stage name , The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls , was an American rapper .