Unsigned Hype: The Notorious B.I.G. & The Hitman 50 Grand

There is one artist discovery that The Source will always be patting themselves on the back over. After a three month pause, Unsigned Hype kicked out 1992 in a big way with the feature of The Notorious B.I.G. and The Hitman 50 Grand. What's crazy about this is that this appearance was the definitive beginning of Biggie's career, as aspiring music manager and then-executive at Uptown Records Sean Combs found him from this very column.

Biggie's simple rap beginnings are detailed perfectly in his Unsigned Hype write-up, as his demo tape was recorded using two turntables, a microphone and a tape deck. He didn't even use actual original instrumentals; instead his DJ 50 Grand uses a "couple classic breaks and instrumentals" to "let B.I.G. do what he had to do: he ripped shit". Biggie not only didn't use original tracks, but also only performs freestyle raps. The write-up spawns the most quintessential Biggie description ever: "His rhymes are fatter than he is."

Adopted by Combs, Biggie spent the rest of 1992 making appearances on R&B records by Neneh Cherry and Mary J. Blige. In 1993, he appeared on a record by Super Cat, before appearing on a remix of Toni Braxton. Then, in 1994, Biggie dropped Ready to Die, an album immediately heralded a classic, and rightfully so. Biggie's come-up was ridiculously quick, and went from an unknown recording on a tape deck to releasing one of the greatest hip hop albums ever in the span of two years.

As for 50 Grand, he never went on to release any music commercially. He does have a great appearance in the Stretch & Bobbito radio documentary where he listens to Big's freestyle and mouths every lyric, which is a dope scene.

Pre-1994 discography
1992: "Buddy X (Remix)" - Neneh Cherry feat. The Notorious B.I.G.
1992: "Real Love (Hip Hop Mix)" - Mary J. Blige feat. The Notorious B.I.G.
1993: "Leave a Message (Remix)"* - Mary J. Blige feat. "Buttnaked" Tim Dawg, K-Ci, Martin Lawrence, The Notorious B.I.G. & Sean Combs
1993: "What's the 411? (Remix)" - Mary J. Blige feat. The Notorious B.I.G.
1993: "Dolly My Baby (Bad Boy Extended Mix)" - Super Cat feat. Mary J. Blige, 3rd Eye, The Notorious B.I.G. & Sean "Puffy" Combs

* - Not an actual song: just the featured artists leaving messages on Blige's answering machine.