The Ballad of Biggie Smalls

He was a young boy, living on streets of pain

Bed-Stuy Brooklyn — he grew up selling crack cocaine

And like an outlaw, he went by several names

‘Til he turned from the running to the word


It didn’t take long for the word to get around

The ladies loved him — they loved to hear the fat man lay it down

He wore a Homburg and a pound of gold chain

Drivin’ by in his black Range Rover

Flyin’ high on his fame


Tupac’s tattoos told the story of a family torn

In his mama’s womb, he was in jail before he was born

The Shakur legend made him a wanted man

So he learned to stand his ground and not back down


It didn’t take long for the word to get around

He turned it to money and he headed for tinsletown

Suge Knight showed him where his fortune could be found

& Compton blood mixed with the flowing green

Together they were kings of the California scene


(solo and modulation)


Biggie knew him — they had met once or twice

They both liked egg crèmes & hated Vanilla Ice

Tupac told him "Fame is a sacrifice"

They were bad boys strollin’ down death row


When Tupac bought it, Biggie knew he was next in line

He told his homies "Hey G — it’s closing time"

He took a stab at a few final words

Then he stepped off the soul train into the L.A. night

Shots were fired and he lay there dyin’

He cried "Carry me back to Bed Stuy"