The enduring career of Jay-Z provides a fascinating case study for music historians. With nearly 40 years in the industry, he has not only remained relevant but has also transformed his role from a rapper to a prominent business mogul and even a film executive. Critics, however, have speculated about how his trajectory might differ if the legendary Notorious B.I.G. were still alive today.
In response to such critiques, Jay-Z featured on the track “Neck & Wrist”alongside Pusha T and Pharrell Williams in 2022, delivering powerful lines that addressed the speculation:
They like, “If B.I.G. was alive,
Hov wouldn’t be in his position”
If B.I.G. had survived
Y’all would’ve got The Commission
Hov was gon’ always be Hov
It ’twas the universe’s will
‘Cause Allah said so
And now I’m here
While Jay-Z asserts that his success would likely not have changed had Biggie been alive, the mention of The Commission piques interest—many fans are unaware of this envisioned supergroup featuring Jay-Z and B.I.G.
What Was The Commission? A Look at Jay-Z & Biggie’s Supergroup
More Than Just Two Icons
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Before they became legends, Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G. shared a serendipitous connection as high school students at Westinghouse High School. Although they were merely casual acquaintances at the time, their paths would soon collide again as they entered the music scene.
Post-graduation, Jay-Z found his footing with Roc-A-Fella Records, while B.I.G. established himself as a superstar under Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. Their opportunities to reconnect at industry events led to a renewed friendship, and Biggie became instrumental in encouraging a collaboration that culminated in Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest.”
This collaboration marked the early stages of their aspirations for a group called The Commission. In “What’s Beef,”Biggie alluded to this collective, naming potential members:
The Commission:
Uncle Paulie
P. Diddy
Cease-Aleo DeGenero
Charli Baltimore
Iceberg Slim
The most shady, Frankie Baby
We here
In an interview, Charli Baltimore mentioned that although The Commission was in its nascent stages before Biggie’s tragic passing, it likely would not have been associated with Bad Boy Records. According to Dame Dash, Biggie had plans to complete three albums with Diddy, after which he intended to collaborate with Jay-Z and other members of The Commission.
Why Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G. Are Frequently Compared
Parallel Lives, Parallel Music
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The Commission remains an intriguing “what if”scenario as its members never fully explored their musical direction together. The comparisons between Jay-Z and B.I.G. arise primarily due to their prominent positions in discussions surrounding the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T) in hip-hop. While Biggie’s discography is limited, he is still regarded as a top contender.
Critics and fans alike often speculate how Jay-Z would represent the East Coast sound if Biggie were still with us. Their shared backgrounds and similar narratives contribute to the ongoing dialogues about their legacies. Despite the differences in their trajectories, they both encapsulate the essence of East Coast hip-hop.
Could Jay-Z Have Achieved His Success with Biggie Alive?
Most Likely, More or Less
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Speculating whether Jay-Z would enjoy the same level of success if Biggie were alive poses a challenging question. It invites discussion about whether Biggie, who had immense talent, would have reached billionaire status similar to Jay-Z’s. However, success for Jay-Z extends beyond his musical career; his savvy investments and business strategies have significantly contributed to his wealth.
Nonetheless, addressing the central query posed by critics, it is reasonable to conclude that Jay-Z would still experience substantial success. While his positioning as the preeminent figure in contemporary rap may have been challenged with Biggie’s presence, the emergence of The Commission would have likely catalyzed the success of both artists. Their combined star power would have elevated each other, ensuring that both remained influential forces in the music industry.
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