Read blog on Notorious BIG

The year was 1994. I was an administrative assistant for D.T.C., a brokerage firm in downtown N.Y.C. This was when HIP-HOP was at its efflorescence, and working on Wall St. was F.L.Y.! I became cool with a few of my coworkers, but I hit it off with one girl in particular. She was a customer service representative...

One day in the ladies' room, I remember we were both standing in the mirror, and I asked her, "What do you use on your skin"? It looks great! "She replied Mint Julep by Queen Helene," and then she said, I will bring you a jar. I didn't think she was serious, but the next day, she handed me the BIGGEST jar of Mint Julep, and from that day, we hit it off and became good friends…

The woman I met in the office bathroom became one of the most prominent female rap artists to date. Kimberly Denise Jones, better known as Lil Kim. Later that year, Kim signed with record label Udeas Entertainment, capping off what was to become one of her generation's best female rap artists. Not only did Lil Kim find solo success, but she was also part of the rap group Junior Mafia; the late great Notorious Biggie Smalls also founded them.

During this electrifying time, Lil Kim and I spent a lot of time together; because of my friendship with Kim, I had the chance to be amongst the greatest lyricists ever to grace the mic, the ever-so-daring Biggie Smalls.

I remember Kim and I traveling to Negrils on 23rd street in New York just to get Biggie one of his favorite Jamaican dishes, Oxytails, and beef patties. We had many great times and free-styling in studios such as Daddy's House, the Quads, and the ever-so-famous Hit Factory. Listening to the creativity that spewed from Biggie's mouth was a rare art form lost in today's rappers. On this day, March 9th, 2017, it will be the 20th anniversary of the death of the great Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie's presence was larger than life; his audaciousness, tenacity, and storytelling are unparalleled. Kim had a squad, and yes, I was part of that squad, as Biggie called us, the Gabana girls. As time passed, I became close to two Gabbana Girls, Shaka Don and her sister Mo Betta.

The times we had and the memories we shared will always and forever resonate in my life. I wouldn't change anything about that time in my life. Big Poppa elevated the rap game with his dope lyrics and game-changing persona. Friendships were created and memories everlasting; only the test of time will outlast what I have stored in my heart and soul.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious BIG, Biggie Smalls, Big Poppa. The greatest storyteller of all time!

We'll ALWAYS love BIG Poppa~

May 21, 1972 - March 9, 1997 R.I.P

Kim, Big, and Missy Loo