I Got A Story To Tell Biggie Anthony Mason
The Notorious B.I.G. and his connection to basketball
The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was a legendary rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with his debut album "Ready to Die" and became one of the most influential figures in hip hop history. But what many people don't know is that Biggie had a strong connection to basketball, particularly the New York Knicks.
As a kid, Biggie dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. He played regularly in his neighborhood and even earned the nickname "The Black Frank White" after Christopher Walken's character in the movie "King of New York." However, his lack of height and talent prevented him from pursuing a career in basketball.
Despite this, Biggie remained a huge fan of the sport and often incorporated basketball references in his lyrics. He even became friends with several NBA players, including Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson.
The story behind "I Got A Story To Tell"
One of Biggie's most famous songs, "I Got A Story To Tell," tells the story of a night when he had an affair with a woman who was dating a New York Knicks player. The identity of the player was never revealed, but many people believe it was Anthony Mason.
Mason was a power forward for the Knicks in the early 1990s and was known for his tough, physical style of play. He was a fan favorite and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in 1994. Mason was also known for his off-court antics and was rumored to have had affairs with several women, including the one in Biggie's song.
The lyrics of "I Got A Story To Tell" describe a night when Biggie went to the woman's apartment and was surprised to find her boyfriend coming home early. Biggie hid in the closet while the boyfriend and his friends discussed robbing him. The song ends with Biggie escaping through a window and driving away in the boyfriend's car.
Although the story in the song is likely fictional, it has become one of Biggie's most iconic tracks and is often cited as an example of his storytelling abilities.
The legacy of Biggie and Anthony Mason
Both Biggie and Mason tragically passed away in the late 1990s. Biggie was shot and killed in Los Angeles in 1997, while Mason died of heart failure in 2015. However, their legacies continue to live on.
Biggie is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and has influenced countless artists in the years since his death. His music continues to be celebrated and studied by fans and scholars alike.
Mason, meanwhile, is remembered as one of the toughest and most colorful players in Knicks history. He was a fan favorite and remains beloved by many New York basketball fans.
The connection between Biggie and Mason is just one example of the deep ties between hip hop and basketball. Both cultures emerged from the streets of New York in the 1970s and have influenced each other ever since.
Today, hip hop and basketball remain intertwined, with many rappers and players citing each other as sources of inspiration. And while Biggie and Mason may no longer be with us, their contributions to these cultures will never be forgotten.