probably has ., who passed away on this date twenty-three years ago. We are celebrating one the greatest voices all time today, highlighting “The What” as , and Puff Daddy is also taking time to tribute his collaborator. Posting a photo the two having a conversation in the studio, Diddy recalled how the legend was actually considering retirement at that stage his career, explaining his thought process.

“Big was the perfect artist,” says Diddy on the throwback picture himself and the rapper. “This candid moment when BIG was having writers block. This only happened to him once. He was talking about retiring. And I’m basically just tell him to stop talking crazy and that he was the greatest all time. Then he went in and made hypnotize!”

“Hypnotize” was the final song released by before his death. It was co-produced by Diddy and went on to become one Big’s most popular records ever. Hearing the context its release makes it all the more special. 

Re-visit the tune below and let us know your favorite Biggie song all time in the comments.