The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Raekwon

THE RECORD

The moments

1. 1994

   Music industry · disputed account

   Ready to Die’s baby cover becomes the source of a style dispute

   The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut arrives with a baby on its cover. Because Nas’s Illmatic had used a childhood photograph earlier that year, Raekwon and Ghostface later frame Biggie’s concept as part of a broader biting problem. The alleged inspiration remains their interpretation.

   ▶ Read the Biggie, Raekwon and Ghostface lyrical-battle overview
2. 1995

   Diss track · disputed account

   “Shark Niggas (Biters)” makes the criticism explicit

   On Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah use the “Shark Niggas (Biters)” interlude to criticize unnamed artists for copying styles, cover art, and concepts. The record never names Biggie directly, so its target remains an attributed reading.

   “Niggas biting styles and all that... Bite the cover, bite the concept... Be your-fucking-self, man.”Raekwon & Ghostface Killah, “Shark Niggas (Biters)”

   ▶ Listen to “Shark Niggas (Biters)”
3. 1997

   Diss track · disputed account

   “Kick in the Door” is heard as Biggie’s answer to New York critics

   Recorded for Life After Death, Biggie’s DJ Premier-produced track targets multiple rivals. Its bars are widely interpreted as replies to Raekwon, Ghostface, Nas, and Jeru the Damaja, while the precise line-to-target mapping remains contested.

   “Ain't no other kings in this rap thing, they siblings / Nothing but my children.”The Notorious B.I.G., “Kick in the Door”

   ▶ Listen to “Kick in the Door”
4. 1997

   Reconciliation · disputed account

   Raekwon and Ghostface say they clear the air with Biggie in Los Angeles

   In later interviews, Raekwon recalls that he and Ghostface ran into Biggie in Los Angeles days before his death. Raekwon says the three spoke directly, acknowledged one another’s stature, and put the “Shark Niggas” tension behind them. The timing and details are Raekwon’s retrospective account.

   “We saluted him and got that bullshit out the way.”Raekwon, retrospective interview

   ▶ Watch Raekwon recount Biggie accepting the apology
5. 2021

   Interview

   Raekwon revisits the competitive era in his memoir cycle

   While promoting From Staircase to Stage, Raekwon reflects on the Wu-Tang and Bad Boy relationship, framing the old friction as competitive pride that risked eclipsing the respect between elite New York lyricists.

   ▶ Watch Raekwon revisit the wider history