Singing Guide: The Notorious B.I.G.
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you want to learn to sing like The Notorious B.I.G., the first thing you need to understand is that he was primarily a rapper, not a singer. Therefore, if you want to emulate his style, you'll need to focus on developing your rapping skills rather than your singing skills. That being said, there are a few things you can do to sound more like Biggie when you rap.
One of the key features of Biggie's rapping style was his distinctive voice. Some people might describe it as deep or gravelly, but it's difficult to replicate exactly. However, you might be able to achieve a similar effect by experimenting with vocal fry or growling techniques. You can learn how to do these things by following along with exercises like the ones found in Singing Carrots' tutorial videos on vocal distortion and growling and how to growl exercise.
Another element of Biggie's style was his use of wordplay and rhyming. He was known for his clever lyrics and intricate rhymes, which often revolved around a central theme. To develop this aspect of your rapping, you might want to spend some time studying rap lyrics and practicing your own wordplay and rhyming skills. Singing Carrots' article on how to analyze your voice may be helpful in this regard, as it offers tips on how to dissect and analyze the content of your lyrics.
If you're interested in performing some of Biggie's most famous tracks, you'll need to focus on your rhythm and timing skills as well. Biggie was known for his ability to ride the beat, which means he was able to align his lyrics perfectly with the musical accompaniment. To develop this skill, you might try using Singing Carrots' pitch accuracy test or vocal pitch monitor to help you stay in line with the music. You might also want to practice rapping along with some of Biggie's tracks to get a feel for the rhythm and pace of his flow.
Finally, keep in mind that Biggie's signature sound was the result of years of practice and experimentation. If you want to develop your own unique style, you'll need to put in the time and effort to refine your craft. Take advantage of the educational singing course on Singing Carrots that offers guidance on singing theory and practical tips to improve your skills.