Recently Billboard named P. Diddy (Love) Combs song “I’ll be Missing You” with collaborators Faith Evans and 112 the G. O. A T of summer chart songs.
A Tragic Summer
Diddy released “I’ll Be Missing you” in 1997 on the No Way Out Album. The track was written in tribute to the late, great Rap/Hip hop legend, Notorious Big, whose life was unexpectedly cut short. Diddy, who was a good friend of Notorious, wanted to honor the life of his industry brother and friend the best way possible. And, according to www.songfacts.com, Diddy poured his heart out in the lyrics to get closure.
“When I made the record, I was finally able to talk to him.”
The whole world mourned Notorious Big’s Passing
After the death of The Notorious Big, many showed their support, love, and grief through whatever means they could. One of those means was through the support of tribute songs such as “I’ll be Missing You.” The track was a perfect tribute; a head bobber with a haunting melody powered by the vocals of Faith Evans, wife of Notorious, and 112. And according to www.songfacts.com, the song sampled one of Diddy’s favorites, “Every Breath You Take,” by the Police.
So now Billboard is recognizing Diddy’s song for how powerful it was.
And appropriately, “I’ll Be Missing You” has been named one of the greatest summer hits of all time. Because the song moved the masses. Nevertheless, this track was not a random selection. According to Billboard, the selection considers six decades of summer releases. As Billboard.com notes, “From 1992 through 2020, the recap incorporates point totals accumulated from radio airplay, sales, and, subsequently, streaming data included in the Hot 100’s method.” And so, given the algorithm, “I’ll be Missing You” came out on top. Subsequently, “The Boy is Mine” by Monica and Brandy took second place.
This honor is an honor that Diddy sought out in the creation process.
Billboard.com quotes Faith Evans as stating, “Puff said he wanted to make the biggest tribute record that’s ever been done.” And based on the current recognition, he made a mark. And perhaps the Notorious Big is looking at all this, smiling and bobbing his head at the incredible memorial to his life, talent, and legacy.
Renae Richardson
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If interested in reading on an honor The Notorious Big was awarded posthumously, check out our retrospective article.
