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I'll Be Missing You — 1997 tribute single by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans & 112

A 1997 tribute single honoring The Notorious B.I.G., performed by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans and 112. Noted for its use of The Police's melody and its widespread commercial and cultural impact.

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Overview

"I'll Be Missing You" is a 1997 tribute single released by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs featuring singer Faith Evans and R&B group 112. The recording was created in memory of Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, who died on March 9, 1997 in Los Angeles. Combining rap, R&B vocals and a prominent pop sample, the track became an immediate and emotional hit across radio and television.

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Composition and credits

The song is built around the unmistakable melody of The Police's 1983 song "Every Breath You Take." That melody is replayed and looped as the harmonic and melodic foundation while Faith Evans sings the chorus and Puff Daddy performs the rap verses. Because of the sampled material, Sting, lead vocalist and songwriter of The Police, received songwriting credit and a share of publishing royalties. The recording also includes harmonies and backing from the R&B group 112.

Artists and performance

Lead performers are Sean Combs (credited at the time as Puff Daddy) and Faith Evans, who was married to The Notorious B.I.G. The collaboration brought together hip hop and contemporary R&B voices for a solemn, melodic tribute. At the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards the performance featured Sting joining the artists onstage, underscoring the song's direct link to "Every Breath You Take." Individual artist pages and credits can be found through the acting artists: Puff Daddy, Faith Evans

Reception and cultural impact

Upon release the single topped many international charts and received heavy airplay, becoming one of the most commercially successful memorial songs of the 1990s. Its blend of a familiar pop hook with contemporary hip hop production made it widely accessible to mainstream audiences, and it became a frequent presence at memorials and broadcasts devoted to the late rapper.

Notable facts and legacy

  • The song illustrates how a well-known melodic sample can bridge genres and reach broad audiences.
  • Songwriting credit and royalties were awarded to Sting because the track used the melody of his composition.
  • Its high-profile live performances, including the MTV awards appearance, helped cement the recording's place in late‑1990s pop culture.

Further context

As a piece of popular music, "I'll Be Missing You" functions both as a personal expression of grief and as a mainstream pop single. It reflects trends of the era: sampling older hits, cross-genre collaboration, and the music industry’s rapid response to a high-profile death. For more about the performers and the original song referenced, see pages on Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, 112, The Notorious B.I.G., Los Angeles, The Police and Sting.

Questions and answers

Q: Who performed the song I'll Be Missing You?

A: American rapper Puff Daddy and singer Faith Evans featuring 112.

Q: What was the song I'll Be Missing You made in memory of?

A: Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace who was killed in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997.

Q: What song did I'll Be Missing You sample the melody of?

A: The Police's Every Breath You Take song from the 1980s.

Q: Who joined in at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1997 when I'll Be Missing You was performed?

A: Sting, the vocalist from The Police.

Q: When was Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace killed?

A: On March 9, 1997.

Q: What genre does I'll Be Missing You belong to?

A: It belongs to the genre of rap and R&B.

Q: What is the significance of I'll Be Missing You?

A: The song is a tribute to Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace and has become an iconic song for remembering loved ones who have passed away.

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AlegsaOnline.com I'll Be Missing You — 1997 tribute single by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans & 112

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