Notorious B.I.G. may be one of the most filmed and documented rappers of all time but that doesn’t mean we know everything about him – not by a long shot.

Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell is a compilation of video archives, interviews and anecdotes from those who knew him best. The story they tell is less about what led to his death and more about what led to his rise as one of the most prolific rap voices the world has ever known. The film is a celebration of Biggie’s quick mind, creative soul and extensive talent across many genres of music. Though he felt most at home in the rap world, he could have easily found success in several other genres.

The film features several interviews with Biggie’s Jamaican born mother where she shares her impressions of her son as a young boy and rising talent. She talks extensively about his ties to Jamaica and his mentors there who heavily influenced his understanding of music and rhythm. We also hear from his neighbor, a jazz musician who mentored Biggie as a child and tried to persuade him to turn his focus to jazz rather than rap.

Interestingly, Biggie’s childhood friends break down their life experience with him, revealing that their enrollment in Catholic school kept them insulated from the harsh realities of the streets through most of their childhood. It wasn’t until their teen years that they began to dabble in drugs and gang affiliations.

Having watched many of the previous series documenting the life and death of Biggie, there wasn’t a ton of new information in this one. But still, it’s always a treat to see footage of his street rap battles and to hear his mother reminisce about her talented son. So, for fans of Biggie, this is a great watch – especially if you are looking for a flick that celebrates his life and talent more that it fixates on his death.

Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell is a really nice tribute to the life, talent and love of a gifted artist that was taken far too soon.