Biggie Smalls and James Brown are both gone. However, the music from both world-class entertainers is indelible. In the ’60s and early ’70s, James Brown laid out a blueprint of Funk, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues that would become a foundation for Hip-Hop. The DJs who inspired young Christopher Wallace (including Marley Marl, Mr. Magic, Brucie B, and Kid Capri) often played Brown’s music and re-purposed his grunts and grooves into some seminal Hip-Hop production. By the early ’90s, when The Notorious B.I.G. was evolving into a dominant Rap persona, Brown’s pride, charisma, and command over audiences were not lost on him.

Amerigo Gazaway has earned a place as one of the most trusted chemists in music. His “Soul Mates” series has fused Hip-Hop luminaries with iconic Soul musicians. Mos Def and Marvin Gaye, UGK and B.B. King, plus De La Soul and Fela Kuti are just three examples of this. Having made James Brown tribute mixes in the past, Amerigo brings The World’s Greatest Entertainer to Brooklyn’s Fulton Street, in a thoughtful blend that unites these two timeless voices and visionaries.

Black Thought & J.Period Honor James Brown Making A Tape, LIVE! (Mixtape)

The B.I.G. Payback shows its destiny in moments like “S*x Machine G*n Funk,” and “B.I.G. Poppa’s Got A Brand New Bag.” While the titles seem to fit together nicely, the music does more so. Amerigo shows his research and respect for both artists.

As a gateway into the whole mix, available to stream below, Gazaway also made a video that mashes up some iconic J.B. with B.I.G.

Daddy-O Releases Biggie’s Original Demos For Junior M.A.F.IA. For The First Time Ever (Audio)

More information and other mixes are available at Amerigo Gazaway’s site.

In recent news, Lil’ Kim and Lil’ Cease made peace on the late legend’s birthday in May. The armistice came following 15 years apart for the two Junior M.A.F.I.A. members and Biggie pupils.