Mase Reflects on the Night Biggie Was Killed—Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Adds New Details

More than two decades after the tragic loss of Christopher Wallace—better known as The Notorious B.I.G.—the story continues to evolve. In a recent interview, rapper Mase, once one of the rising stars on the Bad Boy label, opened up about the night Biggie was killed in Los Angeles. His revelations, paired with commentary from former bodyguard Gene Deal, have reignited discussion about what really happened that night, who was where, and why so many questions remain unanswered.

Mase’s Perspective: A Night of Fear and Isolation

Mase began by describing where he was during the fateful night of March 9, 1997. He wasn’t at the Soul Train afterparty where Biggie made his last public appearance. Instead, Mase says he was at a Los Angeles hotel with singer Brandy. He recalled how, in the aftermath of Biggie’s death, he found himself effectively trapped in his hotel room.

“There were about 70 Bloods in the hallway,” Mase explained. “I couldn’t even leave the room.” According to his account, he believes they were targeting artists affiliated with Bad Boy Entertainment, the East Coast label Biggie represented.

Unable to leave on his own, Mase said he was eventually helped by Gene Deal, a well-known figure in the hip-hop community who served as one of Diddy’s security leads at the time. Though Mase didn’t give specifics about how he left the hotel, he implied it was a tense and dangerous situation.

Biggie’s Final Hours

Biggie Smalls was only 24 years old when he was fatally shot in a drive-by attack after leaving a Soul Train Awards afterparty. He was riding in a GMC Suburban with members of his team when a black Chevy Impala pulled up at a red light and opened fire. Biggie was struck multiple times and died shortly after being transported to a local hospital.

His murder remains unsolved. While various theories have circulated for years, no one has ever been officially charged. The events of that night continue to be examined by fans, journalists, and those who were close to the late artist.

Gene Deal: “Mase Knew Biggie Wasn’t Comfortable Around Him”

Adding a new layer to the conversation, Diddy’s former bodyguard Gene Deal weighed in with his own recollections. According to Deal, Biggie and Mase didn’t always see eye to eye. “Big didn’t like Mase,” Deal claimed. “Every time Mase was around, Big would make little comments.”

He pointed to moments where Biggie would jokingly reference Mase’s change in image—from “Murder Mase” to simply “Mase.” Deal suggested that unless an artist was from Brooklyn or part of Junior M.A.F.I.A., Biggie didn’t always embrace them fully.

Deal also questioned Mase’s story about being in a hotel with Brandy. “He called me that night and said Brandy was calling him, asking him to go to the party,” Deal said. “If she was in the room, why would she be calling him?”

This inconsistency has led some to speculate about Mase’s true motivations for staying in, though Mase insists he was never planning to attend the afterparty.

Tensions in the Days Before

Deal went on to explain that the environment in Los Angeles during that time was charged and unpredictable. According to him, Mase and fellow producer Stevie J were moving through the city in flashy cars and drawing attention. “They were riding around in drop-top Benzes, young and carefree,” he said.

He implied that this behavior may have agitated certain individuals and contributed to the tension that was already high due to East Coast–West Coast rivalry, the recent death of Tupac Shakur, and growing unrest in the industry.

“They didn’t think anything could happen to them,” Deal reflected. “But there were people out there who weren’t playing. Even if they couldn’t get you that night, they’d remember you.”

Deal believes this attitude of invincibility—paired with the highly visible presence of Bad Boy artists in Los Angeles—added to the risks of that night.

A Heated Exchange Between Mase and Gene Deal

In the interview, Deal also recounted a tense phone call he had with Mase following Biggie’s death. Mase reportedly asked why Deal and other security didn’t return fire when the shooting happened. Deal pushed back, asking why Mase wasn’t at the party in the first place if he was so concerned.

“You weren’t there,” Deal said. “You say it’s because you were with Brandy, but that story changes.”

The exchange highlighted lingering emotions and unresolved tensions between the people close to Biggie at the time. While Mase appeared to question how the situation was handled, Deal defended the actions of security personnel, emphasizing that it was chaotic and unexpected.

He also clarified that Biggie wasn’t his “principal” that night—a term in the security world referring to the primary person being protected. Deal maintained that the circumstances didn’t allow for a safe or immediate response.

Was It Avoidable?

While none of the individuals involved suggest that they had direct knowledge of the attack ahead of time, the conversation between Mase and Deal has fueled speculation among fans and observers. Mase’s decision not to attend the party, his presence in the hotel with Brandy, and the tension-filled environment have led some to wonder whether there were warning signs missed—or ignored.

Deal didn’t directly accuse anyone of wrongdoing, but he made it clear that recklessness, pride, and a lack of caution played roles in creating a dangerous environment. “They were agitating people out there,” he said. “It wasn’t about beef—it was about being smart.”

The Legacy of Biggie’s Death

Decades later, the murder of The Notorious B.I.G. remains one of hip-hop’s greatest tragedies. His legacy as a storyteller, lyricist, and cultural icon continues to influence generations of artists. Yet the questions surrounding his final hours remain.

Recent reflections from Mase and Gene Deal don’t solve the mystery—but they do offer personal insight into the atmosphere and decisions that surrounded that night. With every new account, the narrative becomes more layered, more human, and more painful.

Mase maintains that he wasn’t trying to avoid Biggie or the party for any sinister reason. He says he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time—and that it likely saved his life. Gene Deal, meanwhile, has become one of the most vocal figures from that era still speaking out, often encouraging more people to tell the truth about what happened.

As the hip-hop community continues to reflect on the lives of its fallen icons, stories like these serve as reminders that fame doesn’t shield artists from danger—and that the decisions made in moments of uncertainty can echo for decades.