Who is CJ Wallace? Biggie’s Son Makes 2017 Billboard Music Awards Appearance

The Notorious B.I.G. was honored in a few ways at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. In addition to remembering the rapper 20 years after his death, Diddy introduced C.J. Wallace, the son of Biggie Smalls, to the crowd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Sunday night marked the 45th birthday of the late rapper, who was killed on March 9, 1997 at just 24 years old. Less than five months before Biggie’s death, singer Faith Evans gave birth to Wallace, who is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps.

READ: Who Is Performing At The Billboard Awards? Full Performer List

“Good evening, everybody. I know my father is looking down on all of us tonight and all of this love and support,” Wallace said during the ABC telecast after he was brought onto the stage by Diddy. “My sister and I will continue to carry on his name with tremendous pride, and live my life by his words.”

WATCH: @diddy honors the late Biggie Smalls on what would have been his 45th birthday. #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/YUkfp1U90q

— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 22, 2017

Most of the people watching the Billboard Music Awards had probably never heard of Wallace before Sunday night, though many of the viewers had unknowingly seen him before. The 20-year-old has appeared in three films, including 2009’s “Notorious,” portraying a younger version of his father.

Wallace also had a role in 2010’s “Everything Must Go,” which starred Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall and Michael Pena. His last acting role was in “Kicks,” which was released in September 2016.

As the son of one of the most celebrated rappers in history, Wallace is trying to make his own mark on the world of hip-hop. Wallace and his half-brother, Joshua, began working on an album in 2015.

“We’ve been working on this project for about a year now called Malibu Nights, and are hoping to finish the project this month,” Wallace told The Daily Beast in April 2016. “There’s a lot of singing on it. My brother sings, but I rap—so I’m on there rapping and singing. I can’t even compare it to Drake because my brother doesn’t listen to the new stuff. He says, ‘I can’t listen to that because then I’ll act like it.’ So we listen to Dwele or Outkast when we’re trying to come up with new ideas.”

Diddy had only high praise for Wallace, calling him a “groundbreaking actor” and a “recording artist that’s gonna change the game.” Even if the producer was telling the truth, it will be extremely difficult for the up-and-comer to have the same impact as his father.

Releasing just two solo albums before he was gunned down 20 years ago, Biggie has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, according to Diddy. “Ready to Die” and “Life After Death” are both considered classics.

Biggie had two songs as a lead artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Both “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems” reached No. 1 after the rapper’s death. Diddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You,” which was made to commemorate Biggie’s life, was No. 1 for more than two straight months.

The 2017 Billboard Music Awards are airing Sunday night on ABC. Find out how to live stream the show HERE and find out who is nominated HERE.