Synopsis

The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy enjoy a lavish escape at sea before military helicopters turn their yacht outing into a pursuit. The action moves to a high-speed car chase, with Biggie and Puff Daddy pursued by masked motorcyclists. Between these set pieces, Biggie performs against stylized sepia and black backdrops alongside dancers. The video closes with the pair relaxing at a mansion party, presenting Biggie as a larger-than-life star surrounded by luxury, danger, and effortless cool.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in California in February 1997 as part of the promotional campaign for Biggie's forthcoming album, "Life After Death." The reported production budget was $700,000, exceptionally large for a rap video of its era.

• The helicopter sequence was carefully timed around sunset. The aircraft flew in from Palmdale to Santa Monica, filmed the shot in a single pass, then immediately departed.

• Puff Daddy drove the boat during the yacht scenes. The boat captain initially refused to let either rapper operate it, staying aboard to make sure the production did not end in a collision.

• Biggie's cane was used as a visual joke and as part of his established public image following a car accident. It also reinforced the video's playful mix of gangster imagery and extravagant star presentation.

• Biggie saw only about a minute and a half of an early edit before his death on March 9, 1997. He never saw the completed video.

• "Hypnotize" won Best Rap Video at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. The award was presented after the song's release but before the release of "Life After Death" on March 25, 1997.