This month marked the legendary artist Biggie Smalls’ birthday. Christopher Wallace was born in the big apple on May 21, 1972 in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Before Biggie Small’s untimely death, he released two Grammy-nominated albums, the 1994 Ready To Die and his 1997 Life After Death. Both records have kept the rapper’s memory alive in many fan’s hearts.
Fortunately, fans honored the legendary rapper’s legacy recently by holding festivities in the streets of New York City. Even his family members and HipHop icons helped celebrate what would’ve been B.I.G’s 50th birthday. Here are 9 memorable moments from the celebration.
NYC Goes All Out For Biggie Smalls 50th Birthday
Recently, the city of New York held several festivities that honored one of the greatest rappers in history, Biggie Smalls.
The first of many great moments from the celebrations happened on Saturday May 21, when The Metropolitan Transportation Authority handed out thousands of limited-edition, MetroCards that featured a portrait of Smalls. Of course, NYC found a way to immortalize Notorious B.I.G’s memory on his 50th birthday.
Additionally, The Empire State Building demonstrated a light show featuring Smalls’ iconic crown spinning on its mast to honor his legacy. According to a press release, the building held several ceremonies in light of his 50th birthday.
The Empire State Observatory building offered “A Legend Lives On” Experience “ that featured a realistic avatar of B.I.G. on both Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21. On the same days, the building hosted a pop-up shop that exclusively sold Biggie Smalls merch, including hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Additionally, fans can pre-order Notorious B.I.G’s 8-LP Box Set and platinum album Life After Death cassette on June 10th. The Lincoln Center will host a free “orchestral tribute” to honor Biggie Smalls legacy in June as well.
The GOAT rapper certainly impacted the lives of many fans, especially New Yorkers.
Biggie Smalls’ Family Celebrates His Legacy
While all of New York honored Smalls’ on what would’ve been his 50th birthday, his family also paid a tribute to him. Moreover, the press release reported that Biggie’s family, including his daughter and son, T’yanna and Christopher Wallce, and widower Faith Evans, took part in a lighting ceremony of their own last Friday. Others in attendance included the late rapper’s famous friends, including Lil Cease, Lil Kim and Jadakiss.
Additionally, Biggie Smalls’ son Christopher held a performance alongside other hip-hop legends that same weekend. Biggie’s daughter, T’yanna hosted a pop-up show at Lilly’s Pizza Bar as well. Clearly, several great moments happened during the hip-hop legends 50th birthday and there’s still more to come.
Biggie Smalls life and death have no bearing on the legacy his influence has on the culture.
