The Notorious B.I.G. Honored With Two New Murals in Brooklyn
Twenty-five years ago on Sept. 13, 1994, the late The Notorious B.I.G. released his debut album, Ready to Die, which has now become a timeless classic in the annals of hip-hop history. To commemorate the album's 25th anniversary, Optimo Cigars launched a "Biggie Inspires" art contest for artists to create artwork in the likeness of the late, great Brooklyn rhymer.
Out of 170 artists who submitted incredible artworks for the contest, two people were picked to have their designs become real-life murals in Biggie's hometown of Brooklyn. On Sept. 13, contest winners Hoa Hong and Cinque Smith had their murals unveiled to the public. Hong's masterpiece is located in B.I.G.'s neighborhood of Bedford–Stuyvesant, while Smith's mural was presented in Williamsburg, N.Y.
Later that night, Optimo Cigars held a "Biggie Inspires" exhibit party at the William Vale Hotel featuring several of more works of art submitted for the contest. Among the guests who attended the star-studded event included Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, his children,Christopher Jordan Wallace, T'yanna Wallace, Faith Evans, Stevie J, Lil' Kim, Rick Ross, Christian Combs, DRoc and Lil Cease, among others.
Check out the photos from the "Biggie Inspires" mural event and the star-studded exhibit party below.
See Photos From "Biggie Inspires" Mural Event and Exhibit Party