The Notorious B.I.G.’s influence on hip-hop and the culture at large has remained ever-present since he made his explosive debut with 1994’s Ready to Die.
The New York rapper born Christopher Wallace had nothing but love for his city, from the moment he was born until his life was tragically cut short due to a fatal shooting in 1997. Now, the city is looking to show some love back to the iconic rapper once again, this time by way of renaming a street in his honor.
According to reports, Clinton Hill’s Community Board 2 has voted to pass a years-in-the-works proposal that will dedicate the street he grew up on, St. James Place (between Gates Avenue and Fulton Street), as “Christopher Wallace Way.”
While the decision wasn’t unanimous, with some voting against the notion due to the “profanity, misogyny and violence” depicted in his lyrics, such oppositions are a fleeting issue now that 33 board members have voted in favor of the tribute. According to local reports, four members abstained and one member voted against the proposal.
Next, the proposal, which was first suggested in 2013, will move to the Brooklyn Council for final approval where it will most likely move forward. Members of the board are reportedly anticipating that the official dedication will take place around the rapper’s birthday on May 21 next year.
Last month, the Brooklyn Nets also began their season-long homage to Biggie, revealing their new uniforms that were designed utilizing the iconic’s rapper aesthetic.