Biggie’s back. Well, that’s not the complete truth but with all the newly paid homages, it’s clear the people wouldn’t mind his revival. For one, his notable demeanor will be portrayed in the upcoming Fox Searchlight biopic Notorious. Even we felt it necessary to get a moment with the film’s buzzworthy stars. Also, Mister Cee recently debuted Jadakiss’ “Letter to B.I.G.,” a heartfelt prose-like message that’s both reflective and anticipatory and proclaims a longing for B.I.G.’s return: ”I can go on for a year about how would it be if you were still here / The game’s gotten cheaper / Rappers is more commercially successful now, but the heart’s a lot weaker.” With music and movies clearly influenced by (arguably) the greatest rapper ever, comes the tributary attire.
Artist and designer Ruslan Karablin, better known as SSUR, has collaborated with longtime friend, patron, and supporter, acclaimed photographer Barron Claiborne, to create a three-style tee featuring the portrait of the famed lyricist. The chosen image? A familiar one. The frequently used, abused, and bootlegged picture taken by Claiborne himself just five days prior to B.I.G.’s death. You know the one: the rapper stares droopy-eyed, donning a crown—hence, the tee’s title. The “King of Brooklyn” shirts feature the reworkings of SSUR, who hails from the same borough, as the illustration of guns are morphed with B.I.G’s features, and each is meant to represent a stage in his life (and untimely death).
With only 350 shirts set to be available exclusively between the NYC location of SSURPLUS and few selected boutiques, you may want to pre-order here.
-Danielle Cheesman
