Jamal Woodward and Naturi Naughton
It was all a dream come true for many cast members at the red carpet premiere of Notorious last night (January 7, 2009). For the new comers making their debut in this movie, it was B.I.G.’s dream helped them to realize theirs. “No dream is too big is the slogan for our movie and he completely showed that. I feel like that’s my story too, no dream is too big,” said Antonique Smith, the actress portrays Faith Evans.
Even though Jamal “Gravy” Woolard had the biggest role to fill as The Notorious B.I.G., the Brooklyn-bred rapper turned actor said he is not worried about being type cast and sees this a major push for his own music career. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. I feel really proud about it and happy that everybody is going to finally get the chance to know Christopher Wallace, to know the story behind the man with the shield.”
Angela Bassett, who takes on the role of Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s mother, expressed that the most challenging part about filming was simply knowing that it was real life. “Such potential was needlessly cut short, taken from a mother, taken from a community,” said the actress. “He came from that world and he took his gifts and his talents and he navigated and he made well, and he gave us hope that we can all do that very thing. So just simply reflecting that unfortunately this is life but hopefully we can take the positive from this for our own lives. We all have gifts talents and abilities so it’s just about shaping them and finding your purpose and stepping into it.”
Angela Bassett
Many of the people portrayed in the movie are still living and came out to support. During the course of the film, some of the actors got to spend time with the people they represent in the movie to prepare for the role, with the notable exception of Naturi Naughton who portrays Lil’ Kim. According to Naugton, she “didn’t get the chance” to speak with Lil’ Kim while preparing for the role and relied on her own research. However, she’s not phased by Kim’s negative comments toward her portrayal in the movie, “ Its done, I’ve done the role, I did my best in the role, I know I did a great job, I’m proud of my work,” said Naughton. I’m very hopeful that she will be proud of it as well when she sees it if she hasn’t already, so I’m just hoping she enjoys it when she sees it. I put my heart into this role.”
While that may be so, Lil’ Kim has publicly stated her dissatisfaction of how she is portrayed in the film. To which Faith Evans jokingly suggested that perhaps Lil’ Kim should be the next rapper to get a biopic.
- Rhonesha Byng
Notorious will open in theaters on January 16, 2009.
And for more Notorious, check out our red carpet gallery here!
