March 9th tribute

Hip-Hop Artists and Fans Pay Tribute to Notorious B.I.G. at Santos in New York

THURSDAY, 10 MARCH 2011 04:51 AMIR SHAW

The state of hip-hop changed forever on the night thatChristopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace was killed. Thirteen years after the death of Biggie, his family members, fans and several prominent New York hip-hop artists paid tribute to one of the most gifted lyricists to ever pick up a mic at Santos in New York. 

Rolling out magazine was on hand at the event and got reactions about the tribute from Jane Jackson (the mother of Biggie's first child), Raekwon (member of the Wu-Tang Clan), Lil Cease (Biggie's right-hand man) and George Tillman Jr. (Director of Notorious). –amir shaw

Jane Jackson

Mother of Biggie's first child

Biggie's mother started the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation in 1997. We do things to give back to the community. We give books to schools, take kids on trips and host basketball leagues. It's a way for us to keep his legacy alive. But Biggie's impact was that he set the example for hip-hop. He set the bar higher and made rappers come stronger.

 

Raekwon

Member of the Wu-Tang Clan

"He was a dope lyricist. We all came in the game together. I first heard him when he performed on Super Cat's song 'Dolly My Baby.' He's an icon in our business. We have to take the time to pay tribute to him and keep him alive for the new generation. We need to make a hip-hop holiday for Biggie."

 

Lil Cease

Biggie's right-hand man/member of Junior Mafia

"Back at the time when Biggie and I was coming up, we never thought they it would take off like it did. But he was able to get his music to Mister Cee and Diddy. Once Diddy taught Biggie how to make records, it was history in the making. Biggie was responsible for the rebirth of New York rap. If Biggie was still living, he would be showing people how to open doors. Every new artist now want a record label, but Biggie had Undeas Records back in the '90s. We have to make sure we pay respect to Biggie every year. There should be a national Biggie day."

 

George Tillman Jr.

Director of the film, Notorious

"When making the film Notorious, I found out that people really respected Biggie as a man. He took care of a lot of family and friends. Biggie's music is still around today because he tells stories with his music. That has a lot to do with his mom listening to country music when he was growing up, There are great stories in country music. He was good from a technical standpoint and was the combination of the ultimate artist. If Biggie was still here, he would have his own record label and other businesses. Before he died, he was about to open his own clothing line before Diddy came out with Sean Jean. He would be a top entrepreneur in rap."