The first Notorious B.I.G. NFT collection will allow fans to use a Biggie freestyle in their own recording for the first time.
Sky’s the Limit: The Notorious B.I.G. Collection will be available Tuesday, July 26, on the OneOf website. Fans can collectively license the audio recording of the iconic rapper’s signature freestyle, made at 17 years old on a Brooklyn street corner.
“We are excited about our partnership with OneOf and their expertise to memorialize my son Christopher with this first official NFT drop to give his fans an opportunity to participate in and honor their love of him and his music,” Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, said in a statement.
The set will feature unique 3D NFT figurine characters inspired by B.I.G.’s life, lyrics and style.
“Biggie’s music is a very important part of hip hop culture and it’s global impact,” Wayne Barrow, manager of The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate, said in a statement. “Our business partner, Elliot Osagie of Willingie Inc., came up with the concept of coming together with OneOf to share the infamous freestyle that showcased to the world the icon that Biggie would soon become through an NFT, and sharing it with his fans in this way we are certain would make him proud.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rapper would have turned 50 years old on May 21, and a special celebration was held that day in his hometown, New York City. The Empire State Building lit up in red and white and included a spinning crown around its mast to pay homage to Biggie’s 1994 classic, six-time Platinum debut album, Ready to Die.
Barclays Center in his home borough of Brooklyn also broadcast montages of some of his greatest hits above the arena’s entrance.