Biggie Smalls aka Notorious BIG is one of the most iconic rappers ever and he helped define the golden era of hip-hop. It was only a matter of when, not if, he'd have a biopic.
Jamal Woolard played the role of Christopher Wallace aka Biggie Smalls. He was an excellent choice even if he's not suited to play many other roles. "Notorious" takes us from Biggie's childhood to the fateful day he was killed on March 9, 1997. For anyone, like myself, who was consuming everything hip-hop related in the 90's, then you're familiar with most of his story. Like a good biopic should, it does reveal some things that you may not have known.
Naturally, they cover his grinding days, his meteoric rise with Bad Boy, his marriage to Faith Evans (played by Antonique Smith), and his feud with Tupac (played by Anthony Mackie). There wasn't much very revelational to me in this biopic except Biggie's sexual relationship with Lil' Kim (played by Naturi Naughton).
This was a quality production. I can appreciate the search to find someone as close to Notorious BIG as possible as opposed to just some fat dark skinned actor. The movie was given further credibility with the additions of Angela Bassett as Biggie's mom, Derek Luke as Puff Daddy (as he was known back then), and Anthony Mackie. I think anyone watching probably liked Big's music anyway so no need for me to prep you on his lyrics. It is rap. For those who don't like rap music and/or never heard of Notorious BIG, then I don't think this movie is for them.
Jamal Woolard played the role of Christopher Wallace aka Biggie Smalls. He was an excellent choice even if he's not suited to play many other roles. "Notorious" takes us from Biggie's childhood to the fateful day he was killed on March 9, 1997. For anyone, like myself, who was consuming everything hip-hop related in the 90's, then you're familiar with most of his story. Like a good biopic should, it does reveal some things that you may not have known.
Naturally, they cover his grinding days, his meteoric rise with Bad Boy, his marriage to Faith Evans (played by Antonique Smith), and his feud with Tupac (played by Anthony Mackie). There wasn't much very revelational to me in this biopic except Biggie's sexual relationship with Lil' Kim (played by Naturi Naughton).
This was a quality production. I can appreciate the search to find someone as close to Notorious BIG as possible as opposed to just some fat dark skinned actor. The movie was given further credibility with the additions of Angela Bassett as Biggie's mom, Derek Luke as Puff Daddy (as he was known back then), and Anthony Mackie. I think anyone watching probably liked Big's music anyway so no need for me to prep you on his lyrics. It is rap. For those who don't like rap music and/or never heard of Notorious BIG, then I don't think this movie is for them.