Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie Smalls Brooklyn street renaming ceremony happens in June

Today (5/21) would’ve been the 47th birthday of Brooklyn’s finest, the Notorious B.I.G. and, in honor of the day, the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation announced a date for the renaming ceremony of the Brooklyn street that is to be named after him. The push to rename St. James Place between Gates Avenue and Fulton Street, a Clinton Hill street on the block Biggie grew up on, has been ongoing. It’s spearheaded by artist LeRoy McCarthy, who also helmed the creation of the Wu-Tang Clan District, Aretha Franklin subway tribute, and A Tribe Called Quest mural, among other projects. Initially opposed by local leaders, the New York City Council finally voted in favor of the dedication back in December. “I’m happy that NYC officials are finally giving the city’s indigenous ‘Hip Hop’ music the respect and recognition that it deserves,” McCarthy said at the time. “It took a long time and lots of hard-work to advance the Christopher Wallace Way & Wu-Tang Clan District street co-naming, but ya know what, Hip Hop Don’t Stop.”

The renaming ceremony will happen on June 10, Billboard reports, and Biggie’s mother Ms. Voletta Wallace, his children, and other family and friends are expected to attend. It’s open to the public and set to begin at noon.