Thousands of fans and music stars across New York and the nation are honoring the Notorious B.I.G. with heartfelt tributes Thursday as they mark 20 years since the rapper from Brooklyn was shot and killed.
Collaborator Sean "Diddy" Combs asked social media users to salute the rapper also known as Biggie Smalls by rapping their favorite Biggie verses and posting video on social media. He put up a somber video message himself saying, "time heals all wounds, but this one ain't healed yet."
In an appearance on the syndicated "The Breakfast Club" morning radio show Thursday, Biggie's wife, Faith Evans, said she hasn't been able to find closure and "live with the great memories of Big that we have."
B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was fatally shot in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. He was 24. The case remains unsolved.
[NATL-NY]Remembering Biggie Smalls aka New York Rapper The Notorious B.I.G. on 20th Anniversary of His Death
An outpouring of "in memoriam" and "rest in peace" posts flooded social media Thursday. More than 6,000 tweets about the late emcee were sent by noon as #RIPBIG and #BiggieSmalls quickly became two of the day's top trending topics.
Several celebrities tweeted messages celebrating the Bedford-Stuyvesant native's contributions to music and culture, including "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose smash Broadway hit includes several references to the late rapper.
Biggie's daughter, T'yanna Wallace, will host a tribute reception with free food tastings and cocktails from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Sojourn Restaurant near East 79th Stret in honor of her father. Admission is free, though organizers say donation is suggested at the door.
Proceeds from the event will go to DREAM BIG, a youth basketball tournament hosted by T'yanna and her mother, Jan, in Wallace's honor. To RSVP, head here or call 646-276-3864 for more info.
Key Foods supermarket at 991 Fulton Street will distribute limited edition custom-stenciled grocery bags Thursday to commemorate his death. Wallace worked at the family-owned supermarket as a child.
In honor of B.I.G., the Brooklyn Nets said they planned to host a "Biggie Night" at Barclays Center when they face off against the Knicks this weekend. The rapper's mother, Voletta Wallace, and Combs will be among the friends and family paying tribute at the Sunday night game.
Fans can expect a video tribute, a "Hypnotize" pop-up shop and special performances from the Brooklynettes.
