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Notorious N.I.K.E.

We were first in line to see the latest rap biopic, "Notorious" in LA on Tuesday night courtesy of Nike (and Flux). The Biggie Smalls story has been waiting to be told since he was tragically murdered in our fair city, Los Angeles, back in 1997. During his short career Biggie's lyrical prowess has been elevated to legendary status and #3 on MTV's "Greatest MCs Of All Time" list even though he only released two albums and was gunned down at the tender age of 24. Even after his death he's continued to be prolific with new tracks featuring his unmistakable vocals.
 
Of course the music was dope in the film. The opening club scene rocked out with the Biggie banger "Hypnotize" testing the (Nike) Montalban Theater sound system. That set the tone for the story of the rise (and fall) of one of the best story tellers. But that's what you'd expect right? So we're left wondering about the Biggie story that we don't know about. We mean, we already know about Big Poppa slanging dope on the street corner and hooking up with Sean "Puffy/Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/Diddy" Combs and Uptown/Bad Boy. We felt "Notorious" could've chosen a different path than the commercial biopic that was delivered. But, instead we got to see Lil Kim's breasts, some foul language and got an R-rated film. What about his real friendship and rivalry with Tupac? What was his mother's advice? Who really had Biggie's back?
 
There was only one way this film was going to go when Diddy's involved. After all, the man who gave Biggie his break has blinged himself out with reality TV shows (MTV's Making The Band and VH1's I Want To Work For Diddy), won awards for his clothing line, Sean John, and even has a luxury liquor brand. All said, even though we don't love "Notorious" we know there ain't been a rapper to fill Biggie's size 14 shoes since he passed. R.I.P. B.I.G.

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