New York, January 7, 2009 – The premiere of Notorious, the biopic about Notorious B.I.G., was a bit like a celebration for the slain rapper’s family and friends.  Held in Biggie’s hometown, New York’s hip-hop royalty turned out to pay tribute to their late friend. 

Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, was a producer on the movie. “I had mixed feelings.  There were times when I was saddened, and then I smiled,” Wallace told us.  “But I felt good that I did it.”  

Biggie’s friend and collaborator Sean Combs executive-produced (and it’s been years since we’ve heard people call him “Puffy.”)  “I was more of a fan when I met Puffy.  You could get intimidated, but he was so humble,” said Derek Luke, who plays Combs in the movie.  And Diddy was gracious at the premiere:  “I think Derek did a great job,” he told us. 

Jamal Woolard, a rapper known as Gravy, went through acting boot camp to prepare for the title role as Biggie.  But one thing came naturally: “I didn’t practice dying, I just, uh, nailed that by the feelings inside,” Woolard said. 

Old school and new school paid tribute with Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Ciara, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, DJ Skribble, Fabolous and Biggie’s wife, Faith Evans in the house.