R.I.P. The Notorious B.I.G.

I know this is not relevant to a fashion blog BUT today is a very important day here at the Fred & Ginger Vintage office... It is day we have been remembering the late great Christopher George Latore Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G. One of the greatest rappers that ever lived.

Biggie, as we was affectionatly known, was raised in the Brooklyn. Wallace released his debut album Ready to Die in 1994, he came a central figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene and increased New York's visibility at a time when West Coast artists were more known in the mainstream.

While recording his second album, Wallace was heavily involved in the East Coast/West Coast hip-hop feud, dominating the scene at the time.

On March 9, 1997, Wallace was killed by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. His double-disc set Life After Death, released 15 days later, hit #1 on the U.S. album charts and was certified Diamond in 2000 (one of the few hip hop albums to receive this certification).

Wallace was noted for his "loose, easy flow", dark semi-autobiographical lyrics and storytelling abilities.

Since his death, a further two albums have been released.

MTV ranked him at #3 on their list of The Greatest MCs (Rappers) of All Time.

Picture taken at 5Pointz, NYC