NOTORIOUS B.I.G...the Brand
Written By: Yvette N. Coleman

Many remember the first time they heard Biggie Smalls (also known as B.I.G) speak. His thick husky voice delivered prophetic stories of life growing up in Brooklyn, women, money and drugs. His loose and easy flow intrigued while introducing the still burgeoning hip-hop a new era of autobiographical lyrics that were a calming mixture between hip-hop and r&b. He had an astonishing career albeit a short-lived one and he is easily remembered as one of the greatest lyricists of all times.
Biggie’s untimely death left many broken pieces of relationships, as well as questions of what if’s, and why’s.

But his memory has continued to live on through the efforts of long time friend and partner, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and his mother, Voletta Wallace. B.I.G will increase his legacy as Brooklyn Mint, a clothing line that reflected his personal style and fluidity will see a new life with the re-launch and the introduction of NOTORIOUS B.I.G, a collection of men’s, young men’s, and boys’ apparel.

The collection is inspired by the music of B.I.G, hip-hop culture and the diversity of Brooklyn. In continuing the legacy of her son, Ms. Wallace hopes to bring the life of NOTORIOUS B.I.G to the new generation of hip-hop with designs of bold and vivid modern graphics.

The brand is growing through loyal fans and recent editorial placement that will bring the brand into the forefront to compete with other retail heavy weights.

“The company is new and still mapping out strategic retail distribution, so the marketing efforts will tie-in to fit specific retail plans and an ultimate vision for the brand. [We are trying to] pinpoint exact direction for the brand. The brand is so new we must work out all kinks and grow. The brand can expand throughout different territories of business, different categories of fashion, which will grow the business,” says Rick Edwards, Director of Marketing.

As a sidebar, the 10th year anniversary of Biggie’s death past last spring and there was a release of the Notorious B.I.G Greatest Hits Album, and efforts to complete Notorious, a Fox Searchlight feature film, produced by Voletta Wallace, Wayne Barrow, Mark Pitts and Bob Teitel.

The Notorious B.I.G collection is currently available at many of the top specialty retailers across the country such as Downtown Locker Room, City Blues and J-Bee's.

For more information please visit www.Notoriousbigclothing.com