NYC To Mark Notorious BIG’s 50th Anniversary, MTA Unveils Special MetroCard

BROOKLYN, New York City (WABC) – New York City is preparing to pay tribute to the late rapper Christopher Wallace, better known as Biggie Smalls and the Notorious BIG, who would have turned 50 on May 21.

The MTA, in partnership with Rhino Entertainment, announced that MetroCard vending machines at four Brooklyn subway stations will be loaded with limited-edition cards honoring the Bedford-Stuyvesant native.

Wallace grew up in central Brooklyn and released two Grammy-nominated studio records during his career, which was tragically cut short at age 24 in a still-unsolved murder.

Her debut album, Ready to Die, achieved multi-platinum status, while her follow-up, Life After Death, is certified diamond.

Biggie is legendary in the New York rap music industry and is widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time.

MetroCards featuring a portrait of Notorious BIG on the back will be available for purchase beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 21 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cards will only be available at vending machines that accept all payment methods, including credit, debit and cash, at the following stations in central Brooklyn:
–Avenue Lafayette C
–Clinton-Washington Avenue C
–Clinton-Washington Avenue G
–Atlantic Avenue – Barclays Center 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, R, Q

Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed May 21 Christopher ‘The Notorious BIG’ Wallace Day.

Wallace’s son, CJ Wallace, accepted the honor from Mayor Adams on Thursday afternoon.

CJ Wallace was 5 months old when his father was killed.

Several events are planned including:

Friday:
— The Empire State Building will host a lighting ceremony to honor the Notorious BIG’s 50th anniversary at 4 p.m.
–2nd Annual BIG Dinner Gala honoring Notorious BIG’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at Gustavino’s at 8 p.m.

Saturday:
— Christopher Wallace Birthday Block Party May 21 at 226 St James Place in Bed-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, from 1 to 7 p.m. in front of Christopher Wallace’s childhood home.

June 10:
–Lincoln Center will host an orchestral tribute to The Notorious BIG on June 10, with music arranged and conducted by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

RELATED | Brooklyn mural marks 25 years since rap legend Biggie Smalls was murdered

———-
* More Brooklyn news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a Tip