Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is arguably one of the greatest artists in Hip Hop history. He’s also one of the most recognizable figures in popular culture from the borough of Brooklyn.
Biggie never lived long enough to know that his beloved home town would become home to the former New Jersey Nets. That hasn’t stopped the now Brooklyn Nets from honoring the hometown rapper though.
In an effort to try and manufacture some pride in the place that the Barclay’s Center stands, the Nets decided to retire the number 72 in honor of The Notorious B.I.G. on Sunday night. The banner was raised as part of “Biggie night” — a celebration of all things Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie Night has begun… pic.twitter.com/zT3lLOLuM8
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 12, 2017
With Jay-Z no longer involved as an owner, honoring the most recognizable Hip Hop figure out of Brooklyn probably wasn’t a bad PR move. Few people don’t love Biggie’s musical legacy, especially in Brooklyn these days.
It also happens to be a good time to bring attention to the rapper, as the world remembers him 20 years after his untimely shooting death in Los Angeles.
Honoring Biggie was a good move, especially since they had the blessing of his mother Voletta and his former record label owner and producer — Diddy. Both were in attendance for the event on Sunday night.
Just how important was this night for the Wallace family? It apparently got Ms. Wallace to her first ever NBA game, as she admitted as much during a speech at halftime.
#Pressay #Biggies mom shared a few words with the people at #BiggieNight at Barclays Center ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/VekAP5YIQr
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) March 12, 2017
Naturally, Biggie’s banner was raised right next to the one honoring the fact that Jay-Z has sold out eight shows at the Barclay’s Center so far in his career.
Puffy + Barclays unveiled latest banner to hang in rafters: Notorious B.I.G. banner which hangs next to Jay Z's pic.twitter.com/SUBJttbDMZ
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 12, 2017
Why the No. 72? That number was picked in honor of the year of his birth. It also features one of the more famous lines from Biggie — “spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.” That line comes from one of the most recognizable Hip Hop songs ever, “Juicy.”
No doubt it was a nice gesture, but perhaps the Nets should start focusing on getting players who will actually be worth honoring with a banner in the rafters at some point in the near future? Just saying.
If you don’t know, now you know, nigga