Senate Resolution No. 2068

BY: Senator HAMILTON

CELEBRATING the life, musical accomplishments, and
45th Birthday of the late Christopher George Latore
Wallace on May 21, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals whose commitment and creative talents have
contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. "The Notorious B.I.G.", was an
American rapper and hip hop artist; he was also known as Biggie Smalls,
Big Poppa or as Big; and

WHEREAS, Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Christopher Wallace released
his debut album "Ready to Die " in 1994; he became a central figure in
the East Coast hip hop scene and increased New York's visibility in the
genre at a time when West Coast hip hop was dominant in the mainstream;
and

WHEREAS, The following year, Christopher Wallace led his childhood
friends to chart success through his protege group, Junior M.A.F.I.A.;
while recording his second album, he became involved in the growing East
Coast/West Coast hip hop feud; and

WHEREAS, The Notorious B.I.G. died on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles,
California; his double-disc set "Life After Death", released 16 days
later, rose to No. 1 on the U.S. album charts; it was certified Diamond
in the year 2000, being one of the few hip hop albums to receive this
certification; and

WHEREAS, Two more albums have been released since Christopher
Wallace's death; in 2006, MTV ranked him at No. 3 on their list of The
Greatest MCs of All Time, calling him possibly "the most skillful ever
on the microphone"; and

WHEREAS, Editors of About.com ranked The Notorious B.I.G. No. 5 on
their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987-2007); in 2012, The
Source ranked him No. 3 on their list of the Top 50 (Rap) Lyricists of
All Time; he also has certified sales of 17 million units in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, A man of colossal talent and charisma, Christopher Wallace
is missed by his wife, Faith, and two children, as well as his many fans
and all who knew him; his dedication to his music and his heritage
leaves an indelible legacy of inspiration for other artists and for his
community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life, musical accomplishments, and 45th Birthday of the
late Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 2017; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of the late Christopher George Latore Wallace.