The Notorious B.I.G. Movie Premiere

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The Notorious B.I.G. Movie Premiere

The life and death story of Notorious B.I.G., a.k.a. Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. Biggie who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm. In theaters: January 16, 2009

The life and death story of Notorious B.I.G., a.k.a. Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. Biggie who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm. In theaters: January 16, 2009 / Soundtrack cover.

Jamal Woolard in Brooklyn in December 2008, outside the childhood home of Biggie Smalls, whom he portrays in a new movie, "Notorious."

In March 1997 Christopher Wallace a.k.a., Notorious B.I.G., a.k.a. Biggie Smalls was killed in a drive-by shooting after leaving a party in Los Angeles. Police said the slaying of Biggie was 'possibly a hit.' Someone drove by and shot through the passenger side door of the GMC Suburban where he was sitting. The 24-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital. Wallace died of multiple 9 mm gunshot wounds. Police still have no suspects.

Jamal Woolard in "Notorious". The less everyone around him said, the better Woolard knew he was doing. For several months beginning in November 2007, he would spend every day learning how to morph into Biggie Smalls for the biopic "Notorious."

Jamal Woolard as Notorious B.I.G.. On January 16th audiences and critics will get to decide if the efforts of Woolard and his many coaches have paid off, which would be a particularly impressive accomplishment given that the real Biggie Smalls died only 12 years ago.

Singer Mary J. Blige attends the premiere of "Notorious" at the AMC Lincoln Square on January 7, 2009 in New York City.

Atlanta singer Ciara attends the premiere.

"Notorious" writer Cheo Hodari Coker attends.

Actress Lola attends.

Coco and Ice-T attend the premiere.

Singer Cassie attends.

Writer/Director Reggie Rock Bythewood attends.

Recording artist Q-Tip attends.

Model Sky Nellor attends.

Nascar driver Jeff Gordon and Ingrid Vandebosch attend.

Mother of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Janice Combs attends.

Andre Harrell attends. Harrell also served as president/CEO of Motown Records. He was also the first half of the hip hop duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde.

Actress Ginger Kroll, who plays Debbie, attends.

Sean Ringgold, who plays Suge Knight, attends the premiere.

Actor Dennis White, who plays Damion 'D-Roc' Butler in "Notorious."

Actor Kevin Phillips, who plays Biggie's friend Mark.

Actor Naturi Naughton, who plays Lil Kim attends.

Rapper Ja Rule attends the premiere.

Rapper Lil Mama attends.

Actor Anthony Mackie, plays Rapper/Actor friend and rival Tupac Shakur.

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The life and death story of Notorious B.I.G., a.k.a. Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. Biggie who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm. In theaters: January 16, 2009 / Soundtrack cover.

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