#RIPBIG… Absolutely! But… way before twitter trending topics… this game was a lot different. There was a real feeling of building something that was uniquely ours! People wanted each other to win, there was a different spirit in the industry. It somehow meant a lot more in 1995, especially in New York City when Big held the crown. I remember the thick air outside of Bad Boy on 19th street and 5th avenue, music blaring out of the maroon Land Cruiser or Benz, people milling around waiting to hit the clubs, puttin’ it in the air, it was a great moment in history. The movie “Notorious” touched on it a bit, but it was always grimier, less polished and had a real presence. When Big was around you, you knew you were in the presence of greatness. I wonder where the game would be today if he was still with us. Who would be on top? Would some who have risen to fame and glory actually be working for UPS like Biggie mentioned in his famous line in Flava in Ya Ear “You’re mad cuz my style you’re admiring, don’t be mad UPS is hiring”… It’s interesting to think about it all. But we know that everything happens for a real reason… 

One of the highlights of my early shooting career was at the Palladium on 14th street at 3rd Avenue (today New York University dorms) the night was incredible… the huge venue was packed in… everybody was decked out in the freshest gear… everyone was there… Puff, Big, Jay, Busta, JD, Karl Kani, Heavy D, Alamo, Sadat X, Ed Lover, Lil Shawn, Miss Jones, Junior Mafia, Lil Kim, the list goes on and on… the energy was UNBELIEVABLE… Big jumped on stage and rapped from his throne… It was history, one of the greatest events to date. Never to be repeated… only themes repeat themselves, never the definitive moment! I scrapped my way on stage to get that shot sensing the importance. I literally was holding Lil Kim’s hand at one point as she grabbed her head in disbelief at the lyrics that Big spit… Real passion, real intensity… he shut down the building. Nothing was the same after that. Platinum was achieved and deserved. Big was that dude. 

We’re here to uphold his legacy. He’s done magic for us all. Never forget the purpose of this industry… people are losing the plot every day. All the late hours of working, documenting and rhyming mean everything… It’s not supposed to be self serving, it’s OUR history, OUR legacy that we will leave behind… Let’s all work to present it in the way that upholds the real truth of Hip Hop. Work on your craft and let’s make a real lasting contribution. Money comes when you follow your heart, not when you try to pull the wool over their eyes. “Real” sees right though it!    RIP to Brooklyn’s finest

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