BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — When the Notorious B.I.G.'s first album, "Ready to Die," was released in 1994, it received almost universal acclaim, helping bring the 22-year-old Clinton Hill rapper superstardom that would be cut short just three years later in a Los Angeles shooting.
Twenty years later, one Bed-Stuy art gallery is paying its own homage to the rapper with an exhibition celebrating his classic debut.
The Bishop, at 916 Bedford Ave., announced its newest exhibition this week featuring work influenced by Notorious B.I.G. and "Ready to Die."
The exhibition is meant to celebrate the man, whose real name is Christopher Wallace, and who famously celebrated his Brooklyn upbringing in his work.
"At that time in Brooklyn, and Bed-Stuy in particular, it was just kind of like putting on wax what our neighborhood, my older cousins and family and friends, what they were going through," Bishop co-owner Erwin John said.
"A lot of people loved him and were able to relate to him."
John, a Bed-Stuy native, said he reached out to artists of all stripes for the exhibit. One photographer, Gregory Johnson, will showcase rare photographs of the rapper, while a Miami-based artist submitted abstract paintings.
The 30-year-old organizer said the intention was to showcase different artforms, all revolving around the themes in Wallace's life.
"I don't want a bunch of Biggie portraits," John said. "We've got a few pieces now that are kind of creative."
Despite its place in the pantheon of classic hip-hop albums, "Ready to Die" wasn't an immediate commercial success for the rapper. Although the single "Big Poppa" reached gold and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1996, the album only reached as high as number 15 on Billboard.
It wasn't until his posthumous second album, "Life After Death," became a massive critical and commercial success that his first album took off, eventually reaching quadruple-platinum in 1999.
While the exhibition is poised for a September launch to coincide with "Ready to Die's" 1994 release date, it's about more than just his first album, John said.
"It's celebrating Notorious B.I.G.'s legacy, and what his legacy means to hip-hop," he said.
The Bishop Gallery is accepting submissions through Aug. 13. Participants will be notified by Aug. 27 if they are selected. Click here to submit work.
