Jamal Woolard as Biggie Smalls.

Notorious, a movie about the life and death of Biggie Smalls was all the hype last Friday, January 16th in the  hip-hop community and especially in Brooklyn, NY.  Many have questioned, and some have supported, the accuracy of the events retold in this film.  All I know is I wasn’t there, but if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, most likely it’s a duck.  Jamal Woolard, as a first time actor, did a commendable job playing Biggie, but was it just me or did Puffy, played by Derek Luke, steal the show when he was on scene?  OK, so maybe he just stole the laughs for his seemingly accurate portrayal of  Biggie’s friend and the “mastermind” behind his notable music career.  While I don’t expect to hear about Oscar nominations for anyone, even Angela Bassett, for their role in this movie, it is a hip-hop officiando must!  If you want to get the most out of your viewing experience watch it at a local hood theater, preferrably in Brooklyn, where some folks might get lit or just light up and others will sing along in chorus, “Get Money!”

RBMVibes rating: 3/5 coupons