Image via Complex Original
Artwork by Danny Scanzoni.
The Notorious B.I.G. was obviously a musical force that transformed the entire landscape of hip-hop and culture in general. His legacy still stands strong today. Standing in the face of his musical contributions, everything else about the larger-than-life Brooklyn native isn't as important. However, Biggie's style was at the forefront of a movement that took over the streets, high-fashion, and everything in between.
Biggie was taken from us all way too soon. If he were alive today there is no telling how he'd be contributing to hip-hop in all its shapes and forms, including the styles of the day. In a silly exercise that really is an extension of our wish that Biggie was alive today, we imagined how the eternal king would dress today. Both musically and stylistically, we assume he'd be leading the pack of today's rappers and hip-hop fans. So we asked, "Who shopped ya?" and present The Notorious B.I.G. Re-Imagined Wearing Today's Trendiest Clothing.
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10
Key Pieces: Thom Browne Shirt
Thom Browne's red, white, and navy band is an immediate signifier of wealth and class, something Biggie held in spades. Whether he'd be ballin' in Milan or burning Ls in Brooklyn, staying draped in Thom Browne would be a must. Of course, there's very little chance Biggie's suit game would include the ultra-slim kits from Browne.
9
Key Pieces: Hood By Air Shirt
Notorious was always a fan of hockey and basketball jerseys, so he'd for sure be rocking an HBA piece inspired by the coldest game out there. Pac and his West Coast counterparts might have scoffed at Biggie's "clothes get weirder" mentality, but they would've eventually hopped on board with the plus-sized trendsetter.
8
Key Pieces: Isaora Vest; Marcelo Burlon Sweatshirt
Biggie always brought an element of luxury to his workwear 'fits. Even when he had to layer up on the block, he'd do it with a fully functioning Isaora piece that would keep him toasty, but would still rock something like a Marcelo Burlon sweatshirt to infuse some European sophistication into the Brooklyn streets.
7
Key Pieces: Stussy Snapback; Versace Shirt
Where would Migos and Drake be without Biggie, Diddy, and Tupac's enthusiasm for Versace when Gianna was the baron of baroque? Notorious would still be rocking Versace today, not because he'd be chasing trends, but because the ostentatious prints will always be a reflection of wealth. Top it off with a Stussy snapback and Biggie would be ready to rock out anywhere in the world.
6
Key Pieces: Acne Jacket
Biggie's Avirex game could not be fucked with in the day. The buttery leathers kept winter at bay, but today he'd be doing the same with a creamy motorcycle jacket from Acne. Leather game stay strong.
5
Key Pieces: Alexander McQueen Tuxedo
It wasn't uncommon to see Biggie suited up like the lord that he was. His mafioso suits from the '90s would've gotten an upgrade in the form of slim-cut (well, as slim as would be possible) tuxes with contrasting lapels. In 2014, he definitely would've been rocking a midnight blue McQueen set, but would've kept the luxe oversized tuxedo scarf. Because some boss shit rings eternal.
4
Key Pieces: Carhartt WIP Shirt
Along with Wu-Tang, Nas, and other NYC hip-hop kings, Biggie was a key player in bringing workwear to the fore. After all, it only makes sense to rock the most rugged gear in brick temps. The somewhat recent development of workwear brands catering to a mores stylish crowd with diffusion lines like Carhartt WIP would've sat just fine with Big Poppa.
2
Key Piece: Been Trill Snapback
Of course Christopher Wallace is gonna put on for his city and rock Been Trill, the NYC-raised brand that people fuck with heavily. Biggie would definitely have switched up his regular NY Yankees fitted for a Internet-centric snapback and name-dropped the brand alongside the likes of Kanye.
1
Key Pieces: Kenzo Sweater; Persol Sunglasses
Biggie single-handedly made Coogi a household name when he rocked the Australian multi-colored sweaters. So it only makes sense that he'd be on the next sweater wave, which in 2014 has high-fashion designers like Kenzo and Calvin Klein giving their interpretations of the cozy boy staple.
