Notorious (2009) is a biographical drama that chronicles the life, rise, and tragic death of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G. Directed by George Tillman Jr., the film takes audiences through the chaotic, vibrant, and often dangerous world of 1990s hip-hop — from Brooklyn street corners to global fame.
Detailed Summary
Early Life in Brooklyn
The movie opens in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, where a young Christopher Wallace (played by Jamal Woolard) grows up with his mother, Voletta Wallace (Angela Bassett). A bright student with a sharp wit, Christopher’s life takes a darker turn when he becomes involved in drug dealing. Despite his mother’s warnings, the streets lure him with the promise of fast money and status.
The Rise of Biggie Smalls
Christopher starts writing rhymes as an outlet for his frustration and ambition. He gains attention for his lyrical skill under the name Biggie Smalls. Eventually, his raw talent catches the ear of Sean “Puffy” Combs (Derek Luke), an ambitious producer working at Uptown Records. When Puffy is fired and launches Bad Boy Records, he signs Biggie as his flagship artist — a move that will change hip-hop forever.
Fame, Love, and Conflict
Biggie’s career skyrockets with hits like Juicy and Big Poppa, making him a household name. He marries Faith Evans (Antonique Smith) and has a child, but fame brings complications. His friendship with fellow rapper Tupac Shakur (Anthony Mackie) begins with mutual respect but quickly deteriorates amid East Coast–West Coast rivalries and media manipulation.
The East Coast–West Coast Feud
Tensions between Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records (led by Suge Knight) escalate, leading to public taunts and dis tracks. The feud becomes deeply personal after Tupac is shot and later blames Biggie and Puffy for the attack — a claim they deny. The media sensationalizes the conflict, turning it into a cultural flashpoint.
The Downfall and Inner Turmoil
As success mounts, Biggie struggles with guilt, fame, and the pressure to maintain his image. His relationship with Faith deteriorates due to infidelity, and he tries to mend ties with Tupac, but it’s too late — Tupac is murdered in Las Vegas in 1996. This loss deeply affects Biggie, who begins reflecting on his life choices and the message he wants to leave behind.
Movie Ending
The final act of Notorious is both powerful and heartbreaking. Biggie travels to Los Angeles to promote his new album Life After Death and to show that he has matured beyond the violent image that once defined him. He appears optimistic, telling friends he wants to bring peace between the coasts and focus on fatherhood.
After attending a Soul Train Awards after-party on March 9, 1997, Biggie leaves the Petersen Automotive Museum. Moments later, his SUV stops at a red light. A black Chevy Impala pulls up beside it, and the driver opens fire. Biggie is struck multiple times and later pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He was only 24 years old.
The film closes with scenes of Biggie’s funeral, where crowds of fans line the streets of Brooklyn. His music plays through car speakers, and the neighborhood erupts in celebration of his life rather than mourning his death. The final sequence uses “Sky’s the Limit” as a soundtrack, emphasizing his transformation from a street hustler to a legend.
There is no ambiguity — Notorious fully portrays his death and legacy, closing with archival footage and a reminder that Christopher Wallace’s influence continues to shape hip-hop culture.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Notorious does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends with Biggie’s funeral montage and closing titles showing real-life photos and footage of The Notorious B.I.G., emphasizing reflection rather than continuation.
Type of Movie
Notorious is a biographical drama and musical crime film. It blends the raw energy of hip-hop culture with emotional storytelling about ambition, loyalty, betrayal, and legacy.
Cast
- Jamal Woolard as Christopher “Biggie” Wallace / The Notorious B.I.G.
- Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace
- Derek Luke as Sean “Puffy” Combs
- Anthony Mackie as Tupac Shakur
- Antonique Smith as Faith Evans
- Naturi Naughton as Lil’ Kim
- Marc John Jefferies as Lil’ Cease
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Danny Elfman, while the soundtrack features classic Notorious B.I.G. tracks such as Hypnotize, Juicy, and Mo Money Mo Problems. These songs drive the movie’s rhythm and emotion, reflecting the evolution of hip-hop in the 1990s.
Filming Locations
The movie was primarily filmed in Brooklyn, New York, and Los Angeles, California, the two most significant cities in Biggie’s life. Brooklyn provides authenticity — the streets, stoops, and neighborhoods mirror his upbringing, while L.A. represents the glamorous but dangerous side of fame and the setting of his untimely death.
Awards and Nominations
- BET Awards 2009 – Nominated for Best Movie
- Black Reel Awards – Nominated for Best Actor (Jamal Woolard) and Best Director (George Tillman Jr.)
- NAACP Image Awards – Angela Bassett received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jamal Woolard, who portrayed Biggie, was actually a Brooklyn rapper himself known as Gravy before the film.
- The film was produced by Voletta Wallace (Biggie’s real mother) and Sean Combs, ensuring authenticity in the storytelling.
- Lil’ Kim criticized her portrayal in the film, claiming her story was misrepresented, leading to public tension after the release.
- Angela Bassett met with Voletta Wallace to better understand her Jamaican background and maternal strength.
- The filmmakers used actual footage from Biggie’s concerts and interviews to maintain realism.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on the real-life story of The Notorious B.I.G., with references drawn from interviews, police reports, and the book Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of The Notorious B.I.G. by Cheo Hodari Coker, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several deleted scenes delve deeper into Biggie’s early friendship with Tupac, showing moments of brotherhood before the rivalry. Another omitted scene shows Biggie’s recording session for Ten Crack Commandments, which was reportedly cut for pacing. No alternate ending was filmed; the creative team wanted to remain faithful to the facts of his death.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While the film draws from Cheo Hodari Coker’s biography, it condenses events and dramatizes certain relationships for narrative flow. For instance, the film simplifies the timeline of the East Coast–West Coast feud and merges several of Biggie’s early performances into single sequences for dramatic impact.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Biggie’s freestyle battle as a teenager on the Brooklyn street corner.
- The recording of Juicy, symbolizing his rise from poverty to fame.
- The confrontation between Faith Evans and Biggie over infidelity.
- The heated argument between Biggie and Tupac during the height of their feud.
- The final moments before Biggie’s death, juxtaposed with his reflection on wanting peace.
Iconic Quotes
- “We can’t change the world unless we change ourselves.”
- “You’re nobody till somebody kills you.”
- “It was all a dream. I used to read Word Up! magazine…” (lyrics from Juicy)
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The movie opens with Biggie’s final moments, then rewinds to his youth — a storytelling choice mirroring Goodfellas.
- Real-life Biggie posters and graffiti from the 1990s are recreated from original Brooklyn landmarks.
- The use of Sky’s the Limit at the end symbolizes transcendence and legacy.
- In one scene, a young man with a camera foreshadows the many documentaries about Biggie’s life that would follow.
Trivia
- Jamal Woolard later reprised his role as Biggie in All Eyez on Me (2017), the Tupac biopic.
- The film was released on January 16, 2009, close to what would have been Biggie’s 37th birthday.
- The original title was going to be Big Poppa.
- The movie grossed over $44 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful hip-hop biopics ever.
Why Watch?
Watch Notorious to witness the meteoric rise and fall of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. It’s not just about music — it’s about dreams, mistakes, legacy, and the high price of fame. The film captures the pulse of 1990s hip-hop culture and the human story behind an icon who changed the game forever.
Director’s Other Movies
- Soul Food (1997)
- Men of Honor (2000)
- The Longest Ride (2015)
- The Hate U Give (2018)
