The rap war that launched a thousand conspiracy theories underwent an enthralling development yesterday: according to an FBI informant, Sean “Diddy” Combs was involved in Tupac Shakur’s murder.

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reported the FBI was working with an informant who named Combs as having been aware of, and possibly involved in, an attack on Shakur at Quad Studios months before his death. In interviews prior to his death, Shakur swore Diddy and his crew were in some way involved in that attack. Two years later, Shakur was shot to death in Las Vegas. In a move many people think was retaliatory, Diddy associate Notorious B.I.G. was murdered seven months later, meaning that inadvertently, Diddy may have sealed his friend’s fate.

In the wake of Los Angeles Times story, Diddy issued a statement calling the report “irresponsible.” “Neither Biggie nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during, or after it happened. It is a complete lie to suggest that there was any inolvement by Biggie or myself.”


Tags: Diddy Notorious B.I.G. Tupac Shakur Music

Way back in August, we told you about the Biggie Smalls biopic Notorious that Fox Searchlight was looking to cast. The film, all about the life and times of Christopher Wallace, held an open casting call in October, which hundreds of wanna-Bigs attended.

Now, The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that the role of Big will be played by Jamal Woolard, a widely unknown Brooklyn rapper who attended the open casting call. Apparently, Woolard (also known as Gravy) shares more with the deceased rapper than physical size. Woolard, a former drug dealer, has released a few rap albums, and according to Biggie’s mother, has the same “charming personality, warm spirit, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile” as Big. Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher) has been cast as Puffy, while Angela Bassett will play Big’s mom. Anthony Mackie (Half Nelson) will play Big’s rival Tupac.


Tags: Notorious B.I.G. Music

- Here’s a funny correlation: the more pregnant Christina Aguilera gets, the more bronzer she puts on. It’s pumpkin-chic and it’s just in time for Halloween! [Jezebel]

- The Notorious B.I.G. wax figure debuts. He loves it when you call him “Big Paraffin.” [Crunk + Disorderly]

- Christina Ricci used to make a habit out of displaying her nipples at film premieres. In retrospect, this was the beginning of the end for her. [CityRag]

- A bear comes forward and claims that he had sex with Larry Craig. So now he’s gay and into animals?!? [Dlisted]

- Marie Osmond blogs about fainting on Dancing With the Stars. She’s really gonna have a hell of a time topping it next week. [Seriously? OMG! WTF?]

[Image: Getty]


Tags: Christina Aguilera Christina Ricci Notorious B.I.G. Marie Osmond

Is there a borderline obese teen in your life with a passing resemblance to the greatest rapper of all time, the Notorious B.I.G.? Can he grunt, breathe heavily through his mouth and train his eyes to point in two different directions? Well, he could be in luck! Despite reports earlier this week suggesting that one-hit-wonder-in-the-making Sean Kingston had landed the role, a producer of the Biggie biopic denies that any such casting choice has been made. “The role for B.I.G is 100 percent open and we are diligently searching for the individual to seize the moment and fill those giant shoes of greatness. Everyone is being considered, including Sean Kingston but no one has been chosen,” says producer Wayne Barrow. In the aforementioned, earlier report, Sean claimed he “nailed” his audition. We hope this turn of events doesn’t make him suicidal. Suicidal. Suicidal. [AllHipHop.com]

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Biggie Smalls Casting Call


Tags: Notorious B.I.G. Sean Kingston Hip Hop, Movies, Music

This crossed our desks. We thought some of you might be interested. It seems Fox Searchlight is casting for the role of Biggie Smalls in their upcoming film Notorious. Think you’ve got what it takes? Well, unless you’ve got an endless supply of Cohibas, a yacht and the voice of angel, we doubt it. But go here to apply now anyhow. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

See the full ad after the jump …

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Tags: Notorious B.I.G. Biggie Smalls Movies, Music

It Ain’t Me, Snitches!
Cam’ron tells 60 Minutes he never talks to cops, even if he lived next door to a serial killer (XXL)

The Aftermath of the Don
Hot 97 cracks down on degrading lyrics thanks to Imus (About Rap)

Shootout Shot at Shoot
Watch: Gunfire breaks out during filming of Spider Loc video (YouTube)

This Is Why You Got Axed
MIMS weighs in on Imus and the proper use of the word "ho" (Rolling Stone)

"We are innocent people"
Tony Yayo’s mother’s house shot; family reacts (New York Daily News)

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Tags: 50 Cent Cam'ron Don Imus MIMS Notorious B.I.G. Tony Yayo

With the release of his "Greatest Hits" CD, Biggie Smalls has topped the charts for the second time since his untimely death 10 years ago. To commemorate the legend’s passing, HipHopDX.com caught up with Biggie’s 13-year-old daughter, T’yanna Dream Wallace. In the interview, the teenage "Dream" explains what it’s like being the daughter of a true giant, her younger brother’s MC skills, and what she thinks about her father’s still-unsolved murder.

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Videos: Notorious B.I.G.
Artist Page: Notorious B.I.G.
Feature: 10 Essential Tracks

Tags: Notorious B.I.G. Music