We’ll see if the opening weekend matches “Gravy’s” predicition of $50 million…
Last night’s screening of Notorious really proved how much I underestimated the flick. I figured another hood flick about a hustler turned rapper…been there done that. But this was Biggie’s story. Sure we all know how it ends, but do we know how it all began? “Gravy’s” performance was on point and eery at times. He embodied Biggie’s charisma, swagger, voice, lyrical flow…AMAZING! Eventhough I questioned Derek Luke’s ability to play Diddy, he rocked the flick too! From Diddy’s signature Bad Boy prancing and dancing, Derek shed another light on Diddy…dare I say made him more humble. And as for Naturi Naughton, her Lil’ Kim portrayal made it very clear Naturi is no longer a little woman. From matress pumping moments with Biggie to her sexy onstage antics, Naturi did her thing. Whether or not its an accurate portrayal of Queen Bee, well that’s still being determined. The relationship between Biggie and his mom was so real leading me to tears at times…Angela Bassett of course rocked her performance as Voletta Wallace. Though the flick doesn’t provide any answers to Biggie’s murder, it does shed light one of Hip Hop’s legends captivating you from the beginning.
Sidebar: I wonder what Tupac would say about his portrayal in Notorious? Hmm…
Check after the jump for what others in the hip-hop community have to say about Notorious…
“It’s a great day for my man Biggie. People finally get to meet Christopher Wallace when they see the movie. This movie makes you dance, it makes you laugh, it makes you cry and it makes you respect life and appreciate what you have in front of you.” - Diddy
“Absolute classic!! The movie made you feel just like you were part of his legacy!! Great job of recreating the times…it sent chills thru my body” - Jadakiss
“I can’t believe we finally have a movie about one of the most talented, charismatic, and creative people of our generation. B.I.G was a leader, our voice, God don’t make ‘em like that no more! He will never be replaced, I miss him a lot. He pushed music to the future! Now I can see him on the Screen bigger than life and just smile!” - Nas
“It was an amazing movie. It kept you locked from beginning to end. I woke up wanting to watch it the next day! I felt like I was able to learn more about his story and how much he impacted his fans and the music industry.” - Ciara
“This movie was well done. I danced, I clapped, I cheered. The Actors’ performances were RAW and I was exposed to different sides of Biggie I never knew. I think anyone who has as much love for Hip Hop as I do needs to see this film. I’m putting the Tyrese stamp on it.” - Tyrese Gibson
