‘Biggie Smalls is the illest’ – Block party, MTA honor slain rapper’s legacy on 50th birthday

The Clinton Hill community celebrated Saturday the legacy of Biggie Smalls on what would have been his 50th birthday.
Born Christopher Wallace, the rapper is considered one of the best to ever live with his influence still reverberating in the music industry.
He was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997. His murder is still unsolved.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said the day was about recognizing Biggie's incredible talent and remembering the life he lived.
"Today's bittersweet. We celebrate the genius and the brilliance of Christopher Wallace, Biggie. But we also mourn that he was taken away from us too soon," Gonzalez said.
Hundreds came out to indulge in live performances, roller skate, art, and dancing -- all in honor of the music that shaped and influenced the area where Biggie lived.
One of the coordinators of the event said they wanted to have something that promoted happiness and brought people together. They said they went by Biggie's message, "Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way," and that's exactly what Biggie Day was all about.
Custom potato chip bags were also given out as another way to keep the spirit of the Notorious B.I.G. alive.
The MTA also paid tribute to the rapper at four Brooklyn subway stations by distributing limited edition cards. Fifty thousand MetroCards featuring his portrait on the reverse side were available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis.