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The family of The Notorious B.I.G. has struck a deal with Primary Wave Music for the late MC’s catalog and more.
As reported by Variety, the estate of Biggie Smalls has partnered with the music giant in an agreement that includes his publishing rights, master recordings, image, name and likeness. This would allow the agency to negotiate on the estate’s behalf and leverage the assets so The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy lives on via strategic placements and arrangements.
While terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, the Wall Street Journal reports that Primary Wave Music is acquiring 50% into the estate, which the business magazine estimates being valued at $200 million dollars. In the feature, WSJ details the late Voletta Wallace’s journey to organize Biggie’s affairs ever since his passing in 1997, which included negotiating a higher split from Bad Boy Entertainment for his music publishing.
“The estate and Primary Wave will collaborate on all business moving forward in an effort to continue the incredible and innovative work done thus far with one goal in mind, to keep the legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. alive,” a press release reads. According to the Hollywood Reporter B.I.G.’s former management team Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow will represent the estate. Voletta Wallace passed away Feb. 21 at the age 78.
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Source: THE DROP SHOP / THE BASQUAIT ESTATE / THE DROP SHOP / THE BASQUAIT ESTATE
The legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat will be brought to life in a special way for Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary. His estate will be releasing his “Beat Bop” single on vinyl.
Hype Beast is reporting that the late great artist’s music will be available. This week the estate announced it will be dropping his very rare “Beat Bop” song in partnership with The Drop Shop. In 1983 the Haitian and Puerto Rican creative founded Tartown Records Co. and recorded the gritty Rap song which featured an almost 10-minute battle between K-Rob and Rammellzee. In 2013 Profile Records founder Cory Robbins detailed how the record came to be with Spin Magazine. “It didn’t follow any rules. It was long and it didn’t have a hook. It was so free-form. There’s no record like it” he said.
According to the press release the forthcoming sale will feature 50 copies of the original 500 test pressings Jean-Michael Basquiat had created. “The Drop offers 39 of the original 50 copies that remained in Basquiat’s personal collection. All are factory-sealed and come in a numbered, handmade commemorative leather case with a signed certificate issued by the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat” it read. “The release marks the first time the Estate has offered any pressings from the artist’s personal collection for sale.”
In the past “Beat Bop” has sold for over $100,000 at auction. The limited-edition vinyl will be available starting November 2 at $4,000.00 each. You can find out more about the drop here.
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Source: Budweiser / Budweiser
One of America’s most beloved beers is saluting one of the culture’s most beloved MC’s. Budweiser has just released an issue of Word Up! Magazine in tribute to The Notorious B.I.G..
As spotted on Hype Beast the King of Beers has partnered with the late great rapper’s estate to bring back one of Hip-Hop’s most influential publications. The co-branded effort celebrates the anniversary of his seminal debut Ready To Die. This limited-edition print highlights his brief but significant career while using some of the most iconic photographs of the “10 Crack Commandments” MC. Additionally, it will feature excerpts from his mother Voleta Wallace, his children, Angie Martinez and others.
“Christopher Wallace’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the belief in self that shaped him into the rap legend known as The Notorious B.I.G. During Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, Budweiser is proud to champion B.I.G.’s story, spirit and legacy through the reimagining of this iconic publication” a formal press release reads. “Dive deep into these pages; in every line and image, the story of B.I.G. awaits. From the gritty avenues of Brooklyn to the corners of the country, a legend in the making never quits.”
The first edition of the Budweiser Word Up! Magazine Notorious B.I.G. edition is available now at select retailers throughout the country. A deluxe edition is scheduled for a September 28 release. You can read about this special release here.
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