The Notorious B.I.G. will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 7, over two decades after his tragic death. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Pepsi has released an animated music video featuring a previously unreleased freestyle from Biggie about the popular soda brand.
The freestyle was originally executed at the legendary D&D Studios in New York City and now, is being brought to life by former Def Jam Recordings creative director Cey Adams and DJ Enuff.
“Big slam, quick slam, tin can, whatever,” Biggie spit at the time. “Whether too cold or too hot, you got to keep Pepsi in the freezer. I keep a 3 liter for my crew. My girl like them diet joints too.”
According to a press release, Pepsi is also partnering with Biggieâs original road DJ, Enuff and HOT97 to launch a freestyle competition, “giving aspiring artists the opportunity to compete and Hip Hop enthusiasts everywhere the chance to vote for their favorite bars on social.” The winner will have four nights of studio time paid for completely by Pepsi.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced in January. Upon hearing Biggie was included in the 2020 class, the late rap legend’s close friend and former collaborator Diddy went wild on social media.
âWhoooooo!!! I want to share this special moment, special announcement with yâall,â he said in a video with âJuicyâ bumping in the background. âBiggie you did it! You did it you muthafucka! Blap blap blap! The Notorious B.I.G. is going to be inducted into the Rock and Roll muthafuckinâ Hall of Fame! What the fuck! Love! We miss you king! New York, stand up. Brooklyn, yeah!â
He wrote in the caption, âBIGGIE YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2020 ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!â
Twenty-three years after Biggie’s death, fans’ interest in the celebrated rapper hasn’t waned. During Sotheby’s first-ever Hip Hop auction in September, the infamous crown Biggie wore in a 1997 photo shoot shortly before he died sold for over $500,000.Â
#AuctionUpdate Following a bidding battle, one of the most iconic symbols of Hip Hopâs heyday: the crown ? worn and signed by Notorious B.I.G. from #BarronClaiborneâs iconic 1997 âKing of New Yorkâ photoshoot for Rap Pages Magazine soared to $594.8k #HipHopxSothebys pic.twitter.com/3Djgkrxa0c
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) September 16, 2020