Notorious

2009 Biography

Fox Searchlight presents the tragic life story of rap star Notorious B.I.G. from director George Tillman Jr. (Soul Food) and executive producer Sean "Diddy" Combs. The script is provided by Cheo Hodari Coker and Biker Boyz writer/director Reggie Rock Blythewood. Jamal Woolard portrays the slain rapper, with Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, and Anthony Mackie filling out the supporting cast.

Director: George Tillman Jr.

Starring: Jamal Woolard, Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, Antonique Smith, Anthony Mackie

 30 Reviews  4 Awards

Reviews

  • A good film in many ways, but its best achievement is the casting of Jamal Woolard, a rapper named Gravy, in the title role.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    26 April 2013

  • Notorious makes the death of Biggie Smalls look like a tragic mistake, instead of the outgrowth of a culture devoted to selling the fantasy of who's the biggest man.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    26 April 2013

  • Much closer to Scorsese than "Scarface," Notorious gives a heartfelt yet clear-eyed sendoff to the late Brooklyn rapper Christopher Wallace.

    Kyle Smith - New York Post

    26 April 2013

  • For a man apparently making his first film, Woolard carries the movie like a pro. Cross your fingers that this is no fluke, for this guy could be a real comer.

    Kirk Honeycutt - The Hollywood Reporter

    26 April 2013

  • It's the spirit that Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, put into inventing himself and his music that ignites Notorious, a biopic that sees the flaws in the man but can't help accentuating the positive.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Actor

    BET Awards (2009)

     

  • Best Breakthrough Performance

    Black Reel Awards (2010)

     

  • Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television)

    Image Awards (2010)

     

  • Soundtrack Composer of the Year

    World Soundtrack Awards (2009)

     

Lists

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