New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Before The
Notorious B.I.G. was dubbed the "King of New York" by The Source in 1995, and before he released his first album, Ready to Die,
David McIntyre photographed him on the streets of Brooklyn for Interview Magazine. This was one of the first in-depth features on Biggie ever published.
But after delivering prints to the magazine's art department, the negatives were lost. This was before digital when things could be backed-up, without the negatives none of these historic photographs were ever printed or seen again.
Until now. Twenty-one years later, the negatives have been found.
"I was ecstatic. It was like unearthing a time capsule filled with rare and valuable artifacts," says D. McIntyre.
Realizing how scarce photographs of The
Notorious B.I.G. are, McIntyre wants to share them with Biggie's many fans in a manner that befits his outsized personality and legend.
"I could easily post these pictures online, getting tens of thousands of likes on Facebook or Instagram but that would be an injustice to Biggie's considerable legacy. These pictures need to be viewed big. Very big - bigger than life! So you can see every detail, and feel Biggie's presence," said D. McIntyre.
AN EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. THAT ARE AS UNIQUE AS HIS THROATY BARITONE VOICE AND EFFORTLESS FLOW
The proceeds from the Kickstarter campaign will be used to mount an exhibition and finance a red carpet opening party In Brooklyn. Contributors will be rewarded with T-shirts, prints and posters. Also, everyone will receive an invitation to the show. And for top ticket purchases, the invite will be to the VIP opening event where they can mingle with MCs, have a drink (or several; because Biggie would have wanted it that way) and see these amazing photographs in person.
If sufficient funds are raised, the show will go on the road to other major cities across the country: Los Angeles, Huston, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Miami.
The Pictures
The most interesting thing about these photos is that they depict the pre-bling Biggie Smalls. There is no artifice. No voluptuous models or expensive automobiles, no designer clothes or Versace sunglasses. This is Biggie before he blew up, which makes the images all the more honest and poignant. Some portraits are close-ups, while others are full-length. In one shot, the Twin Towers can be seen looming in the background, beyond the Manhattan Bridge. A landmark and a legend - both lost forever.
David McIntyre is an accomplished fashion photographer. His work has appeared in many of the world's top fashion magazines, including Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire. His portfolio of portraits includes an eclectic group of musicians including: Björk, U2 and Biggie Smalls. He was the Founder and Publisher of the two-time Webby Award-winning fashion magazine ZOOZOOM. He has directed music videos and made short documentary features for Macy's, L.A.M.B., L'Oreal and The Martha Graham Dance Company. His short film, A Band Apart, was featured in the 2012 American Dance Film Festival. His Photographs have been displayed in London's V&A museum and in the books: U2 by U2, Blitz - As Seen in Blitz, The
Color of Fashion and his own monograph Sexy Happy Cool.
