Troubled Waters
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 07:30AM Christopher Wallace
May 21, 1972 - March 9, 1997
Despite the fact that his life was cut short thirteen years ago, the lyrical tide of Biggie Smalls continues to flow through our earbuds and docking stations.
How he rowed his melodic boat over the beat with precision, and pooled the grittiest words into dirty puddles that splashed on us remains a gift that doesn't stop giving.
Whether we find a line we've never heard before, recite our favorite verses as though we've written them ourselves, or just lounge in the JUICYness of it all, it's a pleasure to bask in his passion.
Was it that we could relate to snatching baby rings and #1 mom pendants? Maybe not. The reality of seeing a dream come true? Maybe. Wanting one more chance? Sure. But most of the time, it was his ease of purging the contents of his heart despite what other people would think. His mindset seemed to be 'You may not like it or understand it. But this is what I know and it is what it is.' Period.
Tonight a Notorious wave will wash over BedStuy Brooklyn as Di.ddy celebrates the life of the great one with BIG names and his NOTORIOUSlee BIG style.
BIG is no longer with us, but clearlee his memory is. His artistry is. His killer probablee is, too.
Each year as we meet the anniversary of his death head on with mentions, articles and parties, the fact of the matter is the physical presence of Christopher Wallace, Ms. Voletta's son, is no longer with us. And each year, the likeleehood of finding his killer lessens.
It is highly doubtful that a ColdCase box filled with BIG's belongings are going to be rifled through and old clues will be revisited. It is even more doubtful because in the eyes of the law, he was black and his death was by violence, and thus par for the course. But the other side of that is, no one will stir the waters to say what they know because that's not what Black folks do. Mistrust of the police and fear of repercussions rule. They are real.
So as we celebrate the anniversary of life lost, and the killer swims freelee, BIG's murder will likelee go down as one of those things that float out to sea, fading into the horizon until it we can no longer see it.
Do I like or understand it? No.
But just like the content of his verses, it is, I guess, what it is.
Rest in Peace BIG
Pearson Lee, Brooklyn Girl
Reader Comments (1)
I recently read where his mother's lawsuit was dismissed. Which is mind boggling. Cause there is more than enough evidence to convince any jury of wrongful death on behalf of members of the LAPD.
I guess it's true - they don't consider his life to be as valuable as, let's say, John Lennon.
But why ?