FBI RELEASES FILES FROM NOTORIOUS B.I.G.'S MURDER MYSTERY

Finally yesterday, the FBI released files regarding the murder of Notorious B.I.G. which has yet to be solved since his death in 1997. Here are some things you might've suspected that are official...

Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur's deaths were linked from the get-go. It is believed that these rappers got caught up in the feud between East and West that was very apparent in the 90s. Whether it be about the Kings of the Coast or the best record label at the time (Bad Boy Entertainment vs. Marion "Suge" Knight's label), one thing for certain is that there were similar people present at the shootings of both Biggie and Tupac which is pretty odd. Something pretty shady is that the LAPD officers present at the Peterson Automotive Museum music industry event where Biggie was seen exiting were also employed by as security officers by Death Row Records, an LAPD policy violation.

On the night of March 9th, Biggie left the museum and got into the passenger seat of the middle car in the three car caravan. Soon after, a Chevy Impala 66 pulled up next to him and shots were fired through the window. Minutes later, Biggie Smalls was pronounced death after taken into the hospital.

According to an ammunition expert, the bullets that struck Biggie were a rare breed, Gecko 9mm, which is only manufactured in Germany. The only two distributors of the bullets in the United States are located in California and New Jersey.

At his death, it was reported that Biggie's pockets were pretty full. They contained: Georgia driver's license, pen, 0.91 grams of marijuana, misc. papers, 3 condoms, and an inhaler.

The FBI also uncovered that Biggie had connections with organized crime, the Genovese family in New York. It is believed that this family may have video or other means of surveillance regarding the people involved with the shooting.

Though these files regarding Notorious B.I.G. have been released, the one thing for certain is that those who were involved in this mysterious murder have not been caught unless the truth is being hidden to this day. Honor to the grave, Rest in Peace.

You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille

C00GI and It's Transformation Into Hip-Hop Culture

Once upon a time, COOGI was known as the Bill Cosby sweater, the piece of clothing he would wear on #1 hit series "The Cosby Show." Before Biggie started rocking the brand himself, he was influenced by Walt G, a flashy guy from Mount Vernon. Initially, Biggie's style donned Army jackets with Timbalands, but when he saw this kid's style he immediately changed his look, yet brought it to the next level.

Nobody is the 80's or 90's knew about Coogi, unless you were Bill Cosby or from Australia, trust this brand does not run cheap. Biggie's influence on the brand brought exposure to it from the media and the hood. From then on, Biggie repped Coogi saying, "I STAY COOGI DOWN TO THE SOCKS."

Check out his video for "Big Poppa" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ27AM3RTv8

Now with the brand C00GI being more well known, it STILL IS NOT AFFORDABLE to the everyday person. Sweaters that Biggie wears are $400! Too much money in my opinion for a sweater that looks like it was designed by a 5 year old or maybe the wardrobe of a grandpa! Just because it was made famous by Bill Cosby and Biggie, does not justify anyone wearing this sweater in the confines of their own home. The price tag on this item does not make this sweater more attractive, it actually makes it more ridiculous to know anyone would pay that much for a hideous sweater. At least it looks really warm...

On the other hand, I would totally rock the women's sweater dresses! They are fitted, and the design actually has a tribal feel to the whole look! They are low-key pretty cute!!!

You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille

WHY THE JESUS PIECE? Hip-Hop Culture's Fascination with the Pendant

A JESUS PIECE is a depicted face of Jesus adorned with diamonds and platinum/gold/silver hung on a heavy chain. In hip-hop culture, the Jesus Piece is a symbol of making it in the hip-hop community, it pays tribute to Jesus...all you have to do is wear the loud accessory on your neck. But what combines such symbolism of religion together with hip-hop? Though there isn't an exact answer, it may have to do with the struggle these artists have faced in a world full of failure and criticism. Though it has been a rough road to get to where they are now, the Jesus piece signifies their success in a dog-eat-dog world, where they glorify their blessings.

Urban Dictionary defines: "The Jesus piece, and other styles of large pendants worn with rope style jewelry have been a staple of hip hop youth culture for nearly thirty years. Presently, hip hop artists and fans alike use the Jesus piece as a symbol of being "hood" or keepin' it real and being extravagantly wealthy at the same time. The Jesus piece testifies to the fact 'you can take the man out of the ghetto, but you can't take the ghetto out of the man.'

In many hip-hop songs, artists use the materialistic item in one of their verses:

"Cubans with the Jesus piece" -Notorious B.I.G., Hypnotize. See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2taRwe_6afk

"I'm far from religious but i got beliefs, so I put cannary yellow diamonds in my Jesus Piece" -The Game

"I stay fitted from the Polo fleece to the Jesus piece." -Kanye West

Notorious B.I.G. started this fascination with the Jesus piece that has made it's way to present day hip-hop culture seen on artists such as Kanye West (he has at least 3!), Jay-Z, Timbaland, and Kid Cudi. But this phenomenon is making it's way to non-hip-hop related celebrities such as Lebron James and Amber Rose, along with non-black celebrities like Pau Gasol, Louie Vito, and Trouble Andrew.

From diamond and gem entrusted designs that the usual hip-hop artist prefers to don, the Jesus piece is now becoming popularized in the form of colorful wood. Regardless if you're flashy or low key, the Jesus piece represents wealth and fame.

You Just Do You, Imma Do Me


Camille