The B.I.G. Picture

Working on the Hip-Hop biopic Notorious, now in theaters, the cast was afforded a first-hand look at the life and times of legendary MC The Notorious B.I.G. and the people who knew him best. Angela Bassett, Jamal Woolard, Derek Luke, Antonique Smith and Naturi Naughton reflect on their roles in one of the most important Hip-Hop films. It can’t be easy to be an actor. Outside of the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and flashing lights, your job is to wear a different face in front of the camera convincingly enough to make the audience believe that it’s the only face you’ve ever owned. So what happens when the face, persona and swagger you’re asked to don not only isn’t yours, but also belongs to one of the most recognized names in the rap world? A person whose moves were photographed, reported and dissected? They say imitation is the purist form of flattery, but in the case of at least five of the stars of the Biggie Smalls’ biopic Notorious, it may also be the quickest way to an ... (link)