‘Hella disrespectful’: Biggie Smalls mural vandalized in Clinton Hill
Police are currently investigating the crime in which the three-year-old mural was splashed with paint and tagged "East Coast"
A mural dedicated to Notorious B.I.G. in Brooklyn was vandalized overnight Friday, igniting outrage in the community.
The words “East Coast” were scribbled over the mural with a splotch of paint splashed on the iconic rapper’s face. The mural, unveiled in 2019, was painted by artist Vincent Ballentine and is located at Fulton Street in Clinton Hill, just a few blocks where the Smalls (born Christopher Wallace) grew up.
“I can’t believe someone defaced Biggie’s mural on his own block,” wrote a fan on Twitter. “Hella disrespectful.” Another person added that “you have to be a real POS to do this.”
“He came out of the ‘hood from here, so he represents this area,” a resident told WPIX-TV. “To do something like that is a big disrespect to him and the family.”
Ballentine told WCBS-TV that it took him two days to paint the mural and he plans on repairing it. “I think the neighborhood really saw it as he was one of ours, and he made it out and made something of himself. That’s the story that people hold on to,” he said.
I can’t believe someone defaced Biggie’s mural on his own block. Hella disrespectful. pic.twitter.com/fsCUzDDoJh
— Ruben || Check the Rhyme (@checktherhyme1_) August 27, 2022
The rap legend still looms large in his native neighborhood in spite (or because) of major changes here brought on in part by gentrification. He was just 24 when he was killed in an unsolved 1997 shooting in Los Angeles.
Just a few months ago, another massive mural dedicated to Biggie was unveiled on a wall of a former liquor store (and now pharmacy) on Fulton Street where the legendary rapper frequently hung out.
The NYPD is investigating the incident and have few details besides that it likely occurred early Friday morning when the streets were empty.
