Optimo Cigars created an art contest this year to celebrate the life and legacy of New York rapper, Notorious B.I.G. The project was in honor of the 25th anniversary of his 1994 debut album Ready To Die. Seattle art teacher Hoa Hong and Ohio artist Cinique Smith each had their work turned into life sized murals in Brooklyn, NY in September.
According to XXL, Optimo commissioned a third mural in East Atlanta, recognizing it’s “vibrant art scene” and the city’s love for Biggie. North Carolina muralist/graffiti artist Brian ‘Jeks‘ Lewis, is responsible for the spray-painted mural on the side of Banshee restaurant in Atlanta. It features Biggie Smalls in the center with two versions of the late rapper on his left and right sides. The image represents two sides of the rapper, according to the artist.
Jeks says that he gathered his inspiration from Biggie rapping about conversations with himself, from both a good and evil side. “In the end, it’s all the same Biggie.”
The mural is located at Banshee ATL, 1271 Glenwood Ave. SE
