The Role Of Biggie Is Cast In The Tupac Biopic. And You’ve Seen Him Before…
In 2016, the Tupac Shakur biopic All Eyez On Me is slated to reach movie theaters. Starring Demetrius Shipp, Jr. as the late Hip-Hop superstar, the L.T. Hutton-produced film also stars veteran Hollywood actor Hill Harper.
The role of Tupac’s close friend-turned-nemesis has also now been cast. Jamal Woolard has been announced to play the part of The Notorious B.I.G. (a/k/a Christopher Wallace). Notably, this is Woolard’s second time playing Biggie Smalls. In 2009, Woolard played the title character in the George Tillman, Jr. directed Notorious. The film was sanctioned by Wallace’s estate and family, with a chart-topping soundtrack courtesy of Biggie’s label, Bad Boy Worldwide.
Related: Kevin Powell Releases A Recording of Tupac Discussing The Night He Was Shot in NYC (Audio)
Here is a trailer from Notorious showing Jamal Woolard’s portrayal:
Before his acting career, Woolard was also a Hip-Hop MC, performing under the name of Gravy. His N.Y. Target mixtape paired his vocals with those of Tupac and Tha Outlawz. All Eyez On Me is currently being directed by Benny Boom, who has directed music videos for such Tupac associates as Snoop Dogg, Keyshia Cole, and Busta Rhymes. Boom also worked extensively with Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Records.
Do you think the comparisons of Jamal Woolard in Notorious and All Eyez On Me will work to the film’s advantage?
#BonusBeat: Demetrius Shipp, Jr. has also been working with Outlawz co-founder Young Noble:
Studio with @young_noble A photo posted by Demetrius Shipp Jr. (@dshippjraeome) on
Related: The Role Of Tupac Shakur Has Been Cast For His Biopic. Here Are Photos.