Notoroious BIG Merch Guide - The Hip Hop Insider

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Josh grew up listening to all types of underground, mainstream, Hispanic, and all other parts of the hip-hop spectrum. Born at the end of the Golden Age of hip hop, the new wave and popularity of the scene helped shape his mind and personality. He has experienced the massive growth of the culture from the underground roots to the mainstream.

The Complete Biggie Smalls Merch Guide

There is A LOT of Biggie Smalls merch. I was genuinely surprised when I first started my research and saw all the unique and niche ideas companies have for the Notorious B.I.G. The late rapper used to write about how the life he ended up with was something he never thought possible, but now, look at what he’s left behind.

As time goes by, being a fan of Biggie is becoming more of a remembrance for younger people who weren’t alive when he was shot, so his living memories are left with older humans. Thankfully, his music lives on regardless of age, and his voice, wordplay, and realistic takes on life can still be appreciated.

And you know what’s an excellent way to celebrate the Notorious B.I.G.? By getting some merch and letting everyone know you still respect the early generations of rap.

There are many ways to do this too. From a simple shirt, like the one you might already have on your mind, a cooler you can take with you while you’re tubing down the river, and even a full-on bed set complete with sheets, pillowcases, and more.

There are tons out there, and searching through all this merch can take time. Some may need help knowing where to look too.

With this in mind, I created the “Complete Biggie Smalls Merch Guide” that will be helpful for any new fans wanting some inspiration, all the way down to Biggie Smalls enthusiasts who may have missed some merch tucked away somewhere on the internet. Now, join me as we dive in.

Why Biggie Smalls Merch is so Popular

It’s been about 25 years since Christopher Wallace was gunned down. The twenty-four-year-old had accomplished so much, and yet, he didn’t get to see how much of a lasting impact his works had on the world.

When you see someone wearing a Biggie Smalls shirt or hat, quoting his lyrics, or repeating his iconic phrases, many people could be doing so without even being alive when he was. This speaks on its own about why anything with the rapper’s name and face could still be so prominent today.

Here’s why Biggie Smalls merch is still so popular:

His Music

From the groundbreaking song Hypnotized (famously sampled from one Slick Rick) to classics like Juicy, Big Poppa, and Suicidal Thoughts, his tracks carry his soul with us into the 2020s. The timelessness of it all keeps him relevant decades after they released.

A Fashion Statement

His clothing and face have become a part of pop culture, leading new generations to follow along and add them to their wardrobes. The outfits that can be put together are nearly endless with the amount of clothing available.

Showing Love to Hip Hop

Because his name and face are synonymous with the rap genre, you can show your love and knowledge of the old school music by wearing his clothes. People can use this to find other rap music lovers who share a passion for Biggie.

The Artistic Appeal

I’ve seen a lot of Biggie Smalls merch, and I’ve noticed some styles that few artists have dabbled in.

With all the images, recordings, and videos we’ll ever get from Christopher Wallace already here, some staple portraits of him are commonly marketed on his products, which made them easily recognizable as time went on. People know it’s Biggie. That’s marketing right there.

The Man He Was

Christopher Wallace was beloved by all that knew him. Although gang violence would be his end, the world as a whole enjoyed his time and still treasure his music.

The Merch

I’m going to list off different categories of merch so you to get an idea of where you might want to start. Most of these you can probably guess, but others may surprise you:

Apparel
Bedding
Accessories
Funko Pops!
Music
Wall Art
Small Items
School Supplies
Miscellaneous

You probably guessed most of these, but now that we know these, we can break them down further. Let’s go into more detail, starting with the first one.

Apparel

Most people are already familiar with this first category, but unlike other artists, Biggie has some unique clothing ideas that set his catalog of merch on another level than others. These are the safest bet for you when looking for Biggie Smalls merch, so I’ll give you them first.

Jerseys: Different sports jerseys are up for grabs that replace team logos or player names and numbers with Biggie. There are ones for Basketball and some for Baseball, but they all bring that Biggie energy in every stitch.

Headwear: All kinds of styles can be represented here, with merch from trucker hats and thick beanies to snapbacks and more. The right audience can fall in love with these options, which can be found on various reliable websites.

Outerwear: Jackets, hoodies, zip-ups, they all fall under this category. The fit and styles change considerably between these options, giving you more opportunities to add something new to your fall and winter wardrobe.

Upperwear: A wealth of shirts, long sleeves, tank tops, and more will follow you on every website trying to grab your attention. If you’re looking for this, check out this “Best Biggie Smalls Shirts” list for more detailed inspiration.

Lowerwear: Some leggings are made available for your style and comfort. Different sizes like tapered, skinny, slim, and loose fit offer ways to alter your outfit depending on your preference.

Underwear: This Biggie Smalls merch won’t be seen by many (or maybe they will. I don’t know you), but they are available, nonetheless. The polyester material in my examples below brings texture, unlike other baseline boxers.

Footwear: One of the freshest ways to rock merch, get a pair of custom shoes with artwork depicting Biggie. And while you’re at it, get some long socks with his face on them to wear underneath.

Infant Clothing: If you have a little one in your life, you can start them off by representing Biggie in their clothing. Onesies and baby long sleeves are listed on some popular websites if you want them looking fly right out the gates.

Pajama Sets: And lastly, in apparel, pajama sets can be found with their unique patterns. A modest selection can bring variations, each containing a top and bottom piece.

Have fun with these clothing options with a list of some examples I wrangled together for you below:

Bedding

If you are thinking about looking into those pajamas I mentioned earlier, then why not complete your nighttime routine with some Biggie Smalls merch for your bed too? A very interesting line of products that very few artists have to offer, but Biggie is one of them.

Blankets: Handmade by fans or officially licensed from his store, a warm blanket will keep you cozy. Woven and fleece-style options are here for you to choose from, so consider this as a simpler alternative to our following product line.

Bedding Set: For a complete bedding experience, perhaps look into Rappers Merch’s unique bedding sets for the man himself. They offer sets, including a duvet cover for your comforter (an actual comforter is not included, sadly), sheets, and pillowcases to add to your sleep.

These will give you a good idea of what to expect:

Accessories

For people wanting something a little smaller to have on them, this ‘Accessories’ category will guide you. These merch ideas can help add that touch to your outfit that can separate you from the weak. Or simply make you look cool.

Wallets: Store your money, cards, and other things in a wallet with Biggie’s face if you want to. The options there. I’ll respect your confidence.

Necklaces: A lot of excellent chains are sold out, unfortunately. However, some gems are still waiting for you to come across them. The rapper used to wear chains around his neck, so I bet he’d enjoy having his fans rocking ice that he inspires.

Face Masks: While many locations have made mask mandates more lenient these days, it can’t hurt to have one just in case. Whether you wear a mask or not, there are some creative designs websites sell of the Notorious B.I.G. and his lyrics.

Phone Cases: A good number of cases for your phone (more iPhones than others) are in stock and ready for you. Along with just your phone, there are similar cases for iPads and laptops.

Wallet Phone Cases: If you want to combine two categories to save time and money, there’s also a wallet phone case. These are popular with many people and useful to carry around.

For some ideas of where to go in this category, look at these I have already:

Figurines

There are three different versions of Biggie Smalls released by Funko over the years. One of them is the standard Pop! you probably know. A second that includes a backdrop of his Born Again album cover. And a third that’s a part of the Funko Gold line. The last one’s not like regular Pops, though. See what I’m talking about here:

Music

As most artists (dead or alive) still produce this category profusely, finding physical means of listening to Biggie’s music is no task. His discography is limited from his brief time on this Earth, so if you want to collect them, that shouldn’t be hard either.

Vinyl: This option is the most popular today. Getting a vinyl of Ready to Die would look great on anybody’s shelf.

Cassette: This one is not as much, but some people love these little things, and I’m glad they’re still being made.

CD: Somewhere in the middle, CDs hold less prestige than vinyl but are more accessible to listen to than cassettes.

These are some I recommend you check out first:

Wall Art

You see them everywhere. Posters and frames contain some of the best pieces of art humanities created. These artistic visions have been translated into Biggie Smalls and his lyrics. This category includes a few different types of wall art available.

Posters: You can roll them up and pin them almost anywhere, and they’re affordable. You may even want to check out your nearest mall and skim through any poster displays there.

Framed Wall Art: These aren’t as versatile but are arguably better. The actual image is encased in a frame that you can hang up and look a bit classier in terms of room display.

Tapestry: Beautiful tapestries hanging on your wall can bring energy to your room like nothing else. They go beyond a poster and frame with their flag-like concept. Just check out the one with King Biggie I found and see for yourself.

Here are some great pieces of art below:

If you want more ideas for posters since they are so great, check out this “Best Biggie Smalls Posters of All Time.” Some of my favorite ones are talked about here.

Small Items

Another classic merch category, these more minor additions can be added to your clothing or stuck onto a personal belonging. Simple and effective, sometimes being minimal is the way to go.

Stickers: Stick these things on any surface you want. An immediate memorial of Biggie Smalls is created with a sticker.

Pins: Like stickers but pin the memorabilia onto clothing instead. There are plenty of styles to choose from.

Magnets: A rarer but similar product, these small items can stick to metal and are commonly displayed on fridges.

For your inspiration:

School Supplies

Or office supplies. Wherever you need to carry some items, write things down, or use your mouse. These items should do the trick.

Backpacks: Many backpacks have a simple design or an all-out graphic covering every inch. The Biggie-inspired ones tend to do their own thing and have a lyric on display. A humble way to stand out, if I were to call it something.

Mouse Pad: Don’t settle for a boring old mouse pad. There are ones you can get that quote lyrics from the great Christopher Wallace.

Notebooks: Skillfully done, some people added artwork to the covers of notebooks. It’s a great idea that I see utilized on campus from time to time with other artists.

Here are some more ideas for you:

Miscellaneous

So here is everything else that I couldn’t fit into a category. They are so unique; they deserve to be in one of their own. And thus, get anything on this list if you really want to stand out with your Biggie Smalls merch. Remember, though, that pretty much all these will be unofficial merch.

Displays: Dedicated fans and businesses take on this field of products by creating sculptures of Biggie’s likeliness. They’re what you would see in a shrine at the center of every other piece of merch the rapper has. It sounds weird, but the one below is very artistic—I love it.

Barber Shop Cape: You cut hair? Want to be that person who brings in their own cape when getting a haircut? They make some of those capes they put around your neck with Biggie on them if you are.

Car Air Fresheners: There’s a whole community that thrives on air fresheners with famous icons on them. Join them by getting one shaped like Big Papa himself.

Coolers: I can see many people I know getting one of these. It’s a good idea to bring one of these with you on a trip somewhere.

Water Bottles: It’s reusable with a lid you can screw on. The one I wanted to show you have stills of Tupac and Biggie together.

Coffee Mugs: Start your morning with the phrase, “It Was All a Dream,” labeled on your cup of coffee.

Garden Gnomes: An odd choice, I must say, but here you go. If you don’t know, garden gnomes are little figures about a foot or so tall that are meant to be displayed in a front yard. And now, thanks to Blueblom, the world has a set of these with Biggie and Tupac. The perfect duo.

Rolling Tray: Not everybody smokes, but the Notorious B.I.G. did. A rolling tray is meant to be the place to roll up whatever you’re smoking without causing a mess, and you can get one designed with Biggie in mind.

Examples of everything listed just now are right here:

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What Was the Name of Biggie Smalls Clothing Line?

Answer: Christopher Wallace started a clothing brand before his passing called Brooklyn Mint, though the line is difficult to come across these days. His daughter, clothing designer T’yanna Wallace, has also created a line of clothing inspired by her father named Notoriouss Clothing.

Question: What Did the Name Biggie Smalls Come From?

Answer: Before changing his name to The Notorious B.I.G., Christopher Wallace went under Biggie Smalls. The term originally comes from Let’s Do It Again, a 1975 film with a gang leader that shared the same name. The use of “Big” also comes from his childhood nickname.

Question: Where Can I Buy Biggie Smalls Merch?

Answer: Biggie Smalls has an official merch website where you can purchase many different types of merchandise. Aside from this, other online retail stores also offer expansive selections of various products. Places like Amazon, Merchbar, and RedBubble are a few sites providing The Notorious B.I.G. merchandise.

Final Thoughts

As I said, there’s a lot of Biggie Smalls merch. Every category has pages upon pages of merch, just like the ones I have as examples. Are you looking for a shirt? There are hundreds of them. Some gardening gnomes? You only really have one option. But it’s all there—and now you have a guide to navigate with.

And I’m glad so much memorabilia exists for the legend that is Christopher Wallace. Whether to make money or to show their love and support for the late artist, everything here is just a way for you to play a part in keeping his memory with us as we stray further away from the 90s.

Whatever you choose, make sure it is right for you and that it respects the memory of the Notorious B.I.G.

Take care.