Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, N.Y., unveiled a limited-edition Brooklyn Lager featuring Notorious B.I.G. in homage to his vibrant legacy and in celebration of Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary.
This limited release of Brooklyn Lager, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, delivers the same bold taste it has for three decades, but for a limited time will feature an iconic image of Brooklyn’s favorite son, capturing his larger-than-life persona and serving as a testament to his creative legacy and profound impact on the hip-hop community, as well as in fashion, style, photography, and more. The limited-edition artwork will be available across all packs and sizes, while supplies last.
Coinciding with the release, a special capsule collection of limited-edition apparel and accessories will be on sale Aug. 4, online and in the Brooklyn Brewery Tasting Room.
In conjunction with the release of the limited-edition Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn Brewery has teamed up with Wax Poetics ― the acclaimed music journal, who has long been recognized for its deep appreciation of music, culture, and art ― for a three-part series to celebrate Notorious B.I.G.’s enduring cultural legacy.
Karli Bainbridge, vice president of marketing for Brooklyn Brewery, stated: “We are thrilled to bring this collaboration together in celebration of 50 years of hip-hop. We are also excited to team up with notable music journal Wax Poetics, along with Brooklyn-based establishments Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, and leading arts and media institution BRIC for a series of events that pay homage to Biggie’s extraordinary cultural impact.”
Taking place across three nights in August and September, the events will include live performances by Masta Ace, Easy Mo Bee, MIKE and DJ sets by Niara Sterling, Monk-One and more.
Aug. 17 – In Conversation & DJ Set with Easy Mo Bee at Brooklyn Brewery’s Williamsburg Tasting Room: Renowned producer Easy Mo Bee will join Wax Poetics Magazine’s Editor-At-Large Andrew “Monk-One” Mason to reflect on the early ’90s New York City milieu that gave birth to this musical phenomenon. Mo Bee will also break down some of his classic beats that powered Biggie’s legendary Ready To Die album and other unforgettable songs of the era. Following the talk, Mo Bee switches to DJ mode for a dance party, joined on the decks by Monk-One and more.
Aug. 31 – B.I.G.: Lineage of a Legend Photography Exhibition Launch Party at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA): The Notorious B.I.G. has burned an indelible image, built of many personas into the minds of millions across the world. Whether it’s due to the infectious chatting of the West Indian rudeboy, the effortless lyricism of the Brooklyn native, or the vivid nature of his storytelling, one could argue that Christopher Wallace has one of the deepest and most cherished legacies in rap's history. MoCADA in Brooklyn will host a photo exhibition exploring Biggie’s personas and their wider influence on hip-hop.
Sept. 14 – Masta Ace with Marco Polo + MIKE Closing Series Party at BRIC: The series concludes with a finale celebrating Brooklyn hip-hop in its fullest spectrum, old school to new, with a concert at BRIC in Brooklyn. Curated by Wax Poetics, the line-up is headlined by storytelling golden era MC Masta Ace and rising star MIKE who continues to shine the torch for quality homegrown hip-hop.