Iconic Notorious B.I.G. Photo Up for Auction as NFT with Physical Tie-In

The late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., real name Christopher Wallace, was famously captured in a photograph that is presently up for sale as an NFT. Photographer Barron Claiborne captured the iconic portrait, titled “The King Of New York,” only three days before the rapper’s tragically early death in 1997. In hip-hop culture, the image of the lyricist wearing a slanted crown has come to represent excellence.

Auction Details and Charitable Contributions

The 6 by 7 centimeter original cutout from the contact sheet is up for auction together with a distinctive Ethereum NFT that certifies ownership on the blockchain. The auction is being held on the Kairos platform. The starting offer is 50 ETH ($93,500), and the successful bidder will speak with Claiborne over the phone to discuss the fabled photograph.

The King Of New York (KONY) series also offers limited edition NFTs with an animated digital rendition of the Biggie headshot in addition to the original contact cutout. The price of each of the nine editions of the artwork is 1 ETH ($1,865). A digital collectable inspired by the famous crown seen in the image is also available to fans through an open edition drop, costing 0.03 ETH (about $55) per NFT. Additionally, a digital bust of Notorious B.I.G. is up for sale separately.

The auction goes beyond NFT, with 100 editions of a digital copy of the original still image and a physical print being sold for 1 ETH apiece. A limited edition Notorious B.I.G. New York City MetroCard with the rapper’s signature and an NFT will also be up for auction in August.

It is significant to note that 35% of the profits from the KONY collection will be given to the Keiyo Art association, which supports public art experiences, and another 5% will go to Charity: Water, a group committed to ensuring that people in need have access to clean water.

The auction recognizes the continuing influence of Claiborne’s painting of The Notorious B.I.G. on popular culture as well as the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. It also gives fans and collectors the chance to acquire a piece of musical history while supporting charity organizations.