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*The months-long search for an actor to play the late Notorious B.I.G. in Fox Searchlight's upcoming biopic "Notorious" has ended with the casting of Brooklyn-based rapper Jamal "Gravy" Woolard.
Two years ago, the budding MC made headlines after he did a radio interview at New York hip-hop station Hot 97 moments after he was shot outside of the building. Like Biggie, Woolard sold drugs before he picked up the mic. He had released a number of albums on indie labels in the 1990s before being signed by Warner Bros.
“Finding BIG was a task in itself and I’m honored that so many young men came out to audition for the role,” said the rapper's mother, Voletta Wallace. “However, it was Jamal's charming personality, warm spirit, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile that won my heart. He is a talented and charismatic actor and I am excited that he will bring Christopher's character to the big screen.”
Rounding out the "Notorious" cast is Derek Luke ("Catch a Fire") as Sean "Diddy" Combs, who off-screen is an executive producer on the film; Anthony Mackie as his hip hop rival, Tupac Shakur; and Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace.
I’m looking forward to working with award-winning actress Angela Bassett,” said director George Tillman Jr. ("Soul Food"). “I’ve been a huge fan of her work for such a long time. She and the entire cast bring such a wealth of talent, I am beyond thrilled.”
Due for release in January 2009, "Notorious" will focus more on the artist's troubled life away from music. Principal photography is scheduled to begin on March 24 in and around the five boroughs of New York.
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