As the late rapper Christopher “Biggie” Wallace once sang, “It was all a dream.”
That could sum up how City Councilmember Robert Cornegy (D-Bedford Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) felt when he promised Biggie’s mom, Voletta Wallace, he would commemorate the legacy of her fallen son.
Nearly 20 years after the murder of Wallace, Cornegy along with Assemblymember Walter Mosley (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights), Brooklyn Parks Department Commissioner Marty Maher and Source Magazine Publisher L. Londell McMillan cut the ribbon announcing the renovation and renaming of the basketball courts at Crispus Attucks Playground for the legendary rapper.
Also in attendance at the playground, located on Fulton Street and Classon Avenue, were rapper Lil’ Cease of Junior Mafia, Wallace’s eldest child Tiana Wallace and nearly 200 Clinton Hill and Bedford – Stuyvesant residents.
“This has been a 20 year project,” said Cornegy, to the tune of Biggie classics roaring in the background. “It’s a commitment and a promise that I made to the Wallace family and in particular, Voletta Wallace. I promised to do everything in my power to make sure his legacy stayed alive.”
This is the second attempt to name a public space after the rapper. In 2013, Community Board 2 objected to St. James Place being co-named Christopher Wallace Way, citing their disapproval of the slain rapper’s lifestyle and song lyrics. CB 2 declined to comment on today’s ceremony.
Despite resistance from CB 2, the rapper, who was the victim of a 1993 drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, has since become a neighborhood icon celebrated with street murals, art shows and a basketball tournament named after him. Wallace lived close to the playground and frequented the courts, which now bare his name.
“Think B.I.G.,” said McMillan, reflecting on the contributions hip hop artists have made to their communities, and noting Wallace will be that of a legacy of inspiration.
“His influence in Jay and Puff’s life will lead to something that we will see in the multi billions of dollars that come from the culture and creativity of these streets,” said McMillan.
Throughout the event, children took turns shooting hoops on the newly renovated basketball courts. The blacktop now feature fiberglass backboards and newly sketched flooring. The project included new play equipment, renovated handball courts, a new garden and some capital improvements that make the playground more accessible and provide a site line to Fulton Street.
The $2.5 million project took five years to come to life, said Maher.
“This is something that has been brewing for a long time, said Mosley, who grew up in the same building as long time girlfriend of Wallace and female rap artist, Lil’ Kim. “Chris had done so much and for so many, and he continues to provide even through his foundation. I’m proud to honor one of Brooklyn’s finest.”
