Late rapper Notorious B.I.G’s iconic photo ‘The King Of New York’ has become an Ethereum NFT. Notably, the digital asset features a physical photo in a unique auction.
In the ever-growing digital assets space, a beloved photo of the late rapper, Christopher Wallace, The Notorious B.I.G., is entering the world of nonfungible tokens (NFTs). The image, referred to as “The King Of New York,” was originally captured in 1997 by Barron Claiborne, a celebrated photographer, just three days before the rapper was killed in a drive-by shooting.
The photo, consisting of the lyricist with a subtly tilted crown on his head, has already become a staple in the visual archive of hip-hop. Vikki Tobak, culture author and journalist, has recognized the image as a veritable “symbol of greatness” in the music industry.
An Integration OF The Digital And The Physical In The Auction
The integration of digital and physical worlds has now found its expression in the unique auction. A cutout obtained from the original contact sheet, which measures 6x 7 centimeters, is up for sale, enhanced by a one-of-one Ethereum NFT or “digital twin.” The NFT functions for the dual purpose of confirming provenance and proving ownership on the blockchain.
This Auction has already kicked off through the Kairos platform and is expected to last over 30 days. Interestingly, the bidding starts at a huge sum of 50 ETH (which translates to $93,500). Besides acquiring a piece of hip-hop history, the highest bidder will get an extra bonus: a phone call with Barron Claiborne, the man behind the lens, to delve into the backstory of the legendary image.
Growing KONY Series And Future Plans
The King Of New York (KONY) series spans beyond the original photograph and its nonfungible token. It comprises a limited edition of NFTs including an animated digital version of the Biggie portrait. Just nine editions of the distinct digital artwork are available, and each costs 1 ETH ($1,925).
For those interested in acquiring a part of this collection, a digital collectible inspired by the crown depicted in the photograph is now up for grabs in an open edition drop. The price for this limited-time offer stands at 0.03 ETH, which is approximately $55.
The open edition format ensures that there is no restriction on the quantity of these NFTs available. In addition to this, a separate auction is currently in progress for a digital bust featuring the iconic figure, Notorious B.I.G.
More plans are also underway. From July 26, Claiborne aims to vend 100 editions of a digital version of the original still photo, each of them paired with a physical print, at 1 ETH apiece. In August, a strangely unique item will be auctioned – one of the limited edition Notorious B.I.G. New York City MetroCards, distributed in 2022 at particular subway stations.
The signed card will be paired with an NFT, adding another interesting layer to the digital and physical memorabilia blend.
Sky’s The Limit NFT Collection
2022 marked a huge milestone for the enduring legacy of the late Notorious B.I.G., with his digital collection, notably named “Sky’s The Limit,” sold out almost immediately after its launch. As proof of his consistent influence in the hip-hop world, the demand for the NFT collection exceeded expectations.
In that context, the Christopher Wallace Estate, stewards of Biggie’s legacy, strategically decided to release the digital collection in conjunction with the One of NFT market platform. The move into the advanced blockchain technology world insists on Biggie’s timeless appeal and pioneering spirit.
