R.I.P. B.I.G.

In honor of The Notorious B.I.G.’s 50th birthday on May 21, the late rapper’s estate releases, “G.O.A.T.”, B.I.G.’s latest posthumous release featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Nigerian musician Bella Alubo.

Over an Afrobeats-infused production by Elliot Osagie and Kayo, “G.O.A.T.” utilizes Biggie’s verse off “I Love The Dough” from his 1997 classic album, Life After Death. Ty Dolla adds his modern West Coast flavor to the track, while Bella Alubo sprinkles the record with her Afropop sound.

“Being on a song with Biggie has been a dream of mine since I was a kid.” says Ty Dolla $ign. “The song title is fitting of him…the GOAT. Happy Birthday, Big. We miss you!”

B.I.G.’s mother Voletta Wallace adds, “It’s wonderful to witness my son’s music reimagined for his fans and today’s generation of young men and women to embrace his art. I appreciate the hard work of all involved in bringing together the perfect blend of voices and music to this song, G.O.A.T.”

New York City will be celebrating the life of B.I.G. all weekend, reports 6sqft.com. On Friday (May 20), the estate will host the 2nd annual Biggie Dinner Gala at The Empire State Building which will be lit up red and white, with a rotating crown and the number “50” in the mast on Saturday, May 21. Elsewhere, MTA will have limited edition Biggie MetroCards used for passengers in Brooklyn, while a video montage of the rapper’s music will play atop the entrance of the Barclays Center.