Check It Out: NYC DOT Releases Limited Batch of Authentic Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace Way Street Signs to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of Ready to Die

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September 23, 2024
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Check It Out: NYC DOT Releases Limited Batch of Authentic Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace Way Street Signs to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of Ready to Die

If You Don't Know, Now You Know: The Notorious B.I.G. Sign Drop Coincides with the Anniversary of Rapper's Legendary Debut Album, Released in September 1994

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced a limited number of authentic, commemorative Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace Way street signs are for sale to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Brooklyn rap legend's landmark album Ready to Die. As part of the agency's monthly 'sign drops,' The Notorious B.I.G. signs are hand-made at the NYC DOT Sign Shop, which produces over 70,000 signs each year.

Ready to buy, these Biggie signs won't last until the end of time with a limited edition of 100 signs that will be sold online for $75 each and are available one per customer. All signs will be sold via the CityStore, the Official Store of the City of New York, and proceeds will benefit the city's general fund.

"Notorious B.I.G. famously said to 'Spread love - it's the Brooklyn way' - and now as a tribute to the legacy of an iconic rapper and storyteller, we are excited to offer a unique opportunity for you to own a piece of NYC history that commemorates his Brooklyn street," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "We hope his fans go check it out - and stay tuned for our next monthly sign drop, which will allow all who love New York City to celebrate the people, places, and special occasions that make it the greatest city in the world."

"Biggie Smalls is more than just a musical icon-he is a symbol of our city's rich culture and history, especially in Brooklyn. With this limited release of the Christopher Wallace Way street sign, we're offering New Yorkers an opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'Ready to Die', the Brooklyn way," said NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Louis A. Molina. "As we commemorate this milestone, we're proud to collaborate with NYC DOT and continue the tradition of connecting New Yorkers to the moments and figures that have shaped our city's identity."

"Biggie Smalls is an absolute ICON of our city, someone whose talent and artistry were honed right here on Fulton Street in Brooklyn before they took the whole world by storm," said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. "I was so proud to honor this incredible artist by naming 'Notrious B.I.G. Way' when I was serving in the city council, and now thanks to DOT, New Yorkers have the opportunity to honor Christopher Wallace in the New York-est way possible - with their very own official city street sign."

The Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace Way street sign is located at the corner of St. James Place and Fulton Street, on the artist's childhood street in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The street was officially co-named in honor of the late Wallace in June 2019 to recognize his impact on the community and music.

Ready to Die, released in September 1994, was Biggie Smalls' debut studio album and the only one he released before his untimely death in 1997. Certified six-times platinum, the critically acclaimed album is considered one of the greatest rap albums ever recorded, featuring hits like 'Juicy,' 'Big Poppa,' and 'One More Chance.' In 2020, Smalls was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2024, his debut album was inducted into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, and/or aesthetically significant."

Monthly sign drops feature signs for iconic New York City streets, commemorations of famous New Yorkers, celebrations of special occasions, and other custom releases. NYC DOT began its monthly drops in June, with the release of Christopher Street/Stonewall Place street signs to commemorate Pride Month. In July, NYC DOT released Beastie Boys Square street signs to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the hip hop group's landmark album Paul's Boutique. Signs in both drops sold out within hours of their release. In August, NYC DOT sold a limited batch of Cornelia Street signs as a nod to the street's significance to pop music and its place as a destination for music fans.

About the NYC DOT Sign Shop

The New York City DOT Sign Shop is in Maspeth, Queens and manufactures over 70,000 signs each year. A team of 32 Sign Shop employees hand-make street signs, highway signs, directional signs, parking signs, and more. There are about one million NYC DOT signs in use across the 6,000 miles of streets in New York City.

The monthly sign drops are the latest iteration of sales that have historically been available from the sign shop.

About the CityStore

CityStore is the Official store of the City of New York. CityStore is operated by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services. 100% of sales benefit the City of New York.

CityStore is similar to a museum store, which complements the museum by highlighting the treasures within while serving as a stand-alone retail entity for wonderful gifts, collectables and research materials. A museum store is a revenue source for the museum and reinforces and protects the integrity of the museum brand. CityStore is the "museum store" for the entire City of New York.

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