August 2006 - Mezco Toyz, the New York based toy company, immortalizes hip-hop legend the Notorious B.I.G. as 9" collectible figure. The first-ever action figure of the music legend comes complete with real clothing and captures the larger than life persona that surrounded Biggie's life and career. The figure will be available at retail stores this fall, and will come in various outfits. The first assortment will showcase the hip-hop icon in his trademark white suit, complete with walking stick and removable hat; an alternate outfit sports a blue sweater, hip-hop jeans and classic Timbs. US retailer Spencer Gifts, and Japanese-based distributor, Blister Direct share an exclusive version of Biggie in his classic black suit as shown on his "Life After Death" album. Mezcotoyz.com will have an exclusive online version attired in a white leather jacket, signature bling, jeans and cap.

Biggie is widely celebrated as one of the all time greatest hip-hop artists, an unparalleled storyteller, and a man whose talent can only be compared to the size of his legend. Born Christopher Wallace in May 21, 1972, the Notorious B.I.G. a.k.a Biggie Smalls, in just a few short years, went from a Brooklyn street hustler to hip-hop star to tragic victim of violence. On March 9, 1997, Wallace was attending the Soul Train Music Awards at the Peterson Automotive Museum on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Just after midnight, Biggie's car stopped at a red light where the hip-hop star was shot and killed. An aura of mystery surrounds his unsolved murder, even today; over a decade later his death is still making news headlines. Every year the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation holds a black-tie dinner ("B.I.G. Night Out") to raise funds for children's school equipment and supplies and to honor the memory of the Notorious B.I.G. (For this particular event, because it is a children's schools' charity, "B.I.G." is also said to stand for "Books Instead of Guns".)

Mezco Toyz has produced action figures for Run DMC and is releasing figures based on hip-hop icons Public Enemy. They have created product for various licenses, in various genres, from horror to comedy to action adventure. Some licenses of note include: Family Guy, Scarface, Hellboy the movie, Hellboy comics, Edward Scissorhands and South Park.