Biggie Smalls

Who opened the floodgates on the Biggie casting call?

First, I hear that young Sean Kingston was definitely going to play Big Poppa. Now, apparently that’s not the case, because Beanie Siegel is giving it a go.

I’m aware of the fact that the role of BIG has to be played by someone who can carry some swag, and also deliver a rhyme here and there, but aren’t these casting directors forgetting the most important thing?

The actor they finally pick has to be able to…act.

He doesn’t need to rap, he needs to be able to capture B.I.G.’s thick drawl and slow vocal delivery. He doesn’t need to look the part specifically, he needs to know how to attain that look by prepping. He doesn’t need to know the background on the man’s music so much, as he needs to be able to pick up his mannerisms and overall character.

The person doesn’t need to resemble the Notorious one, they need to be him.

More than likely, an untrained actor can’t do those things without the proper training. Biggie was such a force inside and outside of hip-hop that the actor who gets the role has to play him dead on. Otherwise, the movie is going to lose all credibility from jump.

Beans, well, he’s simply not that dude. Some of you will say he got his stripes from the State Property movies, but he played “Beans.” If he thinks he could play BIG, he’d be playing himself again.

As far as Sean Kingston goes, it’s a double-edged sword. While getting the part could be huge for his career, it could destroy it even faster if he punts the role. On the other hand, since he’s so ripe, if he does shine people might forget that he even makes his own music.

Basically, instead of searching through rappers’ resumes, the casting department should be looking over in left field.

Find a new cat, someone who will put in 110%. A trained actor who’ll study film and voice patterns, not just listen to Ready to Die. Someone who sees the role as the challenge of a lifetime (it definitely will be), and not just a chance to enhance their status in the rap game.

A lot of rappers might be loose cannons, but not every emcee could’ve
played Bishop.

To just give some rapper the role, simply because the role is that of another rapper, would be a complete injustice to Biggie’s legacy. The man was, and always will be, an icon. If the producers of this film botch this movie, all it will do is tarnish that legacy.

Beans, Sean, don’t hold your breath on this one. Instead, go ask Timbo for their number over at Days of Our Lives.

Everyone needs to start somewhere.

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