vigoronline

On March 9, I photographed 226 St. James Place in Brooklyn. Biggie grew up at this residence, which is now a national landmark. Photo by Leon Laing.

DJ Smitty, based in Harrisburg, Pa., opened for several legendary rappers. The Notorious B.I.G. was no exception. On March 9, the day of Biggie’s passing, we commemorate one of the greatest rappers of all time. To me, Biggie was also a family friend. Here’s Smitty’s story.

“Back in September of 1994, when Ready to Die came out, me and a couple of my friends were on our way down to Howard University’s homecoming to see Biggie, the Def Squad, Wu-Tang Clan and the Flatlinerz. So we play [Biggie’s] CD on the way down there probably about five or six times, and when we came back home, I think it was a week or two after that, I got the call about opening for him at the Forum [in Harrisburg] on April 14, 1995.

I was super excited knowing I had the opportunity to be on stage with him. It was a nice show, but the sound system was poor. I felt like as each group came on, the sound got worse.

Biggie was the headliner, and the sound was horrible, but he still did his thing. I remember seeing Junior Mafia on stage minus Lil’ Kim. Before Big went on stage, I was in his dressing room, and of course, they had a huge smoke out. LOL. I was talking to him for a little bit, went to shake his hand and told him I hope he has a great show tonight.

I ran into Mobb Deep, and I couldn’t believe how short they were. I think they only had ‘Shook Ones’ out at the time, and they were getting ready to promote the Infamous Mobb Deep album. One of them gave me a promo cassette with a few songs off that album. I was really happy. I can’t remember too much after that. But I DJed the after party as well, and it was about 2,500 people in attendance. That was a huge night for the city of Harrisburg. I was so honored I had the opportunity to DJ both events.”