Notorious B.I.G. estate sues Target and Home Depot over unauthorized use of iconic photo

The Legal Battle Over Biggie’s Iconic Image: What You Need to Know

The estate of Christopher Wallace, better known as the Notorious B.I.G., has filed a lawsuit against several major retailers, including Target and Home Depot, for selling merchandise that features his likeness without proper authorization. The suit, which also includes Republic Merchandising Inc. (the company that handles Biggie’s merchandise), centers on a famous photograph of the rapper, captured by photographer Barron Claiborne in 1997. The iconic image, known as “The King of New York,” was taken just days before Biggie’s tragic death, and its unauthorized use has sparked a significant legal conflict. Biggie’s legacy, is important for various reasons. However, portraying his brand in any potential way, put’s his image at risk.

Notorious B.I.G. Estate Takes Legal Action

In early February 2025, the estate of the Notorious B.I.G. filed a lawsuit against retailers such as Target and Home Depot for allegedly profiting from an image of the rapper without permission. This image, which was taken by renowned photographer Barron Claiborne, depicts Biggie wearing a $6 plastic crown that has become a symbol of his larger-than-life persona.

The lawsuit claims that these companies sold products featuring the image without obtaining the necessary rights, which is a violation of both copyright law and the estate’s intellectual property. As of the filing, the estate is seeking compensation for the unauthorized use of the image and additional legal remedies.

The Iconic Image: The King of New York

The photograph at the center of the lawsuit, titled “The King of New York,” has become an enduring symbol of Biggie’s status in the music world. It was taken by Barron Claiborne in 1997, just days before Biggie’s untimely death in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. The image shows the rapper wearing a plastic crown, a prop that has since become inseparable from his public identity. The crown, originally purchased for only $6, was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2020 for a staggering $595,000, underscoring the lasting cultural impact of both the image and Biggie’s legacy.

In the lawsuit, the estate and Claiborne’s representatives argue that the retailers’ use of this image without permission diminishes the integrity of the photograph and exploits Biggie’s image for financial gain.

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Lasting Impact on Hip Hop Culture

Christopher Wallace, widely known as the Notorious B.I.G., was one of the most influential figures in East Coast hip hop. His debut album, Ready to Die (1994), propelled him to stardom, with tracks like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” becoming iconic anthems of the genre. His style, characterized by a laid-back delivery and vivid storytelling, resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, and his contributions to rap are widely regarded as groundbreaking.

In 1995, while recording his second album, Life After Death, Biggie became embroiled in the notorious East Coast-West Coast hip hop feud. His rivalry with West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur reached a fever pitch after Shakur’s tragic death in 1996. On March 9, 1997, just six months after Shakur’s murder, Biggie himself was shot and killed in Los Angeles under mysterious circumstances. The controversy surrounding his death only fueled his mystique and further solidified his place in rap history.

The Estate’s Role in Protecting Biggie’s Image

Since Biggie’s death, his estate has worked diligently to protect his intellectual property and preserve his legacy. Republic Merchandising Inc., which manages the estate’s licensing and merchandising efforts, is involved in the lawsuit against Target and Home Depot, asserting that the use of the image infringes upon the rights of Biggie’s estate. The lawsuit is part of a broader trend in the music and entertainment industries, where artists’ estates have increasingly taken legal action to protect the usage of their likenesses posthumously.

In addition to seeking financial compensation for the unauthorized use of the image, the estate’s legal team is also working to prevent further exploitation of Biggie’s image without proper compensation to his heirs. This legal action highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in today’s marketplace, especially for deceased artists whose images and brands continue to generate significant revenue.

The Challenges of Posthumous Image Rights

The lawsuit over Biggie’s image raises important questions about posthumous rights and the legal protection of an artist’s likeness. Over the years, many artists’ estates have found themselves in similar battles over unauthorized uses of their images. These disputes often center on the balance between an artist’s legacy and the commercial interests of corporations looking to capitalize on their fame.

While the legal protections for posthumous image rights vary by jurisdiction, the core issue is often whether the image is being used in a way that respects the integrity of the artist and their estate. In Biggie’s case, the photograph in question has become an iconic symbol of his contribution to hip hop, and the estate is committed to ensuring that any use of it benefits his family and preserves his artistic legacy.

Biggie’s Legacy Continues Through Music and Merchandise

Despite his untimely death, the Notorious B.I.G. has remained a significant force in hip hop culture. His second album, Life After Death, was released posthumously and became a massive commercial success, cementing his place in the pantheon of rap legends. Biggie’s influence can still be heard in contemporary hip hop, and his image continues to appear on a wide range of merchandise, from clothing to posters to collectibles.

The fact that merchandise featuring his likeness is still in high demand highlights the ongoing appeal of Biggie’s brand. The lawsuit filed by the estate aims to ensure that this demand is met with proper legal and financial accountability, ensuring that the legacy of one of rap’s greatest artists is not exploited without due consideration for his family and heirs.

What’s Next for the Legal Case?

As the legal battle unfolds, the Notorious B.I.G. estate’s lawsuit against retailers like Target and Home Depot will likely serve as a landmark case for how posthumous image rights are handled in the future. The outcome could set a precedent for how other artists’ estates approach unauthorized merchandising and the use of their likenesses. It’s a reminder of the ongoing importance of protecting intellectual property and respecting the legacies of artists long after their passing.

The case is also a reflection of the wider cultural significance of the Notorious B.I.G., whose impact on the music industry and global pop culture continues to endure. The estate’s efforts to protect his image ensure that his memory, his art, and his influence remain untarnished.

An Expensive Legacy

The lawsuit filed by the Notorious B.I.G.’s estate over the unauthorized use of his image highlights the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights and posthumous legacies. As the case progresses, it will serve as a key moment in the protection of artists’ estates and the commercial use of their likenesses. Meanwhile, the iconic image of Biggie, crowned with that famous plastic crown, will continue to serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in hip hop culture.