By collaborating with TIME Studios on a new documentary tracing the life of the renowned late rapper, Biggie’s son, CJ, has taken a significant step toward securing his father’s legacy.
Understanding Christopher Wallace, produced in association with TIME Studios, offers a close-up look at the life of one of the best rappers ever from the viewpoint of his unrelated son.
Christopher “CJ” Wallace, who was only five months old at the time of his father’s passing, tells the story from his point of view. The documentary is a dual narrative that moves back and forth between Christopher Jr. and Sr.’s lives, spanning from the 2020s to the 1980s, exploring ideas of identity, legacy, and fatherhood.
The late hip-hop legend’s confidants, associates, and loved ones, including some of the biggest names in the industry, such as his mother, singer Faith Evans, as well as Jadakiss, Lil Kim, Lil Cease and more, will all be interviewed for the documentary. CJ will also discover previously unseen personal effects, music, photos, and footage.
“The Notorious B.I.G. had such a huge influence on music and popular culture in general. However, the Head of Documentary at TIME Studios, Loren Hammonds, stated in the press release that the movie is about much more than that. It’s about love, loss, and parenting. We are honored to contribute to continuing Christopher Wallace’s unique legacy by allowing viewers to see the man behind the myth via CJ’s eyes. This is something really special that we are able to do for audiences.
Over the past few years, I’ve come to the realization that my own journey is tied to knowing Christopher George Latore Wallace as a person outside of his well-known rap character, CJ continued. “I am on a journey to fully understand the world he lived in and the enormous impact he had on American and Black history, so that I can ensure that I honor his hopes and dreams while I build and create my own legacy for future Wallaces,” the author says.
Along with director Vikram Gandhi, the project’s executive producers are Wayne Barrow, Elliot Osagie, and Doug DeLuca from Frank White, as well as the TIME Studios’ Loren Hammonds, Alexa Conway, Mike Beck, and Lynne Benioff.