Biggie’s Legacy vs. Big Retail: Lawsuit Targets Target and Home Depot Over Unauthorized Prints

The battle over an iconic image of The Notorious B.I.G. is heating up, and this time, retail giants Target and Home Depot are in the legal crosshairs. According to Billboard, the two corporations are facing a lawsuit for allegedly profiting off unauthorized prints of the legendary rapper without permission.

At the centre of the controversy is the famed King of New York portrait, captured by renowned photographer Barron Claiborne in 1997, just days before Biggie’s tragic passing in Los Angeles. The lawsuit, filed by Claiborne, The Notorious B.I.G., LLC, and Republic Merchandising Inc., claims the retailers cashed in on Biggie’s name, image, and likeness without proper authorization.

This isn’t just any image. The now-famous shot, featuring the Brooklyn icon donning a $6 plastic crown, became an enduring symbol of hip-hop royalty. That same crown later sold for a jaw-dropping $595,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2020. Despite the photo’s clear historical and cultural significance, the lawsuit alleges that Target, Home Depot, and independent art retailer iCanvas have all been using and selling versions of the image without permission since at least 2015.

The complaint doesn’t mince words. It accuses the companies of deliberately exploiting Biggie’s name and likeness for profit, stating: “Defendants specifically chose to use Mr. Wallace’s persona, name, image, likeness, and related marks in an attempt to capitalize on their fame and extraordinary financial value.”

While iCanvas removed some infringing products after being contacted in 2023, others reportedly remain on its site, prompting further legal action. With Biggie’s estate and Claiborne taking a stand, this lawsuit serves as a stark reminder that even in death, the legacy of hip-hop’s greats must be protected—and that no retailer, no matter how big, is above the law.

Main Image: The Black Promoters Collective

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