BY NICOLE LYN PESCE
Thursday, March 6th 2008, 6:42 PM
B.I.G. shoes to fill: Jamal Woolard (above) has been cast to play Biggie Smalls in the upcoming movie, ‘Notorious.’
GettyA Brooklyn-born rapper has landed the lead role in an upcoming movie about slain hip-hop icon Biggie Smalls.
Fox Searchlight Pictures announced that rapper Jamal Woolard will play the rap legend in “Notorious,” which follows the life of Christopher Wallace, better known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G.
Woolard, aka Gravy, is best known for getting shot in the butt about Hot 97’s radio studio in the West Village in 2006.
The rapper saved face by finishing his Q&A before going to the hospital.
Film-makers launched an open casting call online last August for would-be Biggies. Actors submitted audition videos to www.biggiecasting.com.
“It was Jamal’s charming personality, warm spirit, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile that won my heart,” said Voletta Wallace, the late rapper’s mother.
Woolard will begin filming on March 24 opposite Angela Bassett who was cast as Voletta Wallace, Anthony Mackie who will play rap legend Tupac Shakur, and Derek Luke as mogul Sean Combs. The film is being shot around the city.
Loved everything about you BIG!