After months of open casting, Brooklyn MC Gravy has landed the role of Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace in the upcoming biopic, Notorious. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Fox Searchlight has officially hired the rapper, whose real name is Jamal Woolard, to portray the larger than life MC. Rumors have circulated for some time now that the up and coming rapper was being considered for the part because of his physical similarities to the slain rapper. Other artists who are said to have auditioned for the role include Beanie Sigel and Sean Kingston. Also joining the cast of Notorious are Angela Basset, who will play Big’s mom Voletta Wallace, and actor Derek Luke, in the role of Sean “Diddy” Combs. Wallace and Diddy are both serving as producers for the film. Voletta is said to be pleased with the selection of Gravy, and cited his “charming personality, warm spirit, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile” as factors in the decision. "He is a talented and charismatic actor, and I am excited that he will bring Christopher's character to life," she explained. Gravy first made national headlines in 2006 when he was shot in the buttocks in front of the offices of New York radio station Hot 97. Filming for Notorious will begin on March 24 in New York City and the finished product is scheduled to hit theaters on January 16, 2009.

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