Timberland is celebrating the 30th anniversary of one of hip-hop’s most iconic albums, Ready to Die, with a special collaboration that honors the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G. The newly launched Christopher Wallace Collection marks this milestone by blending the iconic Timberland 6-inch boot with elements inspired by Biggie’s debut album, symbolizing his lasting influence on both music and fashion. Biggie’s association with Timberland has helped cement the brand’s presence in urban culture, particularly within the hip-hop community.
Biggie and Timberland: A Cultural Legacy
The late Christopher Wallace, better known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G., made Timberland boots a staple in the streets and the music scene. Whether in his lyrics, music videos, or daily life, Biggie’s embrace of Timberland boots solidified them as an authentic symbol of street style. As a result, Timberland became a defining element of urban fashion, representing toughness, resilience, and culture.
Timberland is honoring this legacy with the release of the Christopher Wallace Pack. The collection includes two new takes on the iconic Timberland 6-inch boot, available in wheat and black colorways, with both men’s and kids’ sizes. The boots feature several unique details inspired by Ready to Die, including visuals and lyrics from the album. The tongue of the boots mirrors the album’s artwork, while a gold-toned badoink adorned with a crown design nods to Biggie’s “King of NYC” status.
The Details: A Tribute to Hip-Hop History
Each element of the Christopher Wallace Collection was designed with Biggie’s influence in mind. The boots feature aglets shaped like aux tips, representing the musical devices that dominated the ‘90s, such as Walkmans and CD players. These details tap into the nostalgia of Biggie’s era in hip-hop. Biggie’s name is also laser-etched into the heel, while his name is embossed in the collar—a testament to his enduring legacy in both Timberland’s history and hip-hop culture.
Chris Dixon, Senior Footwear Designer of Advanced Concepts and Energy at Timberland, expressed how meaningful it was to work on this project. “Designing Timberland’s Christopher Wallace Collection was a profound honor,” says Dixon. “I recognized that a minimalist approach would best capture the essence of Biggie’s legacy, blending the timelessness of Ready to Die with the iconic yellow boot.”
A New Era: The Biggie Avatar
In a groundbreaking move, Timberland’s campaign for the collection features a hyperrealistic avatar of The Notorious B.I.G. The avatar was created using advanced motion capture and AI technologies, along with hours of home video footage and family photos. This lifelike version of Biggie is at the forefront of Timberland’s marketing for the Christopher Wallace Collection, offering fans a new way to experience their favorite artist.
Elliot Osagie, Chief Strategy Officer of The Notorious B.I.G. Estate and Founder & CEO of Willingie, led the creation of the avatar. “The cultural significance of this partnership is monumental,” says Osagie. “Biggie immortalized Timberland in his everyday life and his music, solidifying its place in hip-hop. Using this advanced technology, we’ve created something truly special for the fans.”
Giving Back: The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation
As part of this collaboration, Timberland is making a donation to the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation. Founded in 1997 by Biggie’s mother, Ms. Voletta Wallace, the foundation’s mission is to give back to underserved communities. Their primary focus is on education, providing scholarships, grants, and mentorship programs to help young people succeed. The foundation’s tagline, B.I.G., stands for “Books Instead of Guns,” reflecting its commitment to providing opportunities for youth through education. Timberland’s donation will fund book drives for local children and families, furthering Biggie’s legacy of supporting his community.
Geraldo Rodriguez, Vice President of Global Energy Marketing at Timberland, explained the importance of this partnership. “The Notorious B.I.G. will forever be a legend, and Timberland is honored to celebrate his contribution to hip-hop culture,” says Rodriguez. “Thanks to icons like Biggie, our 6-inch boot became more than just a work boot—it became a symbol of style, authenticity, and culture.”
How to Get the Christopher Wallace Collection
The Christopher Wallace Collection will be available starting September 27th at select Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Kids Foot Locker stores, as well as online. Whether you’re looking to honor Biggie’s legacy or add a new pair of iconic boots to your collection, this release is a must-have for any true fan of hip-hop culture.
