Biggie Smalls Back As A Hologram In The Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour

Looks like the Notorious BIG, a k a Biggie Smalls, is about to get a second lease on life (after death).

The Brooklyn rapper and folk hero was murdered in 1997, but still casts a huge shadow on hip-hop culture. It’s about to get bigger, starting with this weekend’s Bad Boy Family Reunion (as in Bad Boy Records) at Barclays Center, just down the street from Biggie’s old Bed-Stuy apartment.

The shows, on Friday and Saturday, coincide with what would have been his 44th birthday, and will include Biggie’s old mentor Puff Daddy, widow Faith Evans, Jay Z, Mary J. Blige and many more of his friends and collaborators.

Biggie (real name Christopher Wallace) might also be there in a little more than just spirit. Last month, his estate announced it was working with ARHT Media to develop a Biggie hologram. “The idea of a hologram was a little uncomfortable for us initially,” explains Wayne Barrow, president of Bystorm Entertainment, and who oversees Biggie’s estate. “But at the same time, we want his legacy to continue.”

Barrow, who was Biggie’s co-manager, tells The Post that unlike the onetime appearance of rap rival Tupac Shakur at Coachella in 2012, Biggie’s return will be long term. “The technology allows so many elements to exist, and for it to be real and respectful. It could be on a phone, through VR [virtual reality], or the fans could engage with him in a performance.”

Biggie’s hometown of Brooklyn will also play a factor. “A couple of the things we’re talking about involve Brooklyn,” adds Rene Bharti, chairman and co-founder of ARHT Media. “We’re looking to include his street, the corner he lived on, his stoop. Brooklyn is at the heart of what we’re doing.”

Although both Barrow and ARHT Media won’t say if the hologram will be part of the Barclays shows, Biggie’s comeback is imminent.

The Bad Boy Family Reunion will go on a mammoth 25-date American tour starting in August — a perfect time and place for a high-tech Biggie. Evans is due to put out her album “The King & I” (a collection of collaborations with Biggie) in the summer, and has said that the first video for the project is likely to feature her late husband’s hologram.

Next year marks two decades since Biggie’s death, and Barrow (who also hints at an authorized documentary and an animated project) sees the 20th anniversary as a time to celebrate his life. “Everywhere I go, people know him,” he says. “Even places like Japan and China. A lot of those fans don’t even speak English, but they speak Biggie. He represents the real.”

Puff Daddy and the Family On Good Morning America

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