“We can’t change the world until we change ourselves.” 

- The Notorious B.I.G.

This week, photographer Barron Claiborne introduced his newest digital collectible, “The Crown,” depicting the original crown worn by rapper The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997, as part of his King of New York - KONY NFT Collection.

The KONY NFT Collection is a limited collection consisting of six items, which include the physical and digital NFTs, auction items, and exclusive works that are all based on Claiborne’s 1997 KONY shoot depicting Biggie, whose real name was Christopher Latore Wallace (1972-1997). 

Claiborne, a New York-based self-taught photographer and cinematographer, has emerged as a visionary artist that brings unparalleled contributions to American culture. Having made history in 1997 with his groundbreaking image, “The King of New York” (KONY), Claiborne was able to portray Biggie with nobility, authority, gravity and wisdom beyond his years. 

His work has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Paper, and Interview. 

The OG crown worn by the rapper in 1997, sold for $600,000 USD at Sotheby’s in 2020, further solidifying its status as one of hip-hop’s most iconic artifacts. 

The digital collectible, according to Chapter 2 agency, will be offered as an Open Edition granting owners, once they mint, access to an augmented reality (AR) filter that will allow them to engage with The Crown as it originally appeared in Claiborne’s iconic photograph, in addition to a 3D viewer that comes fully packed with rotation functions, edition information, and the authentic signatures of both The Notorious B.I.G. and Claiborne – just like the original photo.

The venture is part of the upcoming KONY NFT Collection, a  limited collection of 6 items, which include physical and digital NFTS, auction items and exclusive works - based on the 1997 KONY shoot. The collection is a collaborative project with Keiyo Art with 5% of proceeds going to charity: water. 

“The digital crown is for everyone, because it was the power of the people who made the image what it is – be the beauty you wish to see,” says Claiborne.

The collection is currently available for purchase beginning Thursday, June 15 through its dedicated website – nft.barronclaiborne.art. 

In other news, read about photographer Justin Aversano and his new ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ tarot and NFT collection.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypemoon