“Ready to Die” Album Inspires Timberland’s Latest Collection

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die album, Timberland has released the Christopher Wallace Collection, celebrating Biggie’s influence on both hip-hop and street fashion. Released in 1994, Ready to Die marked the debut of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G., who soon became a defining voice in the golden era of hip-hop. Now, 30 years later, Timberland—long embraced by the hip-hop community—honors Biggie’s legacy with a collection that merges street style with a nod to the past.

The new Timberland collection draws inspiration from the themes, fashion, and cultural impact of Ready to Die. Known for his storytelling and vivid depiction of life in Brooklyn, Biggie’s influence transcends music, and this collaboration reflects the timeless connection between streetwear and hip-hop.

 This collaboration revisits Biggie’s well-documented love for Timberland boots, which he frequently wore and referenced in his music. The collection includes limited-edition boots, apparel, and accessories that pay homage to Biggie’s signature style and the early ’90s aesthetic. Timberland’s iconic 6-inch boot, a staple in hip-hop fashion for decades, features custom detailing inspired by Biggie’s lyrics and imagery from the Ready to Die album. The boots also come with exclusive packaging and inserts that celebrate the album’s original artwork. 

The Timberland x Notorious B.I.G. collaboration features the original Timberland boot updated with iconography from Ready to Die: think Biggie’s name etched into the heel of the sole and embossed on the collar; the “baby” from the Ready to Die album cover on the shoe tongue; gold tone accents and detailing; laces inspired by aux cables; and a gold crown hangtag that pays tribute to the “King of NYC.”

Timberland aimed for a subtle design, reflecting Biggie’s “clean, rugged, and timeless” style. “We wanted to design the boots as if he was wearing them,” says Chris Dixon, Senior Footwear Designer of Advanced Concepts and Energy at Timberland, “[while] keeping it clean like the album cover of Ready to Die.”

The Timberland and Notorious B.I.G. collaboration is more than just a celebration of an album—it’s a tribute to a moment in time that forever changed hip-hop. As Ready to Die reaches its 30th anniversary, this partnership serves as a reminder of Biggie’s lasting influence, not only on music but also on fashion and street culture.

The collection will be available exclusively at Foot Locker starting on September 27, 2024.

The Notorious B.I.G, Ready to Die, Footlocker.