In tribute to Hip-Hop 50, Biggie Smalls’ estate and Budweiser are making a significant move to bring back the legendary Word Up! magazine for a limited time.
The magazine, active from 1987 to 2012, was a platform dedicated to featuring the most prominent and vibrant stars of hip-hop, presented in a manner accessible and appealing to teenagers.
Even Biggie himself gave a nod to the publication in his iconic 1994 track, “Juicy,” with the lyrics “It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up! Magazine.” The magazine’s influence was so widespread that it even found its way into the lyrics of one of the most celebrated hip-hop songs of all time.
According to HipHopDX, the issue will “share innumerable stories of grit and resilience exemplified by Biggie himself, as well as his lasting legacy that continues to inspire Hip-Hop artists to this day,” according to a press release.
The magazine is set to kick things off with a heartfelt excerpt from Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace. Alongside this, sentiments from Word Up!‘s pioneering Editor-in-Chief Gerrie Summers and other heavyweights of the industry will add depth to the pages. This collector’s edition won’t stop there – it’s loaded with handwritten lyrics, candid photos, cherished personal items, and untold anecdotes about the Brooklyn rapper.
The exclusive Biggie-themed Word Up! edition is set for a September 13 drop, strategically aligning with the 29th anniversary of Biggie’s Ready to Die album.
Only 5,000 copies of this collectible will be up for grabs. They’ll be stationed at handpicked spots in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Chicago – the major hubs of hip-hop culture.
And for those who prefer the digital experience, a digital copy will be available on Budweiser’s official website.
For a nostalgic trip, take a look at these vintage Word Up! Magazine iconic covers.
