Respect for Life Barber Shop

At the intersection of Fulton and St. James Place, you'll find the Respect for Life Barber Shop, a spot steeped in hip-hop history where The Notorious B.I.G. got his hair cut from the age of ten until his untimely death in 1997. Here, you can meet Chadler "Guess" Smith, the barber famously mentioned in Biggie's lyrics as "Pop from the barbershop." Inside, the walls are adorned with a touching collage of photos and newspaper clippings that celebrate Biggie's legacy, making it a unique place to connect with the culture that shaped Brooklyn. The shop remains a gathering spot for members of Junior M.A.F.I.A., keeping the spirit of Biggie alive in the neighborhood he called home.

Photo: Karla & James Murray