A keen-eyed observer recently spotted a blast from the past in The Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic music video for “Juicy.” The video, released in 1994, features a young Eric Adams, now the mayor of New York City, on a campaign poster.
Alt text: A still from The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy" music video showing a young Eric Adams on a campaign poster.
A Glimpse into the Past
The discovery was made by Jesse Drucker’s son, who noticed the poster while watching the video. The poster, visible around the 1:37 mark, shows Adams during his early foray into politics. At the time, Adams was a police officer with the NYPD and vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 11th Congressional District.
Adams’ Political Journey
Adams’ 1994 Congressional run was ultimately unsuccessful. He fell short of securing a spot on the ballot, citing stolen petition signatures as the reason. Despite a police investigation, his claims were not substantiated.
Hip-Hop and the Mayor’s Office
Adams has maintained a close relationship with the hip-hop community since assuming office in 2022. He has been seen frequently with prominent figures in the industry at various events across New York City. In a notable display of this connection, Adams bestowed a key to the city upon Diddy, the former head of Biggie’s label, Bad Boy Records, in September 2023. However, the honor was short-lived as Diddy was asked to return it following the emergence of a video showing him in a physical altercation with his former partner, Cassie.
Legal Troubles
Adams currently faces serious legal challenges, including charges of bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. His legal team now includes Alex Spiro, a high-profile attorney who has represented other prominent figures in the hip-hop world, notably Jay-Z.
“Juicy” – A Time Capsule
The resurfacing of Adams’ campaign poster in “Juicy” offers a fascinating glimpse into his political beginnings and highlights the unexpected intersections of politics, music, and popular culture. This chance discovery serves as a reminder that even the most iconic music videos can hold hidden historical gems, waiting to be unearthed by observant viewers.
