Voletta Wallace’s funeral held in New York City
The hip-hop community gathered in New York City to bid a final farewell to Voletta Wallace, the beloved mother of The Notorious B.I.G. She was laid to rest at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, the same funeral home where her son was memorialized over 28 years ago.
Wallace, who passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 78, was more than just the mother of a rap legend—she was a guardian of Biggie’s legacy, a public speaker, and a figure of strength in the hip-hop world.
A Celebration of Life: Who Attended Voletta Wallace’s Funeral?
The funeral was attended by several close family members and hip-hop icons who came to pay their respects, per TMZ. Among them were:
- Faith Evans – Biggie’s widow and R&B legend
- Lil’ Kim – One of Biggie’s closest collaborators and former partner
- Mase – Harlem rapper and former Bad Boy Records artist
- Christian Combs – The son of Diddy, who was Biggie’s mentor and label boss
- T’yanna & CJ Wallace – Biggie’s children, who now manage his estate
- Gloria Carter – Jay-Z’s mother, representing her son and showing support
Voletta’s great-granddaughter was also in attendance, symbolizing the continuation of Biggie’s family legacy.
Who Was Voletta Wallace? The Woman Who Shaped Biggie Smalls
A Mother’s Strength
Born in Jamaica, Voletta Wallace immigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York. She worked as a preschool teacher, instilling values of hard work and education in her son, Christopher Wallace—better known as The Notorious B.I.G.
Despite raising him as a single mother, she provided for Biggie with strict discipline and unconditional love. She famously disapproved of his involvement in street life, later expressing in interviews that she had no idea how deep he was in the drug game.
Protecting Biggie’s Legacy: Voletta Wallace’s Role After His Death
After Biggie was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, Voletta Wallace dedicated her life to preserving his legacy. She took control of his estate, ensuring that her son’s name remained relevant in hip-hop culture.
Managing Biggie’s Estate
At the time of Biggie’s death, his estate was estimated to be worth $10 million. Thanks to Voletta’s careful management, that number has since grown to over $160 million through album sales, licensing deals, and collaborations.
Some of the ways she kept Biggie’s name alive include:
- Releasing Posthumous Albums – Albums like Born Again (1999) and Duets: The Final Chapter (2005) introduced Biggie’s music to new generations.
- Executive Producing Films – She was a key producer on the 2009 biopic Notorious, which detailed her son’s rise to fame.
- Brand Deals & Licensing – The Biggie brand has been featured in fashion lines, sneakers, and even NFTs in recent years.
Her tireless work ensured that Biggie’s music, image, and influence would remain a staple in hip-hop culture.
The Future of Biggie’s Estate: What Happens Now?
With Voletta Wallace’s passing, many fans are wondering who will now oversee Biggie’s estate. Most signs point to T’yanna Wallace and CJ Wallace, Biggie’s two children.
T’yanna Wallace: Continuing the Notorious Legacy
Biggie’s daughter, T’yanna Wallace, has already been actively involved in preserving her father’s name. She founded Notoriouss Clothing, a brand that celebrates Biggie’s legacy through fashion.
She has also spoken publicly about wanting to make sure her father’s image is handled with care, ensuring that his influence is not just about money but about culture.
CJ Wallace: Blending Music, Film, and Activism
Biggie’s son, CJ Wallace, has pursued a career in both acting and business. He appeared in the Notorious biopic as a young version of his father and has since become involved in philanthropy and entrepreneurship.
Through his company, Think BIG, CJ has worked to promote cannabis legalization and criminal justice reform, drawing attention to issues his father might have faced if he were alive today.
Both of Biggie’s children seem ready to carry the torch forward, ensuring that their father’s name continues to inspire future generations.
Biggie’s Lasting Influence on Hip-Hop
Even decades after his death, The Notorious B.I.G. remains one of the most influential rappers of all time. His classic albums, Ready to Die (1994) and Life After Death (1997), are still considered essential listening for hip-hop fans.
Evergreen Lessons from Biggie’s Career
- Storytelling Matters – Biggie’s lyrical storytelling set a new standard in rap, inspiring countless artists.
- Classic Never Dies – His music still charts today, proving that quality work withstands the test of time.
- Legacy Is More Than Music – Thanks to Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s legacy extends beyond music into fashion, business, and activism.
A Farewell to a Hip-Hop Matriarch
Voletta Wallace’s passing marks the end of an era, but her work ensured that Biggie’s legacy will never fade. Through her efforts, his name, music, and influence have remained alive for nearly three decades—and will continue for many more.
As the hip-hop world mourns, one thing is certain: Voletta Wallace was more than Biggie’s mother—she was a legend in her own right.
Rest in power, Ms. Wallace.
