Nationwide — Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 78. She died Friday morning in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, while in hospice care, according to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac. The cause of death has been reported as natural causes.
Born in Jamaica, Voletta Wallace immigrated to the United States and worked as a preschool teacher in Brooklyn, New York, while raising her only son, Christopher Wallace—who would later be known worldwide as The Notorious B.I.G. Despite financial struggles, she emphasized education and discipline, initially disapproving of her son’s interest in rap. However, after his tragic murder in 1997 at the age of 24, she became the guardian of his legacy, managing his estate and ensuring that his wealth benefited his children, including his daughter, T’yanna Wallace.
According to TMZ, at the time of his death, Biggie’s estate was valued at approximately $10 million, but through strategic management and the continued popularity of his music, Voletta helped it grow to an estimated $160 million.
Beyond handling her son’s estate, Voletta remained dedicated to preserving his memory. She co-produced the 2009 biopic Notorious, which chronicled Biggie’s rise to fame and the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry that ultimately led to his assassination. She also played an active role in celebrating her son’s achievements, frequently posting about his impact on music, his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and his influence on pop culture.
Biggie Smalls—real name Christopher Wallace—was tragically shot and killed in Los Angeles in March 1997, just months after the murder of his former friend-turned-rival, Tupac Shakur. His death remains one of the most infamous unsolved murders in hip-hop history. Despite his short career, Biggie is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, with classic albums like Ready to Die and Life After Death continuing to shape the genre decades later.
Voletta Wallace’s legacy extends far beyond being Biggie’s mother—she became a powerful figure in the music industry, a businesswoman, and an advocate for her son’s influence.
Because she was also a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, her religious background played a role in her reserved and dignified approach to managing Biggie’s estate and legacy after his tragic death. Despite the violent and often explicit themes in his music, Voletta remained committed to preserving his memory in a way that aligned with her values.
