Voletta Wallace, Mother of iconic rapper The Notorious B.I.G., dies at 78
Voletta Wallace, born on February 3, 1947, in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, was best known as the mother of the iconic rapper The Notorious B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace. She passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 78, in her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, due to natural causes.
In the early 1960s, Voletta emigrated from Jamaica to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York. She worked as a preschool teacher and single-handedly raised her son, Christopher, instilling in him the values of education and hard work. Despite her efforts, Christopher was drawn to the streets, eventually rising to fame as The Notorious B.I.G.
Tragically, Christopher was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997, a case that remains unsolved. Following his death, Voletta became the executor of his estate, which was valued at approximately $10 million at the time. Through her diligent management and dedication, she grew the estate's value to an estimated $160 million.
Voletta was instrumental in preserving and promoting her son's legacy. She co-founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, providing educational resources and support to inner-city youth. Additionally, she served as a producer for the 2009 biopic "Notorious," in which Angela Bassett portrayed her, and the 2021 Netflix documentary "Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell."
Despite not being a fan of rap music initially, Voletta took immense pride in her son's achievements. She celebrated milestones such as his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 and remained a vocal advocate for justice regarding his unsolved murder. Her unwavering commitment ensured that The Notorious B.I.G.'s influence endured in the music industry and popular culture.
Voletta Wallace's life was marked by resilience, dedication, and an enduring love for her son. Her efforts not only kept his memory alive but also inspired countless fans and artists worldwide.
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