Voletta Wallace, mother of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., passed away at 78 on February 21, 2025, in her Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania home. The Monroe County Coroner confirmed she died of natural causes while under hospice care.
Born in Jamaica, Voletta Wallace immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, bringing with her a resilient spirit and a dedication to education. As a single mother and schoolteacher, she raised her son, Christopher Wallace—known globally as The Notorious B.I.G.—in Brooklyn, New York. Despite the challenges of single parenthood, she instilled in him the values of hard work and determination. Tragically, Christopher was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997, a case that remains unsolved.
After Biggie’s tragic death in 1997, Voletta became the guardian of his legacy. She managed his estate, growing it to an estimated $160 million, and co-produced the 2009 biopic Notorious, where Angela Bassett portrayed her.
Voletta Wallace’s influence reached beyond her immediate family. She stood in solidarity with Afeni Shakur, mother of Tupac Shakur, at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, symbolizing unity and shared grief between the two families. Her unwavering commitment to preserving her son’s legacy has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the countless lives touched by his artistry.
In honoring her son’s posthumous achievements, Voletta represented him at the 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. In 2021, she served as an executive producer for the Netflix documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell, offering insights into her son’s life and music.
Voletta Wallace is survived by her extended family and is remembered for her dedication to preserving her son’s memory.
