Notorious B.I.G's mother Voletta Wallace dies aged 78

Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., passed away on friday aged 78.

Her death, in hospice care at her residence in Stroudsburg, Pa., was confirmed by the Monroe County coroner, Thomas Yanac. A cause was not specified.

Born in Jamaica, Wallace immigrated to the United States and built a life as a preschool teacher in Brooklyn, where she raised her only son, Christopher Wallace, better known to the world as Biggie Smalls.

Following his tragic murder in 1997, she became the driving force behind preserving his legacy. Despite having little interest in rap music initially, she immersed herself in his work, listening to his lyrics and learning about the industry he dominated.
"I wasn't a fan of the profanity, but when I really listened, I heard an intelligent human being," she once said.

Her commitment extended beyond just words, she managed her son's estate, growing it from an estimated $10 million at the time of his death to a staggering $160 million.

She also played a pivotal role in ensuring his influence remained alive for new generations, executive producing the 2021 Netflix documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell, which provided an intimate look into his life and career.

Wallace was also a vocal advocate for peace in the hip-hop community. Two years after Biggie's death, she shared the MTV Video Music Awards stage with Afeni Shakur, Tupac's mother, urging an end to violence and a focus on their sons' legacies. Though their careers were often framed as a rivalry, both women emphasized the need for unity over division.

Despite her loss, she remained deeply connected to Biggie's music and the fans who continued to celebrate him. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her influence-like her son's-will continue to be felt in the music world and beyond.