As one of the most talked-about figures, Voletta Wallace has built a significant fortune. Our team analyzed the latest data to provide a clear picture of their income.
What was Voletta Wallace's Net Worth?
Net Worth at the Time of His Death
(Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Posthumous releases, licensing deals, and his image being used in films, documentaries, and merchandise have further contributed to the estate's success. His music is widely featured in commercials, movies, and video games, ensuring a steady income stream.
Biggie did not have a formal will, so his estate was overseen by his mother, Voletta Wallace, who became its administrator. His two children, T'yanna Wallace and Christopher "C.J." Wallace Jr., were the primary beneficiaries, with their inheritance placed in trust funds. His widow, Faith Evans, also played a key role in managing his legacy but did not take a significant portion of the estate for herself.
The Notorious B.I.G.'s Wealth and Estate
Growth of the Estate Over Time
Voletta Wallace, who passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 78, was best known as the mother of legendary rapper Christopher Wallace, better known asThe Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls. Following her son's tragic murder in 1997, she became a fierce guardian of his legacy, transforming her grief into purpose as an author, film producer, and foundation leader. Born in Jamaica and later immigrating to Brooklyn, New York, Wallace worked as a preschool teacher before dedicating her life to preserving her son's memory and seeking justice for his unsolved murder. Through her tireless advocacy, legal battles with record labels, and involvement in numerous biographical projects about her son, she helped cement Biggie's place in hip-hop history while becoming a respected figure in her own right within the music industry.
When The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was tragically killed in 1997, his estimated net worth was around $10 million. His wealth primarily came from his multi-platinum albums, performances, and music industry ventures. However, his estate would grow exponentially in the decades following his passing.
Despite his young age at death, Biggie's estate has grown tremendously. Through music sales, streaming, licensing, and merchandising, the estate's value has surged to an estimated $50–$100 million. His albums continue to sell millions of copies, and his music is frequently streamed, keeping royalty revenues high.
After the death of her son, Voletta became the manager of Biggie's estate and founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation. In 2005, she hired Wicked Cow Entertainment to assist with the estate's licensing efforts, including blankets and action figures. In 2018, Wallace appeared in the film "City of Lies," which is based on the 2002 Randall Sullivan book "LAbyrinth: A Detective Investigates the Murders ofTupacShakur and Notorious B.I.G., the Implication of Death Row Records'Suge Knight, and the Origins of the Los Angeles Police Scandal." She has also appeared on several television shows, including "Behind the Music" (2001), "106 & Park" (2007), and "Tavis Smiley" (2009).
Ultimately, Voletta Wallace's financial journey is a testament to their success.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.
