Voletta Wallace, Mother of The Notorious B.I.G., Passes Away at 72

Voletta Wallace, the mother of late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 72. According to TMZ, Wallace died Friday morning in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, with the cause of death being natural causes. She had been receiving hospice care at the time.

Voletta was instrumental in preserving and growing her son’s legacy following his tragic death in 1997. After Biggie Smalls, whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was gunned down, she took on the role of managing his estate. Under her guidance, his estate, which was worth about $10 million at the time of his death, skyrocketed to an estimated $160 million today.

In addition to overseeing the financial legacy, Voletta celebrated Biggie’s accomplishments, including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her social media accounts were often dedicated to honoring his impact, from posting about his foundation to marking his streaming achievements and cultural influence.

Voletta also played a significant role in the 2009 biopic Notorious, which told the story of her son’s life. She shared why it was important to her that his story was told on the big screen, ensuring future generations would understand his legacy.

Voletta Wallace is survived by her daughter, T’yanna Wallace, and many others who remember her as a dedicated mother and a pillar in the preservation of her son’s incredible impact on music and culture.

Rest in peace, Voletta Wallace.