other Voletta Wallace, Mother of The Notorious B.I.G., Dies at 78

[Hollywood Info]

Voletta Wallace, the mother of The Notorious B.I.G., passed away at 78. She played a crucial role in preserving her son’s legacy after his tragic 1997 murder. Her death was confirmed by the Monroe County coroner, but no cause was given.

Born in Jamaica, Wallace was a single mother who worked as a preschool teacher. After Biggie’s murder, she became a key figure in managing his career and legacy. His second album, Life After Death, was released just two weeks after his death, further cementing his place in hip-hop history.

Wallace actively sought justice for her son. She and Faith Evans filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the LAPD, alleging a cover-up. The case was dismissed in 2010, but Wallace remained vocal, determined to uncover the truth behind Biggie’s murder.

It’s wild how Biggie’s murder is still technically unsolved. You’d think with all the evidence and theories floating around, there’d be some closure by now. Do you think we’ll ever get the full story?

Beyond seeking justice, Wallace worked to make a difference. She founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which focused on education and anti-violence initiatives. “Books do not murder,” she once said, advocating for literacy over guns.

Her influence extended to pop culture. She was a producer on Notorious (2009), coaching Jamal Woolard, who played Biggie. In a 2021 documentary, she shared how she introduced her son to reggae, jazz, and even country music, shaping his diverse musical influences.

I love that Biggie grew up listening to country music with his mom. Imagine how that mix of influences helped shape his storytelling style. What’s the most unexpected musical influence you’ve ever heard of?

Wallace was once close with Sean “Diddy” Combs but publicly condemned him after his legal troubles surfaced. “I hope that I see Sean one day, and the only thing I want to do is slap the daylights out of him,” she told Rolling Stone.

Voletta Wallace’s unwavering dedication to her son’s memory ensured Biggie’s impact remained strong. She turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission, keeping his name alive through music, activism, and cultural influence.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/arts/music/voletta-wallace-notorious-big-mother-dead.html

 

[ActionAce]

She is indeed a matriarch of hip-hop for real. Her selfless devotion to preserving Biggie's legacy has inspired a lot of fans all over the world. She will always be remembered and cherished in hip-hop history.