Voletta Wallace, The Notorious B.I.G.’s mother, passes away at 72

The Notorious B.I.G.’s mother, Voletta Wallace, Passes Away at 72 Years Old

The hip-hop world is mourning the loss of Voletta Wallace, mother of the legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G. She passed away at the age of 72 on Friday, February 21, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. According to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, Wallace had been in hospice care and died of natural causes. Her passing marks the end of a chapter for hip-hop history, as she was not only the mother of one of the most influential rappers of all time but also a figure of strength, resilience, and community service.

A Life Dedicated to Family and Community

Born in Jamaica, Voletta Wallace emigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York. She raised her son, Christopher Wallace, as a single mother while working as a preschool teacher. Her influence on her son was undeniable, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for literature and storytelling, which later translated into his rap career.

Even after Biggie’s tragic death in 1997, Wallace remained a steadfast guardian of his legacy. She took control of his estate, ensuring that his music and name would continue to thrive. Through her efforts, his work remained at the forefront of hip-hop culture, reaching new generations of listeners.

Voletta Wallace has strongly ensured her son lived on, long after his death. As recently as last year, she was still commenting on the hip-hop culture and community. However, Wallace had taken steps out of the spotlight, due to her health. This was unbeknownst to most.

Preserving Biggie’s Legacy Through Philanthropy

In 1997, Wallace founded The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at supporting community initiatives, particularly focusing on education and youth empowerment. The foundation’s acronym, B.I.G. (Books Instead of Guns), reflected its mission to encourage education over violence.

Her work in philanthropy ensured that Biggie’s influence extended beyond music. The foundation provided scholarships, supported inner-city youth programs, and remained an active force in promoting opportunities for young people.

As a result, courtesy of his mother, Biggie has served people who were born long after he died. With his mother, Voletta Wallace, being a schoolteacher, it’s fitting that she’d use his legacy to give back. To this day, people benefit from her initiatives.

The Impact of Her Passing

News of Wallace’s passing quickly spread, leading to an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans and members of the hip-hop community. Social media was flooded with tributes celebrating her resilience, dignity, and dedication to preserving Biggie’s legacy.

Alexander (@Alexander619_): Rest in peace queen.
Mzobe (@mzobenhlanhlah): Rip Ms. Wallace.
MobJones (@slimdapoet4): Rip to Ms. Wallace, she gave us a forever legend in Biggie Smalls.
mr.seldom (@seldom_33): Momma V…RIP. Just being in her presence was powerful.

Many fans recalled her presence at events honoring Biggie’s contributions to hip-hop and culture, noting how she carried herself with grace and poise despite the immense tragedy of losing her only son.

A Mother’s Unbreakable Love and Pain

In a 2005 interview with NPR, Wallace opened up about the profound grief she experienced after her son’s passing:

“He has touched so many people, and so many people loved him and, you know, still do. That cannot take my pain away. What I am feeling inside is like a 100-pound lead weighing down in my chest. It’s very cold and it’s very heavy, and I am so dying to get rid of it. But it’s not something you can get rid of, because that was my son. He was my baby. I am a mother, and I will always be a mother.”

Despite this pain, she remained committed to preserving her son’s story. She played a major role in producing the 2009 biopic Notorious and continued to speak about her son’s legacy in public forums and interviews.

Continuing Her Mission Beyond Music

Voletta Wallace was more than just the mother of The Notorious B.I.G.—she was an influential advocate for community improvement. Her work extended into publishing with her 2005 memoir, Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher Wallace, in which she shared intimate details about raising Biggie and coping with his loss. The book gave fans a deeply personal look at the mother-son bond they had, as well as the challenges they faced together.

Her advocacy also continued through partnerships with organizations dedicated to reducing gun violence, providing educational resources, and mentoring young creatives in underserved communities. She remained a powerful voice in the fight to use Biggie’s legacy for something greater than entertainment.

The Hip-Hop Community Pays Tribute

As news of her passing continues to circulate, tributes from hip-hop artists, celebrities, and fans continue to pour in. Many artists who were influenced by The Notorious B.I.G. recognize the role that Wallace played in keeping his legacy alive.

While her loss is deeply felt, her influence will live on through the foundation she built, the stories she shared, and the inspiration she provided to those who admired her strength.

What Happens to Biggie’s Estate Now?

As Wallace was the primary executor of The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate, her passing raises questions about the future management of his brand and assets. With a catalog that continues to generate revenue through streams, licensing deals, and merchandise, it is expected that an appointed representative will take over the estate’s operations.

In previous years, Wallace ensured that all business ventures tied to Biggie’s name maintained integrity, from posthumous albums to documentary films. It remains to be seen how the estate will be handled moving forward, but many hope that her vision will be carried on by those closest to her.

A Lasting Legacy of Strength and Love

Voletta Wallace’s passing is a tremendous loss, but her legacy will remain intact. She was a woman who turned personal tragedy into purpose. Therefore, using her platform to uplift others and keep the memory of her son alive in a way that honored his life and contributions to hip-hop.

Her work with The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation has left an indelible mark. So, her impact will continue to be felt for years to come. As fans, artists, and loved ones reflect on her life, one thing is clear—her legacy is just as powerful as the music her son left behind.

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