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

Voletta Wallace, the cherished mother of the late rap legend The Notorious B.I.G., has reportedly passed away at the age of 72.

According to sources close to the family, she died of natural causes while in hospice care, marking the end of a life dedicated to preserving her son’s legacy and making a lasting impact on the music industry.

Wallace rose to prominence after the tragic 1997 murder of her son, Christopher Wallace—better known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls—in a drive-by shooting. Taking charge of his estate, which was valued at $10 million at the time, she skillfully expanded it to an estimated $160 million, ensuring that Biggie’s music and influence remained a cornerstone of hip-hop culture.

Born in Jamaica and settling in Brooklyn, New York, Voletta was a retired preschool teacher before her son rose to stardom. After his untimely passing, she became a fierce guardian of his artistic and financial legacy, overseeing the release of posthumous albums, merchandise, and collaborations while staying true to his vision.

News of her passing has sent shockwaves through the music community, with fans and artists alike mourning the loss of a woman who embodied strength and resilience. Social media has been flooded with tributes, celebrating her grace and unwavering dedication.

“Ms. Wallace was a queen in her own right,” one fan wrote on social media. “She turned pain into power and kept Biggie’s name alive.” Another tribute read, “Rest in peace to Voletta Wallace—a mother who endured so much but gave even more by keeping Biggie’s legacy thriving.”

Her loss is deeply felt by her family and the hip-hop world, where she was widely regarded as a matriarchal figure. Having endured the tragic loss of her only child at just 24, her efforts to honor him touched countless lives.