Voletta Wallace, the beloved mother of rap icon Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 78. Wallace died at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on February 21, 2025, after being under hospice care due to natural causes, as confirmed by Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac.
A dedicated steward of her son's rich legacy, Wallace has been instrumental in keeping the memory of Christopher Wallace, known worldwide as The Notorious B.I.G., alive since his untimely death on March 9, 1997. After her son, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, was gunned down at the young age of 24, Voletta committed her life to celebrating both his artistry and his enduring impact on the music industry.
According to reports, Wallace was born in Jamaica and relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where she raised her only son as a single mother. Wallace worked as a preschool teacher, nurturing Biggie’s early years and providing him with stability and love. Throughout his brief but impactful career, Biggie often referenced his mother, highlighting the deep bond they shared. Songs such as the classic 1994 hit “Juicy” celebrate not just his rise to fame but also the struggles faced along the way.
Wallace’s role as the guardian of Biggie's estate was pivotal. After his death, the value of his estate skyrocketed from approximately $10 million to around $160 million, reflecting not only the timeless nature of his music but also the tireless work Wallace put forth to honor his legacy. She launched the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, promoting education and community empowerment, with the acronym B.I.G. standing for “Books Instead of Guns.”
Wallace's notable public appearances include the emotional moment she accepted the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video for Biggie's hit “Hypnotize” just six months after his murder. "Thank you. I know if my son was here tonight, the first thing he would have done is say... big up to Brooklyn,” she poignantly expressed, embodying the strength and grace required for such challenging moments. Her words brought laughter and tears, showing her ability to connect with audiences and reflect on the human experience behind the fame.
Even as the years passed, Voletta Wallace remained committed to her son’s memory. She often spoke to the media about her deep pride for his accomplishments and the painful reality of his absence. “Today, I’m feeling great... I’m extremely proud of his accomplishments. He was honest. There was nothing fake about what he was doing. I think for such a young man to resonate such honesty is awesome,” she said during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for her son in 2020, where she represented him proudly.
Her memoir, Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G., published in 2005, offered readers glimpses of their life together, juxtaposing sweet memories with the deep sorrow of their family tragedy. "He has touched so many people... What I am feeling inside is like a 100-pound lead... I am so dying to get rid of it,” she recalled during one interview, showcasing the weight of grief she endured but also her unwavering love for her son.
Wallace was also involved behind the scenes with the production of the biopic Notorious, which premiered in 2009, shining light on her son's life and career. Portrayed by Angela Bassett, Voletta participated actively throughout the movie's development, staying close to the film's progress and aiming to protect her son's narrative.
Yet her focus was not solely on the past; she embraced the present and future of Biggie’s legacy. Recently, she celebrated the renewed interest in his legacy, as evidenced by the release of special Brooklyn MetroCards featuring his image and orchestral tributes to his music at Lincoln Center, marking key moments of remembrance.
Voletta's family, including her grandchildren T’yanna and C.J. Wallace, continue to honor their father's legacy. They have actively participated in celebrations and memorials, ensuring Biggie's story remains alive. This generational continuity of remembrance showcases not only the influence of his music but also the love and tenacity his mother instilled.
Her passing marks the end of an era but also the continuation of The Notorious B.I.G.’s incredible legacy through music and community outreach. Voletta Wallace’s dedication to protecting her son's memory transformed her grief and sadness over his untimely death and showcased the unbreakable bond between mother and son. Her impact on the hip-hop community and the legacy of Notorious B.I.G. will never be forgotten. The world feels the loss of this remarkable woman who carried the torch of resilience, love, and pride through her son’s memory.