Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has sadly passed away at the age of 78. According to the Monroe County Coroner, she died of natural causes on Friday morning in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Voletta Wallace is widely recognized for her role in managing the estate of her son, Biggie Smalls, who was one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his time. Tragically, he was murdered in a drive-by shooting in 1997 at the young age of 24. Under her stewardship, Biggie’s estate has seen significant growth, with its value soaring from an estimated $10 million at the time of his death to approximately $160 million today, as reported by TMZ.
In the months leading up to her passing, Voletta Wallace made headlines with her candid remarks regarding Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently incarcerated while awaiting trial on multiple serious charges, including rape. This public discourse highlighted the complexities of her relationship with Diddy, who was instrumental in Biggie’s early career.
In 1993, Christopher Wallace, known professionally as The Notorious B.I.G., became the first artist to sign with Diddy’s label, Bad Boy Records. This partnership marked a significant turning point in hip-hop history, propelling Biggie to stardom and helping to define the genre in the 1990s. His debut album, “Ready to Die,” released in 1994, received critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing him as a key figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene.
Voletta Wallace’s passing marks the end of an era for those who admired her son and followed his legacy. Her contributions to preserving and promoting Biggie’s work have ensured that his impact on music and culture will continue to resonate with fans around the world.
