Notorious B.I.G.’s mother, Voletta Wallace, died on Friday at the age of 78. Born in Jamaica, Ms. Wallace was a middle-class immigrant and single mother who was thrust into the spotlight after her son, Christopher Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls, was killed in a Los Angeles drive-by shooting in 1997.
Ms. Wallace played a significant role in shaping Biggie’s legacy after his death, including accepting an MTV Video Music Award for best rap video and working with other mothers of musicians who died young through her Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation. She also navigated the complex legal questions surrounding Biggie’s murder, including a wrongful-death suit against the city of Los Angeles.
Despite the lack of closure in the case, Ms. Wallace continued to spread Biggie’s story across popular culture, including being credited as a producer in the 2009 biopic “Notorious” and coaching actress Angela Bassett on her portrayal of her son. Her musical influence on Biggie also played a significant role in shaping his early career.
Ms. Wallace was a reliable presence alongside music executive Sean Combs, known as Puff Daddy or Diddy, who helped discover Biggie and shepherd his legacy after his death. However, she was critical of Combs recently when he was accused of widespread sexual abuse, stating that she hoped to one day confront him.
The cause of Ms. Wallace’s death has not been specified, but her passing marks the end of an era for fans of Biggie Smalls, who will remember her tireless efforts to keep her son’s legacy alive.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/arts/music/voletta-wallace-notorious-big-mother-dead.html