In Memoriam: Voletta Wallace, Notorious B.I.G. mother

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Voletta Wallace, the beloved mother of the late great rapper Christopher Wallace known as the Notorious B.I.G., has died.

She was 78. Previous reports said she was 72.

Passing details

The Monroe County Coroner’s office confirmed Wallace passed away under hospice care from natural causes in her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on Friday morning, Feb. 21.

Her family released a statement on social media confirming her passing:

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A post shared by Voletta Wallace (@volettawallace)

Voletta Wallace was a dedicated mother

Born in Jamaica, Voletta was a single mother who raised Christopher in Brooklyn after his father left in 1974.

The preschool teacher was a stalwart supporter of her son, who became one of the biggest rappers to date known as the Notorious B.I.G.

B.I.G. was murdered on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles after leaving a Soul Train Awards after-party. He was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting while sitting in a green Chevy Suburban, which was parked on Wilshire Boulevard.

On this day, no one has been charged with B.I.G.’s killing, and his case still remains unsolved.

Honoring her son’s legacy

After B.I.G.’s untimely death, Wallace became a dedicated mother, adamant to keep her son’s legacy alive. She managed his estate which amassed to an estimated $160 million.

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Wallace continued to celebrate her son’s success throughout her life, even being a producer on the 2009 film about B.I.G., titled “Notorious.” Her character was portrayed by Angela Bassett.

In 2020, she represented him when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“Today, I’m feeling great,” she told Billboard at the time. “As a mother, I’m extremely proud of his accomplishments. You know, I still see such a young man at a young age, and sadly, he’s not here to witness all this. But it’s an astute honor, and as a mother, I’m just elated for that.”

Christopher was her only son. He had two children, T’yanna and C.J. Wallace. Besides her grandchildren, she leaves behind a host of relatives, extended family, and friends that will cherish her memory.