Voletta Wallace, the Woman Who Preserved The Notorious B.I.G.’s Legacy, Dies at 78
2 min read
Voletta Wallace, the beloved mother of hip-hop icon The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at 78, leaving behind a lasting legacy that shaped the cultural impact of her son’s music. Known not just as Christopher Wallace’s mother, but as the guardian of his memory, Voletta was instrumental in preserving Biggie Smalls’ legacy long after his tragic death in 1997.
A Mother’s Strength and Influence
Born in Jamaica, Voletta Wallace immigrated to the United States with hopes of building a better future. She worked tirelessly as a teacher to provide for her son, instilling in him the values of hard work, resilience, and ambition—qualities that would later define Biggie’s rise to superstardom.
Despite her son’s growing fame, Voletta remained his anchor, offering unwavering support even as he became one of the biggest rap legends of all time. But her strength was tested in 1997, when Christopher Wallace was gunned down in Los Angeles at just 24 years old.
Rather than fading into grief, Voletta turned pain into purpose, ensuring that her son’s story—and his music—would never be forgotten.
Protecting Biggie’s Legacy
Following Biggie’s death, Voletta Wallace became the leading force behind his estate, ensuring that his music, business ventures, and brand were handled with care. Under her guidance, posthumous albums like “Born Again” (1999) and “Duets: The Final Chapter” (2005) were released, allowing fans to continue celebrating the Brooklyn rapper’s talent.
She also co-founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, a non-profit focused on educational empowerment, youth mentorship, and community outreach—a cause deeply personal to both her and Biggie’s upbringing.
Additionally, Voletta played a pivotal role in the 2009 biopic “Notorious,” making sure that the world saw her son beyond the music, beyond the headlines, as the man she knew and loved.
An Unbreakable Bond
Voletta Wallace’s love for her son was evident in every interview, every tribute, and every decision she made regarding his legacy. Even in his absence, she spoke about Biggie with warmth, pride, and a mother’s unwavering love.
“Christopher was my son first, before he was Biggie Smalls. He was a kind, loving young man, and I will never stop making sure the world remembers him for that.”
A Lasting Impact
Voletta Wallace’s passing marks the end of an era, but her dedication to keeping Biggie’s name alive ensures that her influence will be felt for generations. From shaping his career behind the scenes to turning tragedy into a movement of remembrance, she became one of hip-hop’s most respected matriarchs.
Her legacy will live on through Biggie’s music, the fans who continue to celebrate him, and the many lives she touched through her foundation and advocacy work.
Rest in power, Ms. Wallace—the mother of a legend, and a legend in her own right.
About The Author
