Voletta Wallace Net Worth: How Much Money Does The Notorious B.I.G.’s Mother Make?

Voletta Wallace, the devoted mother of the late rap legend The Notorious B.I.G., passed away peacefully on Friday morning at the age of 78. She died at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, following a period of hospice care. According to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, she succumbed to natural causes.

While the world knew her son as Biggie Smalls, a lyrical genius who revolutionized hip-hop, Voletta Wallace spent her life ensuring his legacy was protected, celebrated, and never forgotten.

A Mother’s Love: The Early Life of Voletta Wallace

Born in Jamaica in 1947, Voletta Wallace migrated to the United States in pursuit of a better life. She worked as a preschool teacher in Brooklyn, New York, where she raised her only son, Christopher Wallace, in a tough neighborhood. Single-handedly, she worked tirelessly to provide for him, ensuring that he had the opportunities to succeed despite the environment around him.

Voletta initially did not approve of Biggie’s rap career. In the early days, she dismissed his music as mere “noise,” not realizing the impact he would have on the world. However, after his tragic passing, she took the time to listen deeply to his lyrics and came to appreciate the depth of his talent. In a touching moment of reflection, she once shared:

“I cried so much that day just listening to the music. I remember I sat, I stood. I rested my head on the stereo and I just cried like a baby. And that was therapy for me. And I said, ‘Oh my God — that was a talented young man to put those words together.’”

Keeping Biggie’s Legacy Alive

Voletta Wallace was more than just a grieving mother; she became a fierce guardian of her son’s name, ensuring that his story would not be erased. Following Biggie’s murder in 1997, which remains unsolved, she channeled her pain into action by launching the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation. The organization focuses on providing educational resources and opportunities for children, a cause deeply important to her.

In 2003, she honored other mothers who lost their children too soon, organizing “B.I.G. Night Out,” an event to celebrate the legacies of fallen artists like Aaliyah, Tupac Shakur, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Jam Master Jay, Big Pun, Big L, and Freaky Tah. She described the event as a way to offer love and solidarity to grieving families.

“It is our way of saying, ‘Keep your head up.’ It’s the foundation’s way just to let these parents know that we love them.”

Seeking Justice: Legal Battles & Ongoing Investigations

Despite her focus on honoring Biggie’s legacy, Voletta never gave up on finding justice for her son’s murder. In 2002, she filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, former LAPD officer David A. Mack, and alleged suspect Amir Muhammad (Harry Billups). The lawsuit suggested a cover-up within the police department and accused Mack of orchestrating a hit on Biggie. However, in 2004, she dropped the lawsuit after years of frustration with the justice system.

Though justice never came in the form of an arrest, Voletta Wallace’s fight kept the conversation alive, ensuring the case would never be forgotten.

Executive Producer, Storyteller & Private Woman

In 2021, Wallace took on a new role as an executive producer for the Netflix documentary, “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.” In a rare interview, she reflected on the public’s perception of her:

“They never knew me. The public never knew me. I was thrust into this environment after he passed away because I’m a very private person. What he was doing out there, maybe I should have known. But honestly, I didn’t. And to this day, there are people who are saying, ‘Oh, she knew.’ But I never knew.”

Despite her reserved nature, Voletta Wallace played an essential role in shaping Biggie’s posthumous career. She managed his estate, ensuring that his music continued to reach new generations. As of 2025, Biggie’s estate is estimated to be worth $160 million and Voletta Wallace’s net worth is estimated at $20 million, thanks in part to her careful oversight of his royalties, merchandise, and brand deals.

Biggie’s Musical Legacy: A Testament to His Mother’s Strength

The Notorious B.I.G.’s music continues to define hip-hop culture. His 1994 debut album, “Ready to Die,” sold over six million copies and featured iconic hits like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa.” His second album, “Life After Death,” was released just two weeks after his murder and went on to sell over 11 million copies. Songs like “Mo Money Mo Problems” and “Hypnotize” became chart-topping classics, ensuring that his voice would never fade away.

In 1997, Voletta Wallace took the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards to accept the award for Best Rap Video on behalf of her son. It was a bittersweet moment—one that solidified her role as the guardian of his legacy.

A Farewell to a Strong Mother

As we say goodbye to Voletta Wallace, we must acknowledge the strength and resilience that defined her life. She was more than just Biggie’s mother—she was an advocate, protector, and storyteller who dedicated her later years to ensuring that her son’s contributions to music and culture would never be forgotten.

Her journey from a Brooklyn schoolteacher to one of the most respected figures in hip-hop culture is nothing short of remarkable. She showed the world that even in loss, there is strength. Her legacy lives on not only in Biggie’s music but in the countless lives she touched through her charity work, activism, and unwavering love for her son.

Rest in peace, Ms. Wallace. The world will never forget you.