Voletta Wallace: Honoring the Life of Notorious B.I.G.'s Mother, Gone at 72

Voletta Wallace, the mother of iconic rapper Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace), passed away at 72 on February 21, 2025, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac confirmed that she died of natural causes while in hospice care.

Who Was Voletta Wallace?

Voletta Wallace was a Jamaican immigrant and dedicated schoolteacher who single-handedly raised her son, Christopher Wallace, in Brooklyn after his father abandoned the family in 1974. Despite facing hardships, she stood by B.I.G., supporting his dreams and ambitions.

Following Notorious B.I.G.'s tragic death in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997, Voletta became the guardian of her son's legacy. She established the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation and managed B.I.G.'s estate, valued at an estimated $160 million. Wallace also served as a producer for the 2009 biographical film Notorious, which celebrated her son's life and career.

A Mother’s Pride

One of Voletta Wallace's proudest moments came in 2020 when Notorious B.I.G. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In an interview with Billboard, she shared her emotions:

"As a mother, I’m extremely proud of his accomplishments. It’s heartbreaking that he isn’t here to witness this, but I’m elated for the honor he’s received."

She admired her son's authenticity, saying, "Many of his songs spoke the truth. His words were gritty, real, and honest—there was nothing fake about what he was doing."

A Lasting Legacy

Voletta Wallace’s unwavering dedication ensured that Notorious B.I.G.'s influence extended far beyond music. Her tireless efforts to preserve his legacy and her charitable work through the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation will continue to inspire future generations.