Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary rapper Christopher Wallace—better known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls—has passed away at the age of 78. As the matriarch behind one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, her impact on Biggie’s legacy and estate was profound. Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving fans reflecting on her resilience, business acumen, and dedication to preserving her son’s memory.
Biggie Smalls Death: A Recap
Christopher Wallace, famously known as Biggie Smalls, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles. His murder remains unsolved, leaving an air of mystery and heartbreak surrounding his untimely passing. At just 24 years old, he left behind a short but influential career, a grieving family, and an estate that would later become a model of posthumous financial growth.
Biggie Smalls Cause of Death
Biggie Smalls' cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, sustained while leaving a Soul Train Awards after-party. Despite numerous investigations and theories, no one has ever been charged in connection with his murder.
What Was Biggie Smalls’ Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
At the time of his death, Biggie Smalls’ net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. However, under the stewardship of Voletta Wallace, his estate saw exponential growth, now valued at over $160 million due to strategic licensing deals, music royalties, and business ventures.
Biggie Smalls Daughter
Biggie Smalls left behind two children: T’Yanna Wallace and C.J. Wallace. Biggie Smalls’ daughter, T’Yanna, has built her own legacy as an entrepreneur, running a clothing line in honor of her father’s name. Meanwhile, C.J. Wallace has pursued acting and business ventures, further ensuring their father’s influence lives on.
Who Was Biggie Smalls’ Mom, Voletta Wallace?
Born in Jamaica, Voletta Wallace immigrated to the United States and worked as a school teacher while raising Biggie as a single mother in Brooklyn. Following her son’s death, she dedicated her life to protecting his legacy, ensuring that his music and estate continued to thrive.
Where Is Voletta Wallace From?
Voletta Wallace was born in Trelawny, Jamaica, before moving to Brooklyn, New York, where she raised Biggie Smalls.
How Old Is Voletta Wallace?
At the time of her passing, Voletta Wallace was 78 years old.
How Did Voletta Wallace Die?
At the writing of this article, the details surrounding her cause of death have not been publicly disclosed.
Estate Planning Lessons from Voletta Wallace
Voletta Wallace masterfully managed Biggie’s estate, turning $10 million into a $160 million empire. Her strategic handling of his music rights, business deals, and legacy preservation serves as a powerful case study in estate planning.
Key Takeaways for Estate Planning:
Make a Will: Ensure your assets go to the right people and avoid legal battles. Learn why a will is crucial.
Establish a Trust: A trust can help manage and grow assets, just as Voletta Wallace did for Biggie’s estate. Explore the benefits of a trust.
Appoint an Executor: Choose someone who will handle your estate with responsibility and care. Find out what an executor does.
By taking these steps, individuals can secure their legacy, just as Voletta Wallace did for her son. Her life’s work exemplifies the importance of estate planning in safeguarding generational wealth and preserving a loved one’s memory.
Ready to get started? At Trust & Will, we’re here to help keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Our users have left over one billion dollars (and counting) to nonprofit organizations through estate plans created on the Trust & Will platform. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
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