The mother of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., Voletta Wallace, has passed away. The Monroe County Coroner confirmed to PEOPLE that Wallace died of natural causes at her home while under hospice care on Friday, February 21. She was 72 years old.
Wallace was a woman of resilience, strength, and unwavering love for her son. Born on February 3, 1952, in Jamaica, she later immigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York. There, she worked as a preschool teacher, dedicating her life to education while raising Christopher as a single mother.
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Christopher Wallace was Born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. Despite excelling in school, he was drawn to the streets, becoming involved in drug dealing at a young age.
Biggie’s lyrical talent quickly set him apart. His deep voice, storytelling ability, and effortless flow earned him recognition in New York’s underground rap scene. In 1993, he signed with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records, and in 1994, he released his debut album, Ready to Die. Featuring hits like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “Gimme the Loot,” the album was a massive success, making Biggie a dominant figure in hip-hop.
As his fame grew, so did tensions in the rap world. He became embroiled in the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, largely due to his association with Bad Boy Records and his strained relationship with former friend Tupac Shakur. This feud escalated after Tupac’s murder in September 1996.
On March 9, 1997, just weeks before the release of his second album, Biggie was shot and killed in Los Angeles at the age of 24. His double-disc album, Life After Death, was released posthumously, featuring iconic tracks like “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.” It became one of the best-selling rap albums of all time.
After her son’s tragic murder, Voletta became a symbol of strength and perseverance. She took an active role in preserving Biggie’s legacy, co-founding the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which provides opportunities and support for underprivileged youth. She also served as an executive producer on projects dedicated to his memory, including documentaries and the 2009 biopic Notorious.
Beyond her role as Biggie’s mother, Wallace was a published author, releasing her memoir Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher in 2005. In it, she provided intimate details about his upbringing, his rise to fame, and her pain following his untimely death. She remained outspoken in her quest for justice regarding his murder, which remains officially unsolved.
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