Remembering Voletta Wallace (1953–2025)
1 min read
The world has lost a remarkable woman. Voletta Wallace, the devoted mother of Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, passed away at the age of 72. More than just Biggie’s mother, she was a symbol of strength, resilience, and unwavering love.
Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, Voletta immigrated to the U.S. and built a life as a hardworking preschool teacher while raising her son in Brooklyn. Though she initially didn’t understand his music, she became the fiercest protector of his legacy after his tragic passing in 1997. Through her dedication, she helped shape his posthumous career, overseeing his estate, co-producing the 2009 film Notorious, and sharing his story in the 2021 documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.
Beyond her son’s legacy, Voletta was a mother figure to hip-hop culture, advocating for unity and honoring the art that defined a generation. Her collaboration with Afeni Shakur, Tupac’s mother, showed the world that love and legacy transcend rivalry.
Her impact will be felt forever. Rest in power, Queen.
