On Wednesday (Mar. 5), R&B legend Faith Evans took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to the late Voletta Wallace, the mother of hip-hop icon The Notorious B.I.G. Wallace’s passing had been confirmed last month on Feb. 21 by TMZ. She died at the age of 72 in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, reportedly due to natural causes. According to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, she had been receiving hospice care in her final days.
Despite the often tumultuous relationship Evans shared with Biggie, she and Voletta Wallace remained close even after the rapper’s untimely death in 1997. Expressing her deep admiration and sorrow, Evans penned an emotional tribute:
“Although words cannot truly capture the incredible impact you have had on all of us, I will always remember your strength, effortless grace, and your commitment to protecting BIG’s legacy.”
She continued, “May your spirit live on in the lives you’ve touched and your wisdom continue to be a lesson to us all. Take your well-deserved rest, Ms. Wallace, with BIG once again by your side — until we meet again. 🕊️🕊️”
Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G.’s Legacy
Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G. (born Christopher Wallace) married in 1994, becoming one of hip-hop’s most talked-about couples. Their relationship was marked by love, controversy, and public scrutiny, especially during the height of the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry between Biggie and Tupac Shakur. The couple welcomed a son, Christopher Wallace Jr., before ultimately separating.
Despite their challenges, Faith Evans has always been vocal about her respect and admiration for Biggie’s legacy. In 2022, during an interview with PEOPLE commemorating the 25th anniversary of Biggie’s passing, Evans reflected on her emotions upon hearing the devastating news of his death.
“It was crushing,” she said. “Although we were separated, we had a 5-month-old baby… it was obviously so unexpected. We didn’t know or expect that to happen. We definitely felt like, ‘OK, come back home,’ just because of all the little weird things that were being whispered and things that happened prior to his death.”
Remembering Biggie Smalls’ Impact on Hip-Hop
The Notorious B.I.G. was tragically shot and killed on March 9, 1997, in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, California. His murder remains one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in hip-hop history. Yet, even in death, his influence on the genre has never wavered.
Evans also reminisced about how much their son, Christopher Jr., resembles his father, both in looks and personality. She revealed that she still maintains connections with Biggie’s close friends and associates, including members of Junior M.A.F.I.A., as they continue to keep his memory alive.
“Despite whatever, even after B.I.G. and I separated, even after he had a girlfriend or I found out about this one or that one, he always still depended on me for something or another, trust me. Even up until his passing, to be quite honest. He knew he could depend on me.”
Voletta Wallace’s Role in Preserving Biggie’s Legacy
Following the death of her son, Voletta Wallace dedicated her life to preserving Biggie’s legacy and ensuring that his influence in hip-hop history remained intact. She became a fierce advocate for justice, often pushing for more transparency regarding his murder investigation. Additionally, she helped manage her son’s estate, overseeing posthumous releases, documentaries, and collaborations that celebrated his artistry.
Wallace played a crucial role in the development of the 2009 biopic Notorious, which chronicled Biggie’s life and career. She also co-authored the book Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, giving fans a deeper, more personal insight into his life beyond the music.
Her passing marks the end of an era for those closest to The Notorious B.I.G., but her contributions to hip-hop culture and her unwavering love for her son will not be forgotten. Fans, fellow artists, and hip-hop historians continue to pay tribute to her dedication, remembering her as more than just Biggie’s mother—but as a woman of strength, resilience, and grace.
Hip-Hop Community Pays Their Respects
In the wake of Wallace’s passing, members of the hip-hop community, including artists, producers, and longtime friends of Biggie, took to social media to share their condolences. Diddy, who played a pivotal role in Biggie’s career, shared an emotional post saying, “Rest in power, Queen Voletta. Your strength and love for BIG was unmatched. We will continue to honor your son’s legacy.”
Lil’ Kim, another key figure in Biggie’s life, also expressed her sorrow, stating, “Ms. Wallace was always a beacon of love and wisdom. She embraced me like family. Rest easy, Queen.”
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Voletta Wallace’s legacy extends far beyond her role as Biggie’s mother. She was a guardian of his memory, a mentor to many, and a woman who stood tall in the face of adversity.
Final Thoughts
Faith Evans’ touching tribute to Voletta Wallace serves as a reminder of the strong bonds that transcended the hardships of the past. As hip-hop mourns the loss of another key figure, the legacy of both Voletta and The Notorious B.I.G. remains an integral part of music history.
Voletta Wallace’s impact will live on, not just through the music of her son, but in the countless lives she touched. May she rest in power alongside Biggie, forever remembered as the matriarch who helped shape a hip-hop legend’s story.
