The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy is now at the center of a major legal battle.
Faith Evans, the R&B star and widow of the late hip-hop icon, is being sued by Biggie’s estate over claims she withheld proceeds from a massive nine-figure catalog sale and excluded the rapper’s family trust from key business decisions.
The lawsuit, filed in Delaware and unsealed on July 8, paints a picture of growing tension within the team tasked with preserving the legendary rapper’s empire.
The $100 Million Deal That Sparked the Feud
At the heart of the dispute is a reported $100 million deal with Primary Wave, which involved selling a portion of Biggie’s publishing rights and other intellectual property.
Faith Evans allegedly became the sole manager of Biggie’s estate after the passing of his mother, Voletta Wallace, in February 2025.
But according to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Evans is accused of:
✅ Cutting the Christopher Wallace Trust out of its rightful share of proceeds.
✅ Quietly issuing payouts to Biggie’s children, Ty’anna Wallace and CJ Wallace, as well as possibly to herself.
✅ Shutting down communication with the trust’s longtime manager, Wayne Barrow, who was a close friend of Biggie and Voletta Wallace.
The Estate Speaks Out
Barrow, who is leading the legal action, didn’t hold back in his filings:
“Ms. Evans has distributed sale proceeds to Ty’anna, CJ, and presumably to herself,” Barrow wrote.
“She, however, has wrongfully withheld the Trust’s share of the proceeds.”
The exact amount allegedly withheld has been redacted from public records.
Barrow also claims that Evans excluded him from all business-related communications since she assumed full control of the estate, despite his years managing the LLC overseeing Biggie’s assets.
“Ms. Evans’s actions are particularly troubling given that, unlike Mr. Barrow, she has never previously been involved in the LLC’s management,” the lawsuit states.
What’s At Stake
Barrow is asking the court to:
- Force Evans to release the trust’s share of the catalog sale.
- Remove her as manager of the LLC controlling Biggie’s assets.
- Reinstate him as the LLC’s manager.
According to the filing, the proceeds were intended to support the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which funds education and youth programs in Biggie’s name.
Faith Evans Hasn’t Responded—Yet
So far, Faith Evans and her legal team have not issued a public response to the lawsuit.
The silence has left fans speculating:
- “This is heartbreaking. Faith and Biggie’s mom always seemed close. How did it get here?” one fan tweeted.
- “$100 million and no trust payout? That’s wild if true,” another commented on Instagram.
- “This isn’t what Big would’ve wanted. His legacy deserves better.”
A Legacy In Turmoil?
This legal drama comes at a delicate time for Biggie’s estate. The Primary Wave deal was widely seen as a landmark move to preserve and grow the late rapper’s brand for future generations.
But now, with Evans accused of sidelining the trust, some fear the estate’s management is fracturing.
Industry insiders say such disputes are not uncommon when large estates change hands, especially after the death of a key figure like Voletta Wallace.
Biggie’s Children Caught In The Middle
While the lawsuit claims Ty’anna and CJ Wallace received payouts, it’s unclear whether they were aware of the alleged exclusion of the trust or whether they’ll play any role in the legal fight.
Both children have previously spoken about protecting their father’s legacy and have been involved in projects celebrating his impact on hip-hop.
What’s Next?
If the court rules in Barrow’s favor, Faith Evans could be removed as the estate’s manager, potentially shifting control of Biggie’s assets back to Barrow and the trust.
The case also raises questions about how future revenue streams—like licensing deals, music releases, and merchandise—will be managed.
For now, the legal battle threatens to overshadow what was meant to be a celebration of Biggie’s enduring influence in music and culture.
???? Do you think Faith Evans is wrong for allegedly cutting out the trust—or is this just family business gone public? Drop your thoughts below!
???? Stay locked to The Pop Radar (TPR) for breaking updates on this high-stakes lawsuit and what it means for The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy.
