Voletta Wallace, the beloved mother of rap icon The Notorious B.I.G., was laid to rest Wednesday in a touching ceremony at the Frank Campbell Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, the same funeral home where her son was mourned over 28 years ago.
The loss of the legendary hip-hop matriarch, who passed away on February 21 at the age of 78, left a deep void in the world of music and beyond. She leaves behind her son’s multimillion-dollar estate and a legacy that helped shape the hip-hop community.
A Celebration of Her Life
Voletta Wallace’s funeral was a deeply emotional affair, with several of her son’s closest friends and family members coming together to pay their respects. Among the mourners in attendance were Biggie’s widow, Faith Evans, rapper Lil Kim, Mase, and Diddy’s son, Christian Combs. Also present were Ms. Wallace’s grandchildren, T’yanna and CJ Wallace, ensuring that her family legacy was well represented.
Iconic Figures Attend to Pay Their Respects
Other notable figures from the world of hip-hop and beyond also came to honor Voletta Wallace. Jay-Z’s mother, Gloria Carter, was spotted at the funeral, a sign of the close-knit community that Voletta had cultivated in her years as a public figure and matriarch. Voletta’s great-granddaughter also attended, ensuring that the family’s next generation was represented in this final farewell.
Voletta Wallace’s Legacy
After the tragic murder of her son, Biggie Smalls, in March 1997, Voletta Wallace emerged as a respected figure in the hip-hop world. She became a public speaker, using her voice to advocate for her son’s legacy and the future of hip-hop culture. As the manager of Biggie’s estate, Voletta was instrumental in preserving his impact on music and ensuring that his name would live on in the hearts of fans around the world.
Voletta Wallace’s passing marks the end of an era, as she was one of the last direct connections to the birth of one of rap’s most enduring legends. Despite her personal grief, she carried the torch of her son’s influence with grace and dedication.
Her death is a significant moment for the hip-hop community, which has mourned the loss of another influential figure. Voletta Wallace’s contributions to the culture, her role as a mother, and her deep love for her son will never be forgotten.
As she joins her son in eternal rest, fans and loved ones alike will continue to honor her memory and the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G.
