Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 78 in her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Her death was confirmed to be from natural causes after she had been under hospice care, as reported by the local coroner to the Associated Press.
A Strong Advocate for Her Son
Voletta Wallace was known for her unwavering support and advocacy for her son after his tragic death in a fatal shooting in 1997. She made numerous appearances in televised tributes to her son, Christopher Wallace, famously known as Biggie, including the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. At the event, she accepted an award on his behalf for the song “Hypnotize” and mentioned that he would have given a shout-out to Brooklyn if he were there.
From Initial Skepticism to Unwavering Love
Despite initially dismissing her son’s music as “noise,” Voletta Wallace eventually came to appreciate his talent after listening to his songs more closely. She emotionally shared with the Associated Press how listening to his music had become a form of therapy for her, realizing the depth of his lyrical skills and the beauty of his voice.
A Legacy of Music and Influence
Voletta Wallace played a pivotal role in preserving her son’s legacy by executive producing the 2021 Netflix documentary “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.” Biggie, with his debut album “Ready to Die” selling over six million copies and iconic hits such as “Big Poppa” and “Juicy,” solidified his place in the music industry. His posthumously released album “Life After Death” further cemented his success with over 11 million copies sold and chart-topping singles like “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.”
Unsolved Mysteries and Continuing Legacy
Despite his immense talent and impact on the music world, Biggie’s death remains a mystery, unsolved to this day. Voletta Wallace’s dedication to preserving her son’s memory and music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Voletta Wallace, we are reminded of the profound impact she had in honoring her son’s memory and contributions to the music industry. Her unwavering love and support have left an indelible mark on those who continue to celebrate the life and music of The Notorious B.I.G. May her legacy endure as a testament to the power of a mother’s love and a son’s enduring influence.