Voletta Wallace reportedly approved a deal that sold half of The Notorious B.I.G.'s iconic catalog before she passed away.
According to a report The Wall Street Journal published on Thursday, March 20, Wallace, who controlled Biggie's estate following his untimely death in 1997, allowed music publisher Primary Wave to take over 50 percent of the rights to the New York rapper's music, voice and likeness. The exact price of the sale was not revealed, however, the business and finance outlet confirmed the "Hypnotize" artist's estate is worth more than $200 million. Primary Wave aims to work with the estate on future projects including a Broadway show and innovative music experiences.
“We’re not here to chase checks,” said Biggie and Voletta's manager Wayne Barrow. “[Voletta] trusted no one. With everything she went through, she wasn’t going to allow her or grandkids to be in a position where what Biggie’s legacy was wasn’t beneficial to them.”
Barrow and Mark Pitts, who are the co-founders of ByStorm Entertainment, currently represent Biggie's estate. They stepped in following the death of Voletta Wallace, who passed away in February at 78. Wallace had been in hospice care and died of natural causes. The deal reportedly includes 50 percent of both publishing and master rights as well as the right of publicity. The rights include his legal name and stage name, voice, image and anything relating to his music.
The Notorious B.I.G.'s estate has been added to Primary Wave's roster of legendary acts including Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross.