Voletta Wallace Net Worth

Voletta Wallace: A Look into Her Net Worth, Life, and Legacy

What is Voletta Wallace’s Net Worth?

Voletta Wallace, a name synonymous with resilience and the legacy of a hip-hop icon, has a net worth estimated at $20 million. This figure reflects not only her business acumen but also her unwavering dedication to preserving and expanding the estate of her late son, the legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

Born on February 3, 1953, in Trelawny, Jamaica, Wallace has built a significant fortune through various ventures. She has served as an executive producer on several documentaries, including “Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.” (2017) and “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell” (2021). She co-produced the critically acclaimed 2009 film “Notorious,” where she was portrayed by Angela Bassett. Beyond her involvement in film, she authored the memoir “Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G.” which offered an intimate look into the life of her son.

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Biography

Voletta Wallace’s journey is one of perseverance and unwavering dedication to family. After immigrating to the United States, she initially pursued a career as a secretary while also attending nursing school. However, the birth of her son, Christopher, prompted her to shift her focus to education, eventually becoming a teacher. She juggled multiple jobs and studies to earn her Master’s degree, exemplifying her commitment to providing the best opportunities for her son. As she stated, “I made sure my son had an education, a good mattress, clean sheets, good-quality clothes, and I gave him quality time.”

Following the tragic death of The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997, Voletta took on the responsibility of managing his estate, ensuring his legacy continued to thrive. She established the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, a testament to her commitment to honoring her son’s memory and contributing to the community. Further demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, she hired Wicked Cow Entertainment in 2005 to oversee the licensing of Biggie’s likeness, which extended to products such as blankets and action figures. Her influence also reached the film industry, with an appearance in the 2018 film “City of Lies,” which delved into the investigation surrounding the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. She has also appeared on several television shows, including “Behind the Music” (2001), “106 & Park” (2007), and “Tavis Smiley” (2009).

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Personal Life

Voletta Wallace’s personal life has been marked by both joy and profound sorrow. Her only son, Christopher George Latore Wallace, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 21, 1972. The early years of Christopher’s life were marked by the absence of his father, Selwyn George Latore, who left the family when Christopher was young. In Christopher’s childhood, he broke his leg after falling off a bus at age 10, resulting in Wallace suing the City of New York and securing a settlement which she saved for his college education.

Tragically, Christopher, known worldwide as The Notorious B.I.G., was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at the young age of 24. Her last words to him were, “Just be careful out there.” This devastating loss led Wallace to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Police Department, alleging their involvement in a conspiracy related to her son’s death. The case remains a deeply emotional and unresolved chapter in her life.

Voletta’s protective nature over her son’s legacy was evident in 2014 when she addressed her feelings regarding Lil’ Kim’s public portrayal of her relationship with Biggie. “I did not like the way she was parading around national television and radio about Biggie, the love of her life. Her heart, her nose, her mouth, her butt, every part of her. Christopher is not here to defend himself…I was offended and I let her know. She didn’t like it and I don’t give a hoot.”

Before his death, Christopher gave Voletta two grandchildren: T’yanna Wallace (born August 8, 1993) and Christopher Wallace Jr. (born October 26, 1996). T’yanna has successfully launched her clothing brand, Notoriouss, and C.J. portrayed a younger version of his father in the film “Notorious.”

In a March 2021 interview with “Entertainment Weekly,” Voletta reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to finding her son’s killer, stating, “I’ll never give up. And I hope when I’m not in this world anymore, my friends and family will carry on the fight. There is always hope.” Her strength and resolve are further highlighted by her personal battle with breast cancer, which she has courageously overcome twice. In his 1994 song “Things Done Changed,” Biggie revealed, “My mama got cancer in her breast,” showcasing their shared struggles and triumphs.

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Legacy and Influence

Voletta Wallace’s influence extends far beyond her personal wealth. She has played a pivotal role in keeping the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G. alive and thriving. Her management of his estate, her involvement in documentaries and films, and her commitment to the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation all contribute to ensuring that her son’s contributions to music and culture are never forgotten. Furthermore, her strength and resilience in the face of tragedy serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the enduring strength of a mother’s love.

Through her efforts, the world continues to remember The Notorious B.I.G., his music, and the impact he had on the world.

Conclusion

Voletta Wallace’s life and career are a testament to her strength, business acumen, and devotion to her family. Her net worth reflects her success in managing her son’s estate and her ability to navigate the entertainment industry. Her story is one of both triumph and tragedy, but through it all, she has remained a beacon of resilience and a guardian of her son’s enduring legacy. Voletta Wallace has secured her own place in history as a powerful businesswoman, an author, and the loving mother of an icon.