Nearly three decades after his tragic death, The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy continues to shape hip-hop and now, thanks to a major business deal, his influence will endure for generations.
Late last month, it was reported that the late rapper’s estate has sold 50% of his publishing rights, master recordings, and likeness rights to music publisher Primary Wave in a landmark $100 million deal.
This transaction, one of the largest in hip-hop catalog sales, underscores Biggie’s enduring commercial and cultural impact. Unfortunately, Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s mother and longtime estate manager, passed away just weeks after the deal was reached valuing the estate at $200 million, WSJ reported
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The agreement grants Primary Wave significant control over Biggie’s intellectual property. This includes, publishing rights, master recordings and likeness rights.
While the estate retains partial ownership, the deal ensures that Biggie’s music will continue generating revenue through licensing, sync placements in films and ads, and potential future biopics or documentaries. Given Biggie’s timeless hits like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “Hypnotize,” the catalog remains a lucrative asset.
For years, Voletta Wallace fiercely protected her son’s estate, overseeing projects like the 2009 biopic Notorious and advocating for his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her passing in early 2025 adds emotional weight to this sale, as it likely represents one of her final acts as estate executor.
Now, the responsibility shifts to Biggie’s heirs: his daughter T’yanna Wallace and his son C.J. Wallace. Both have been involved in preserving their father’s legacy. T’yanna’s investment is through her Brooklyn-based Notoriouss Clothing line and C.J’s. through music and film ventures, according to Black Business.
Primary Wave’s involvement suggests new ventures could be on the horizon. The company has a track record of revitalizing classic artists’ brands through re-releases and remasters, brand partnerships and film/TV projects.
