Voletta Wallace dies, leaving behind Notorious B.I.G.'s legacy

In the United States, Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late rap icon Notorious B.I.G., passed away at the age of 78. Her death was confirmed by Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, stating that she died of natural causes at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, after a period in hospice care. Voletta Wallace became a prominent figure following her son Christopher Wallace's tragic murder in 1997, when he was shot and killed in Los Angeles. Since then, she dedicated her life to managing his estate and preserving his legacy, becoming an influential voice in the music community. After her son's death, Voletta Wallace launched various initiatives to honor his memory, including the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which provides educational resources for underprivileged children. She also engaged in legal actions to protect her son's legacy and sought justice for his unsolved murder, reinforcing her role as a maternal figure while also acting as an advocate. In 2005, she penned a memoir titled "Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G.", which provided insights into their relationship and her experiences as a mother in the hip-hop world. Throughout her life, she continued to speak out on issues related to her son and the hip-hop industry, remaining a vital participant in discussions surrounding his impact on music. Notably, she produced the 2009 biopic "Notorious", where she was portrayed by actress Angela Bassett. Her commitment to keeping her son's memory alive showcased her deep love and pride, despite initially perceiving his music as mere noise upon its release. Up until her death, Voletta remained vocal about her views on the music industry, addressing allegations against figures like Sean Combs and highlighting the challenges faced by mothers of musicians who died young. Her unwavering dedication left a lasting mark on the community, ensuring that the legacy of her son, who remains one of rap's most celebrated artists, continues to influence future generations. She is survived by her grandchildren, Christopher 'CJ' Wallace and T'yanna Wallace, preserving the lineage of Notorious B.I.G. and his contributions to music and culture.