Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 78. The Monroe County Coroner confirmed that she died of natural causes on Friday morning in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Voletta Wallace was more than just the mother of Christopher Wallace, famously known as Biggie Smalls. She played a crucial role in preserving her son’s legacy, managing his estate and ensuring his influence remained strong in hip-hop culture.

Since Biggie’s tragic 1997 murder in a drive-by shooting, Wallace has worked tirelessly to protect his brand and music. Under her management, his estate grew from $10 million to an estimated $160 million, according to TMZ.

Controversy Before Her Passing

Her death comes just months after she made headlines for her comments about Sean "Diddy" Combs, the music mogul who signed Biggie to Bad Boy Records in 1993. Diddy is currently facing serious legal battles, including multiple sexual assault allegations. Wallace’s remarks about him sparked widespread discussion, adding another layer of complexity to Biggie’s posthumous legacy.

Opinion: The Matriarch of Hip-Hop's Greatest Story

Voletta Wallace was a pillar of strength, navigating the pain of losing her son while ensuring that his music and influence never faded. She transformed tragedy into a lasting legacy, proving that behind every great artist, there is often a force of resilience and love.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her dedication ensures that The Notorious B.I.G. will remain legendary forever.

Rest in peace, Ms. Wallace. 🕊️💐