In a groundbreaking move that could redefine the future of The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy, Primary Wave has acquired a stake in the late rap icon’s music publishing, recordings, and certain rights to his name, image, and likeness. The announcement, made on March 20th, 2025, comes just weeks after the funeral of Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s beloved mother and longtime steward of his estate.
A Deal Years In The Making
While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, reports suggest the deal values Biggie Smalls’ estate at approximately $200 million. The agreement, reportedly finalized by Voletta Wallace shortly before her passing in February, marks a pivotal shift in how Biggie’s catalog will be managed, monetized, and introduced to new generations.
The partnership places Biggie’s legacy in the hands of Primary Wave, a powerhouse company known for its strategic acquisitions of legendary catalogs, including Whitney Houston, Prince, and Nirvana. According to a statement from Primary Wave:
“The estate and Primary Wave will collaborate on all business moving forward in an effort to continue the incredible and innovative work done thus far, with one goal in mind—to keep the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G. alive.”
What This Means For Biggie’s Legacy
As part of the deal, Primary Wave will work closely with Biggie’s estate to explore new licensing opportunities for film, television, and media projects, ensuring his music continues to resonate across generations. Fans could see Biggie’s influence expanded through biopics, documentaries, and creative collaborations, further cementing his status as one of hip-hop’s most timeless figures.
With a catalog that includes Ready to Die, Life After Death, and Born Again, Biggie remains one of the most revered figures in hip-hop history. His albums have sold over 28 million copies in the U.S. alone, and his influence continues to shape the culture nearly three decades after his tragic 1997 passing.
Controversy Surrounding The Deal
Despite the monumental nature of this acquisition, the deal has sparked significant backlash. Gene Deal, a former associate of Biggie Smalls, has publicly accused Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow, longtime business associates of Sean “Diddy” Combs, of allegedly exploiting Voletta Wallace in her final days.
Deal claims that while Wallace was gravely ill and under hospice care, Pitts and Barrow were orchestrating the sale of Biggie’s catalog without ensuring that the estate and his children received the best possible terms. According to Deal:
“They were Puff’s boys. This wasn’t about honoring Big’s legacy—it was about securing a deal worth $100 to $150 million for themselves.”
While these allegations have not been confirmed by the estate, they raise concerns about the ethics of the negotiations and whether Voletta Wallace was fully aware of all aspects of the agreement in her final days.
A New Era For Biggie Smalls
Regardless of the controversy, this deal signals a new chapter in the ongoing preservation of Biggie’s legacy. Whether through music re-releases, posthumous collaborations, or cinematic projects, the Primary Wave partnership ensures that Biggie’s presence will remain as dominant in the future as it has been in the past.
As hip-hop fans reflect on Biggie’s immeasurable impact, only time will tell how this agreement shapes the narrative of one of the greatest rappers of all time. Stay tuned for further updates on how Primary Wave plans to expand The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy.
