The Notorious BIG’s Legacy Commands Headlines in 2025

Historic Catalogue Sale Reshapes Hip-Hop Legacy Management

The estate of The Notorious B.I.G. has partnered with Primary Wave Music in a landmark deal encompassing the late rapper’s music publishing, recordings, name, image, and likeness, with Primary Wave taking a 50% interest valued at $200 million. The deal closed weeks after the rapper’s mother, Voletta Wallace, passed away in February 2025, though she was involved in nearly every aspect of the negotiations.

Wallace, along with Bystorm Entertainment’s Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts, transformed what was valued at $10 million when Biggie was killed in 1997 to a staggering $160 million nearly 30 years after his death. This remarkable growth demonstrates the enduring commercial power of the Brooklyn rapper’s catalogue.

Legal Disputes Emerge Over Estate Management

The landmark sale has sparked a legal dispute between the estate of Voletta Wallace and Biggie’s R&B singer widow, Faith Evans, with Wayne Barrow claiming Evans has refused to share profits from the Primary Wave deal. The case highlights the complexities of managing a legendary artist’s legacy decades after their passing.

Estate Addresses Netflix Documentary Claims

A new Netflix project titled ‘Sean Combs: The Reckoning’ has drawn attention for claims that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs first pledged to cover Biggie’s funeral service, only to later place the financial load on the estate. However, estate manager Wayne Barrow stepped in after the docuseries release to firmly address the claims, stating that the accusations were inaccurate.

Cultural Tributes Keep Brooklyn Legend Alive

The Brooklyn Nets turned their November 2025 home opener against the Toronto Raptors into a full-throated tribute to the Brooklyn-bred legend, tightening an already close partnership with the Notorious B.I.G. estate. These celebrations demonstrate how Biggie’s influence extends beyond music into sports and broader popular culture.

Why This Matters

Notorious B.I.G. is universally considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time on the basis of just two albums and a handful of other tracks. The ongoing developments surrounding his estate in 2025 reflect both the enduring commercial value of his artistic legacy and the complexities of preserving it. For hip-hop fans and music industry observers, these events demonstrate how legendary artists continue to shape culture and commerce decades after their passing, whilst also highlighting the challenges families face in stewarding their loved ones’ legacies through changing times and competing interests.