Weeks after the death of Voletta Wallace, the mother of Biggie Smalls, the sale of the late rapper’s catalog has officially been finalized.
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According to the Wall Street Journal, Primary Wave confirmed they’d acquired the late rapper’s catalog on Thursday (March 20). The company, which also has ownership rights to late artists like Bob Marley, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston and Prince, confirmed that the partnership encompasses, as well as the rap legend’s name, image and likeness.
Primary Wave confirmed the acquisition on Thursday (March 20), securing rights to the late rapper’s music publishing and recordings, name, image, and likeness.
“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,” the companies said in a joint statement.
Financial details have not been disclosed, but previous reports alleged that Biggie’s publishing rights were up for about $100 million, and his master rights at around $30-$50 million. Primary Wave is reportedly taking a 50% interest in the estate.
Violetta Wallace Blessed Sale of Biggie’s Catalog Before Death
Following her son’s murder, Violetta Wallace took control of Biggie’s estate, reportedly transforming the worth of $10 million upwards to $160 million through her close relationship with his former manager, Wayne Barrow.
Though the deal closed after her death, sources said she was involved in nearly every aspect of the deal’s negotiations.
The WSJ added that Wallace was able to regain full control of Biggie’s publishing rights while she was still alive; although the original split was 50-50 with Bad Boy during the time of the rapper’s death, his mother was able to up the estate’s share to 85% in the early 2000s before completely obtaining the remaining stake in 2020.
