Biggie Smalls’ Estate Sale
The estate of the notorious Big sold a share in the musical publication and notes of the late rapper, as well as certain names, image and rights associated with the primary wave of music.
Transaction Details
While the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday (March 20) that the mother of Biggie Smalls, Volletta Wallace, reached an agreement with Primary Wave shortly before her death at the beginning of this year. Sources indicated that she participated in almost all aspects of the negotiations.
Wallace, who passed away in February, played a crucial role in preserving her son’s legacy and managing his estate following his murder at the age of 24 on March 9, 1997. She founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Fund and was a producer on the 2009 biographical film Notorious, directed by George Tillman Jr., who cast Jamal Woolard in the title role, with Angela Bassett portraying her.
According to WSJ, Primary Wave acquired a 50 percent stake in the estate, which was valued at $200 million. It was also reported that the Brooklyn rapper had a standard publishing deal with Diddy’s Bad Boy, which granted him a 50 percent interest in his songwriting catalog at the time of his death.
As the estate managed much of the hard work involved in the conclusion of transactions and music monetization, Wallace later persuaded Combs to increase the estate’s share to 85 percent by early August and acquired the remaining 15 percent in 2020.
“The estate and Primary Wave will collaborate to ensure that all operations continue to progress, building on the incredible and innovative work done so far, with one goal,” Variety reports.
Primary Wave’s portfolio features music from artists like Stevie Nicks, Whitney Houston, The Doors, Bob Marley, James Brown, Nirvana, and Prince. The company and estate described their business relationship as “a comprehensive partnership that encompasses the musical publishing and recordings of the notorious Big, along with his name, image, and likeness.”
It is significant to note that the name, image, and likeness are essential for licensing an artist’s work in films. Known for its role in licensing music for biopics such as Bob Marley: One Love and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Primary Wave is currently involved in producing biopics about Boyz II Men and Boy George.
Wallace published her memoir, Biggie, in 2005, and in 2021, she served as an executive producer for the Netflix documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell. While promoting the film, she expressed Associated Press: “They never knew me. The audience never knew me. I was drawn into this environment, I must say, after he died, because I am a very personal person. Extremely private.”
“What he did there, maybe I had to know. But, frankly, I did not. And to this day, there are people who say: ‘Oh, she knew.’ (Whisper), but I never knew.”
She also expressed joy in Biggie’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. “Brooklyn, we did it!!! It’s been so long,” she wrote. “Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen for Christopher. I love you all.”
Wallace was candid about the accusations against Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2024, stating to Katya Stone: “I’m sick to my stomach. I pray for his mother. I do not want to believe what I heard, but I saw (the video). I pray that he apologizes to her.”
https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-notorious-b-i-g-s-estate-sells-rights-to-late-rappers-music-3848100?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-notorious-b-i-g-s-estate-sells-rights-to-late-rappers-music
