The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, was one of the most influential rappers of all time. Though his success was tragically cut short when he was murdered in 1997 at just 24 years old, his music continues to resonate with fans today. Over 20 years after his death, Biggie’s estate still generates millions of dollars in royalties each year from album sales, licensing deals, and more. But who exactly is collecting these lucrative payments? Let’s take a closer look at where the money from Biggie’s musical legacy is going.
Biggie’s Estate
When Biggie died without a will, his assets – including control over his music and image – passed to his mother, Voletta Wallace, and his then-infant daughter, T’yanna Wallace. Voletta Wallace serves as the administrator of Biggie’s estate, alongside executor Wayne Barrow. As such, Voletta and T’yanna collect a large portion of the income from Biggie’s work.
According to reports, Biggie’s catalog brings in between $3-4 million per year. The estate earns royalties from album sales and streaming revenue, as well as licensing deals for use of Biggie’s songs or likeness. For example, when Coca-Cola used Biggie’s “Juicy” in an ad campaign, his estate collected a handsome licensing fee.
Bad Boy Records
Another major beneficiary of Biggie’s catalog is Bad Boy Records, the label founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs that released his albums. Bad Boy retains ownership of the master recordings of Biggie’s songs, meaning they collect royalties from reproduction and distribution.
Though Biggie’s relationship with Bad Boy was sometimes contentious, the label has kept his music alive with anniversary album releases and compilations. Revenue from these continues filtering back to Bad Boy.
Faith Evans
Biggie’s ex-wife Faith Evans is also entitled to royalties from his work. After Biggie’s death, Evans inherited his estate’s publishing rights – the royalties earned from songwriting. As the credited writer on many Biggie songs, Evans receives a cut of the publishing income.
Evans also owns full or partial copyrights to several Biggie songs, including his biggest posthumous hit “Hypnotize.” This entitles her to a share of royalties alongside Biggie’s estate and Bad Boy. Though estranged at the time of his death, Evans has remained invested in preserving Biggie’s legacy.
Collaborators
Other artists who collaborated with Biggie also continue earning royalties. Rappers like Lil’ Kim, Diddy, and Jay-Z contributed to Biggie’s songs and likely negotiated producer royalties. So whenever those tracks get new life – like in Burger King commercials or video games – these collaborators get paid.
Junior M.A.F.I.A. members Lil’ Cease and Larceny also have rights to Biggie’s work, as they co-wrote and guested on his songs while signed to Bad Boy. Biggie generously shared credit and royalties with his friends and collaborators before his untimely end.
Friends and Family
Though Biggie did not leave a will, he did reportedly leave letters indicating how he wanted his life’s earnings to be distributed. While these letters hold no legal weight, his inner circle has tried to honor Biggie’s wishes when dividing up royalties.
In particular, Biggie wanted to provide for his close friend and collaborator Lil’ Kim. She reportedly receives a share of royalties annually as an act of good faith from his estate. Other friends and relatives may also receive discretionary payments. However, the estate is not legally bound to these informal arrangements.
Charitable Causes
Lastly, Biggie’s estate keeps his memory alive by contributing to charitable causes in his name. A portion of the income goes to the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, run by his mother and former managers. This non-profit provides educational opportunities and supports arts programs for inner-city youth.
The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation also awards college scholarships to students each year. These goodwill projects help continue Biggie’s community mission beyond his lifetime.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
While Biggie did not leave a will, he did reportedly sign an artist agreement with Bad Boy Records shortly before his death. This contract may have allocated royalties and rights associated with his work.
Bad Boy and Biggie’s estate have been embroiled in lawsuits over the agreement’s validity and fairness for decades. In 2017, a judge invalidated the contract but allowed Bad Boy to continue controlling Biggie’s recordings. Issues around rights and royalty splits remain unresolved.
Key Contract Disputes
| Issue | Bad Boy Claims | Estate Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Validity | Artist agreement lawfully binds estate | Voletta Wallace’s signature is forged |
| Royalty Splits | Bad Boy is owed bulk of royalties | Estate deserves fair 50/50 split |
| Ownership Rights | Bad Boy owns all Biggie’s masters and publishing | Estate should control Biggie’s likeness and catalog |
This contentious legal relationship has obstructed collaborative use of Biggie’s work. Licenses and posthumous releases become mired in lawsuits. However, both parties share the goal of cementing Biggie’s cultural legacy and influence.
Preserving a Legacy
Though disputes around Biggie’s estate continue, all parties aim to preserve his hip hop legacy. Biggie’s singular flow and wordplay made him a legend across just two studio albums. His loved ones now manage his catalog to keep his music alive and uplift his community.
Twenty-five years after Ready to Die and Life After Death, Biggie’s complex lyrics and swaggering persona still feel fresh. By licensing his tracks and branding wisely, Biggie’s inner circle has maintained his relevancy. Even generations too young to remember Biggie live feel his impact on modern hip hop.
While commercial success was tragically cut short, Biggie’s artistic legacy persists thanks to his estate stewards. Their shrewd investments ensure the Notorious one remains in the spotlight and inspiring MCs worldwide. Though gone too soon at 24, Biggie’s influence on hip hop’s sound stands towering alongside greats like Tupac and Jay-Z.
Biggie Smalls prophesized that he would “live forever” through his rhymes. His estate’s careful cultivation of his catalog continues to make that boast ring true. While legal fights persist, Biggie’s mother, wife, and label work to keep his music earning – and satisfying his still-adoring fans.
Conclusion
Though Biggie passed over 20 years ago, his music remains a cultural force and financial powerhouse. His estate, led by his mother and daughter, derives steady income from album sales, licensing, and streaming royalties. Bad Boy Records retains a share of profits as Biggie’s label, though his estate contests their rights. Collaborators like Lil’ Kim and Faith Evans also earn royalties from co-writing and guest spots. While legal battles have flared up between the label and estate, all interested parties aim to preserve Biggie’s iconic hip hop legacy through smart financial management and gradual releases from his vaulted catalog.