Net Worth Ranker
What Is The Notorious B.I.G.’s Net Worth?
The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, left behind a significant legacy and a substantial estate. At the time of his untimely death on March 9, 1997, his net worth, adjusted for inflation, was estimated to be around $10 million. This net worth primarily consisted of earnings from his burgeoning music career, including album sales, performances, and various music industry ventures. Christopher George Latore Wallace was born on May 21, 1972.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie Smalls was the only child of Jamaican immigrants Voletta Wallace and Selwyn George Latore. He grew up in the Clinton Hill neighborhood, near Bedford-Stuyvesant. While specific details about his early earnings are not publicly documented, it’s known that he began dealing drugs at the age of 12. As a teenager, he started rapping on street corners and performing with local groups. He attended Westinghouse Career and Technical High School alongside future hip-hop icons Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, and DMX. In 1991, he spent nine months in jail on a crack cocaine charge, a turning point that refocused his energies on music.
After his release from jail, Biggie recorded a demo titled “Microphone Murderer” under the name Biggie Smalls. This demo reached the editor of “The Source” magazine, earning him a mention in the “Unsigned Hype” column. More importantly, it caught the attention of Sean “Puffy” Combs, then an A&R representative and producer at Uptown Records. Combs signed Biggie and facilitated his appearance on a Heavy D & the Boyz song. Following his departure from Uptown in 1993, Combs launched Bad Boy Records, and Wallace was one of the first artists to join his new label.
The Rise to Fame: “Ready to Die” and Early Earnings
Biggie’s career gained significant momentum with his feature on Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” (remix). He continued to build his profile through guest appearances on various tracks. In July 1994, he appeared on the remix of Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear,” alongside LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes.
His debut solo studio album, “Ready to Die,” released on September 13, 1994, became a critical and commercial success, peaking at #13 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned two #1 singles: “Big Poppa” and “One More Chance.” “One More Chance” sold 1.1 million copies in 1995 alone. “Ready to Die” was eventually certified 6x platinum, signifying sales of over 6 million copies. Although specific royalty rates and earnings from “Ready to Die” are not publicly available, a typical artist royalty rate in the mid-1990s for album sales ranged from 8% to 12% of the wholesale price. Considering the album’s widespread success, Biggie likely earned several million dollars from the album sales alone.
It’s also worth noting that Busta Rhymes recounted seeing Wallace personally distributing free copies of “Ready to Die” near his home, indicating grassroots marketing efforts to boost his album’s visibility.
Collaborations and Additional Revenue Streams
Around the time of his first album’s release, Biggie formed friendships with West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur and basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. His collaboration with Shaquille O’Neal resulted in the song “You Can’t Stop the Reign.” While the exact earnings from this collaboration are not public, such collaborations would have added to his income.
“Life After Death” and Posthumous Success
The Notorious B.I.G. began recording his second album in September 1995, a process that spanned 18 months and involved recording sessions in New York City, Trinidad, and Los Angeles. During this period, he also collaborated with Michael Jackson on Jackson’s ninth studio album, “HIStory.” While the specific details of his collaboration with Michael Jackson remain private, it indicates his rising stature in the music industry.
Biggie’s second album, “Life After Death,” was released on March 25, 1997, just 16 days after his death. It debuted at #1 on the U.S. album charts and was eventually certified Diamond in 2000, becoming one of the few hip-hop albums to achieve this status. Ultimately, it was certified 11x platinum, indicating sales of over 11 million copies. Given the higher royalty rates often negotiated for successful artists on their second albums, Biggie’s estate likely earned significantly more from “Life After Death” than from his debut album. Estimates suggest that the album generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue for his estate.
Legal Issues and Their Financial Impact
In March 1996, Biggie was arrested at a Manhattan nightclub for allegedly chasing and threatening two fans seeking his autograph. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. Later that year, he faced arrest for drug and weapons possession. Although the direct financial impact of these legal issues is not detailed in available sources, legal fees and potential fines would have affected his cash flow.
East Coast vs. West Coast Rivalry and Its Impact
Biggie’s ascent coincided with a period of intense rivalry between East Coast and West Coast hip hop. His feud with Tupac Shakur became a media spectacle. Tupac was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later. Rumors of Biggie’s involvement in the murder circulated, though his family has denied any involvement. This rivalry, while boosting media attention, also created significant personal and professional risks.
Death and Circumstances
Wallace traveled to California in February 1997 to promote his second album and film a video for “Hypnotize.” Concerned for his safety, he hired security. On March 9, 1997, he was killed in a drive-by shooting outside a Los Angeles museum, six months after Tupac’s death. He was shot at 12:45 a.m. while leaving an afterparty, and was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 1:15 a.m. at the age of 24. The exact circumstances of his death and the ongoing investigations have not led to any arrests.
Estate Management and Growth
Upon Biggie’s death, his estate was managed by his mother, Voletta Wallace, who became its administrator. His two children, T’yanna Wallace and Christopher “C.J.” Wallace Jr., were the primary beneficiaries, with their inheritance placed in trust funds. Although specific financial distributions to T’yanna and C.J. at the time are not public knowledge, they were set to benefit from the estate’s assets. Biggie’s widow, Faith Evans, also played a role in managing his legacy.
Over the years, Biggie’s estate has seen substantial growth. While his net worth at the time of death was around $10 million, the estate’s value has surged to an estimated $50–$100 million, primarily through music sales, streaming, licensing, and merchandising. His albums continue to sell millions of copies, and his music is frequently streamed, maintaining high royalty revenues. Posthumous releases, licensing deals, and the use of his image in films, documentaries, and merchandise have further contributed to the estate’s success. His music features in commercials, movies, and video games, ensuring a steady income stream.
The estate operates through Notorious B.I.G., LLC, ensuring that profits are distributed to Biggie’s heirs and that his brand is protected. T’yanna Wallace launched a clothing line inspired by her father, and C.J. Wallace has pursued acting and other ventures tied to his father’s name, benefiting financially from their father’s legacy. In 2022, the estate launched an NFT collection, tapping into digital markets. The estate also supports charitable efforts through the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which funds education and community programs.
Personal Life and Relationships
Wallace had his first child, T’yanna, on August 8, 1993, with his high school sweetheart, Jan, though they had separated by then. He married R&B singer Faith Evans on August 4, 1994, shortly after meeting her at a photoshoot. Evans gave birth to Biggie’s son, Christopher Wallace Jr., on October 29, 1996. The couple separated but were not legally divorced at the time of his death. Evans was allegedly involved in an affair with Tupac Shakur, fueling the East Coast/West Coast rivalry.
Legacy and Influence
Every anniversary of Biggie’s death or his album releases renews interest in his music. Special edition vinyl releases, documentary films, and media projects drive increased streaming and merchandise sales. His estate remains one of the most profitable of any deceased celebrity, continuing to generate millions annually.
