The Notorious B.I.G.'s Legacy Takes a New Turn: Estate Sells Music Catalog to Primary Wave

In a move that has sent ripples through the hip-hop community, the estate of the legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wal...

In a move that has sent ripples through the hip-hop community, the estate of the legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, has finalized a deal to sell a significant portion of his music catalog to Primary Wave Music. Announced on March 20, 2025, this transaction marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing story of Biggie’s enduring legacy, one that continues to resonate nearly three decades after his untimely death in 1997. While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, the deal encompasses 50% of both his publishing and master rights, as well as his name, image, and likeness—assets that have kept Biggie’s influence alive in pop culture.

A Legacy Managed with Care

The sale comes shortly after the passing of Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, who died in February 2025 at the age of 78. Voletta was a central figure in preserving and expanding her son’s legacy, managing his estate with a fierce dedication to ensuring his music and memory lived on. Reports indicate she was deeply involved in the negotiations with Primary Wave before her death, giving her blessing to the deal that would secure Biggie’s place in the modern music landscape. Her efforts over the years transformed the estate’s value, reportedly growing it from $10 million to as much as $200 million through strategic licensing, posthumous releases, and brand collaborations.

Voletta’s stewardship wasn’t without its challenges. At the time of Biggie’s murder, his publishing rights were split 50-50 with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records. Over the decades, she negotiated to increase the estate’s stake to 85% in the early 2000s and secured full control by 2020. Her work didn’t stop there—she also expanded the estate’s hold on Biggie’s master recordings in 2023, cementing her son’s catalog as a powerhouse in the industry. This sale to Primary Wave, then, feels like the culmination of her lifelong mission to protect and monetize Biggie’s art.

What’s Included in the Deal?

Primary Wave, a company known for acquiring stakes in the catalogs of icons like Kurt Cobain, John Lennon, and Prince, now holds a controlling interest in Biggie’s musical and personal brand. The deal reportedly includes: 50% of Publishing Rights: Estimated to be worth around $100 million, these rights cover the songwriting and composition of Biggie’s hits like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “Hypnotize.” 50% of Master Rights: Valued between $30 million and $50 million, these rights pertain to the actual recordings, giving Primary Wave a say in how the tracks are used. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): This opens the door for licensing Biggie’s persona in films, TV shows, merchandise, and potentially even digital projects like NFTs or holograms—ventures the estate has explored in the past.

While the estate retains the other 50%, Primary Wave’s involvement signals a shift toward broader commercial opportunities. The company has a track record of leveraging its acquisitions creatively, and fans can likely expect to see Biggie’s music and image pop up in new contexts soon.

A Trend in Music’s New Economy

Biggie’s catalog sale is part of a larger wave sweeping the music industry, where artists and estates are cashing in on their intellectual property. Recent years have seen blockbuster deals like Sony Music’s $1.27 billion acquisition of Queen’s catalog in 2024, Bruce Springsteen’s $500 million sale to Sony in 2021, and Michael Jackson’s estate selling half his catalog for $600 million in 2023. For estates of artists who passed away young, like Biggie, these sales offer a way to secure financial stability for heirs while keeping the music alive through licensing.

But the trend isn’t without controversy. Some fans and commentators worry that corporate ownership dilutes the artist’s original vision, turning sacred catalogs into commercial fodder. Posts on X reflect a mix of sentiments—some predict a “resurgence of Biggie stuff” with excitement, while others question what this means for his kids, T’yanna and Christopher Jr., and whether they’ll see the benefits.

What’s Next for Biggie’s Legacy?

The Notorious B.I.G. remains a titan of hip-hop, his brief career yielding classics that still define the genre. His debut album Ready to Die (1994) and posthumous Life After Death (1997) are cornerstones of ‘90s rap, blending street narratives with a larger-than-life persona. Posthumous releases like Born Again (1999) and Duets: The Final Chapter (2005) kept his name in the spotlight, though they never matched the brilliance of his living work. Beyond music, his estate has capitalized on his status through biopics like Notorious (2009), branded apparel, and even a street renaming in Brooklyn—Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace Way.

With Primary Wave at the helm, the possibilities are vast. Will we see Biggie’s tracks in more Hollywood soundtracks? A new wave of merchandise? Perhaps even a virtual Biggie performance? The company’s statement promises collaboration with the estate “to keep the legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. alive,” suggesting an intent to honor his artistry while expanding its reach.

A Bittersweet Milestone

There’s something bittersweet about this moment. Voletta Wallace’s passing and the catalog sale close a chapter defined by her tireless advocacy, yet they open a new one where Biggie’s voice will echo through corporate channels. For fans, it’s a reminder of his unmatched talent—and the reality that even legends become part of the music industry’s evolving business landscape. As of today, March 24, 2025, Biggie’s story continues to unfold, proving that the King of New York’s reign is far from over.