What Was The Notorious B.I.G.'s Net Worth?
The Notorious B.I.G. was an iconic American rapper who had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death (adjusted for inflation). Tragically dying on March 9, 1997, in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting at the age of 24, Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, remains one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Emerging from Brooklyn, New York, Christopher Wallace turned his tough experiences into stories of ambition and struggle, making a significant impact on the music scene. His debut album, "Ready to Die" (1994), is lauded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums, combining lyrical skills and catchy hooks to appeal to both hardcore and mainstream audiences.
Notorious BIG February 1997. (Photo by Nitro/Getty Images)
Ready to Die told raw tales of crime and personal struggles, showcasing Biggie's storytelling prowess. His turbulent relationship with fellow rapper 2Pac symbolized the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry in the 1990s, which many believe contributed to their tragic deaths.
Despite his short career, Biggie's impact on hip-hop is immeasurable. His stylistic innovations influenced numerous artists, and his second album, Life After Death, released posthumously, further cemented his legacy.
Early Life
Born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie was the only child of Jamaican parents. Growing up near Bedford-Stuyvesant, he excelled academically and won numerous English awards. However, at the age of 12, he turned to drug dealing while also rapping on street corners and in local groups. He attended the same high school as future stars Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, and DMX but left at 17 to deepen his involvement in drug dealing, which led to several arrests.
Rap Career
Post-jail, Biggie recorded a demo, "Microphone Murderer," which led to his inclusion in "The Source" magazine's "Unsigned Hype" column. This demo reached Sean "Puffy" Combs, who signed Biggie to Uptown Records and later to his own label, Bad Boy Records. Biggie’s career soared with his debut album, "Ready to Die," released in September 1994. The album reached #13 on the "Billboard" charts, and its singles "Big Poppa" and "One More Chance" hit #1, with the latter selling 1.1 million copies in 1995. This album was certified 6X platinum, and Biggie became a household name with appearances and collaborations with artists like Tupac Shakur and Shaquille O'Neal.
(Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Biggie began recording his second album in September 1995 while dividing his time between NYC, Trinidad, and Los Angeles. In March 1996, he faced legal issues but continued to work, significantly boosting East Coast hip-hop’s profile during a time when West Coast dominance was evident. Despite personal and industry rivalries, Biggie remained successful.
Death
In February 1997, Biggie went to California to promote his second album and record a video for "Hypnotize." On March 9, 1997, he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, shortly after presenting an award at the Soul Train Music Awards. Rushed to Cedars-Sinai, he was pronounced dead at 24. His funeral in Manhattan saw 350 mourners, including stars like Queen Latifah and Salt-N-Pepa. His second album was released 16 days after his death, achieving significant success and certification.
Wallace's posthumous success includes several album releases and compilations that have contributed to his estate, now worth $160 million. His legacy is managed by Voletta Wallace and his widow, Faith Evans.
Personal Life
Wallace had his daughter T'yanna on August 8, 1993, with high school sweetheart Jan. He married R&B singer Faith Evans on August 4, 1994. Christopher Wallace Jr. was born on October 29, 1996. Allegations of an affair between Evans and 2Pac strained their marriage, although they were separated, not legally divorced, at the time of his death.
