Not directly. Because Biggie Smalls died without a will, New York’s intestate succession laws governed the distribution of his estate. Under those laws, his widow, Faith Evans, inherited 50% of his estate, while his two children, C.J. and T’yanna Wallace, inherited 25% each.
As administrator of Smalls’ estate, Evans partnered with Voletta to form Notorious B.I.G., LLC, giving Voletta a 50% interest in the company. Together, they fought the music industry, primarily Sean “Diddy” Combs, to protect Smalls’ intellectual property rights, including his master recordings and publishing interests, and ultimately helped build his legacy into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
The success of Smalls’ estate can be attributed, at least in part, to the strong alliance between Voletta and Evans and Evans’ decision to prioritize family unity over strict legal entitlement.
