Faith Evans Must Pay $12.5 Million to the Notorious B.I.G.’s Former Manager

A recent legal decision has mandated Faith Evans to pay $12.5 million to the estate of Voletta Wallace, the late mother of rapper Notorious B.I.G., marking a significant development in the ongoing management of the late artist’s intellectual property and estate finances.

The ruling, delivered by Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick of the Delaware Court of Chancery on October 27, 2025, centers on funds linked to Notorious B.I.G.’s trust and related entities. The court awarded the substantial sum, including accrued interest, to the Voletta Wallace Revocable Trust, which oversees the late rapper’s estate. This trust is currently managed by Wayne Barrow, who also served as Biggie’s former manager.

The dispute arose from contested payouts involving Notorious B.I.G., LLC, the business entity that controls the rapper’s intellectual property rights. Faith Evans, who was married to Biggie and is co-guardian of their son, Christopher Jordan Wallace (known professionally as CJ), challenged the distribution of these funds. Evans sought to limit her financial obligations to a fraction of the awarded amount, proposing that only $48,612 be payable. However, Judge McCormick dismissed this request, asserting that the full $12.5 million sum was due to the trust.

Underlying the financial disagreement is a broader contention regarding the administration of Voletta Wallace’s estate. CJ Wallace has publicly questioned Barrow’s role as executor of the estate, alleging manipulative tactics in the process by which Barrow assumed executorship shortly before Wallace’s death in February 2025. CJ and Evans advocated for a more neutral control over the contested estate funds, suggesting state oversight pending resolution of these disputes.

The Delaware court declined to impose such measures, reasoning that ongoing legal proceedings in Pennsylvania—which challenge Barrow’s appointment—would not negate the legitimacy of Barrow’s prior actions taken in good faith on behalf of the trust. The judge emphasized that Pennsylvania law protects executors' acts done in good faith even if their appointment is later contested, thereby affirming Barrow’s control over the trust’s assets and distributions.

Additionally, the court confirmed that the trust officially became a member of Notorious B.I.G., LLC on December 12, 2025, following Barrow’s execution of written consent documents. This membership status legally entitles the trust to financial distributions dating back to the date of Voletta Wallace’s passing, justifying the larger payout over earlier, smaller sums claimed by Evans and associates.

Prejudgment interest was also awarded, calculated from the dates individual payments were issued and compounded quarterly, further increasing the amount owed. Barrow, holding Letters Testamentary since April 2025, has represented the trust throughout Delaware proceedings and continues to oversee the estate’s financial interests.

The genesis of this legal battle traces to Evans’ refusal to disburse proceeds generated by Notorious B.I.G., LLC, particularly from a partnership deal announced in March 2025 with Primary Wave, which manages Biggie’s name, image, and likeness rights. The conflict highlights the complexities that arise in managing estates of iconic artists, especially when multiple family members and business interests intersect.

While the Delaware ruling clarifies the trust’s entitlement to payments, the dispute over Barrow’s executorship remains unresolved in Pennsylvania courts. This ongoing litigation could influence future control of the estate but does not currently affect the distributions awarded by the Delaware court.

The case underscores the continuing challenges faced by the families and representatives of music legends in safeguarding and administering valuable intellectual property assets. As this dispute unfolds, the decisions made will likely impact the legacy and financial stewardship of Notorious B.I.G.’s estate for years to come.