There’s finally a resolution in a long-standing case surrounding Biggie’s catalog in a dispute between the late rapper’s estate and his former manager Wayne Barrow. A Delaware court sided with Barrow in the conflict over money generated by Biggie’s catalog.
Per Rolling Stone, Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick ruled that Barrow is entitled to receive her 25% share of profits from the catalog partnership with Primary Wave. Barrow serves as executor of Voletta Wallace’s estate and trustee of her trust, and the proceeds are ultimately designated for the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation.
The ruling also requires Biggie's widow, Faith Evans, who also serves as a co-owner of Notorious B.I.G. LLC, to release funds that had been withheld. The court affirmed Barrow’s 50% membership interest in the company’s intellectual-property portfolio, alongside his entitlement to the distribution rights connected to Voletta’s estate.
Biggie's Former Manager's Legal Battle
The conflict stems from how Biggie’s business interests were structured following his 1997 death. Voletta Wallace and Evans established Notorious B.I.G. LLC to oversee the rapper’s intellectual property, with distribution interests ultimately divided among Voletta, Evans, and Biggie’s children, Ty’anna and CJ Wallace.
The catalog became even more valuable after Primary Wave entered into a partnership involving Biggie’s music and certain name, image, and likeness rights. The transaction, completed in 2025, was initially reported at approximately $100 million, though its value has since been estimated at considerably more.
Barrow sued Evans last year, alleging that proceeds were distributed to Biggie’s children while Voletta’s share was withheld. His legal team characterized the Delaware decision as a major victory.
However, the broader estate battle is far from settled. CJ Wallace filed a separate lawsuit in Pennsylvania earlier this year, in which he accuses Barrow of improperly obtaining greater control over Voletta’s estate shortly before her death. The case remains pending. We will keep you posted on any further updates.
