Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop. Despite his untimely death in 1997, Biggie's music continues to generate revenue through royalties, merchandise, and posthumous releases. Let's explore the factors that contributed to Biggie Smalls' net worth and his enduring legacy.
Biggie Smalls Net Worth
As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie Smalls showed an early interest in music. He dropped out of high school as he delved into the streets. In 1993, he caught the attention of Sean Combs, who signed him to his newly founded label, Bad Boy Records.
Biggie's Debut Album: Ready to Die
In 1994, Biggie released his debut album, Ready to Die, which went on to achieve critical and commercial success. With hit singles like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," the album eventually went quadruple platinum, selling over 4 million copies. Considered one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time, Ready To Die played a significant role in building Biggie Smalls' net worth.
The Infamous East Coast-West Coast Rivalry
Biggie's meteoric rise to fame coincided with the growing East Coast-West Coast rivalry in the rap industry. He found himself at the center of the feud, with West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur accusing him of involvement in a 1994 robbery and shooting. The tension between the two artists and their respective record labels fueled sales and interest in their music.
Biggie's Posthumous Success
Tragically, Biggie was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. His death shocked the music world, and his influence on the genre continues to be felt to this day. Two weeks after his passing, Bad Boy released Biggie's double-disc album, Life After Death. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified diamond, with over 10 million copies sold. The album features iconic tracks like "Mo Money Mo Problems" and "Hypnotize."
Continued Earnings And Estate Management
Since Biggie's death, his mother, Voletta Wallace, and former wife, Faith Evans, have managed his estate. They have been responsible for ensuring that his music continues to generate income through various channels, including royalties, licensing deals, and merchandise sales. In addition, the estate has authorized several posthumous releases, such as the 1999 album Born Again and the 2005 duets album The Notorious B.I.G.: Duets – The Final Chapter.
Biggie's Enduring Legacy
Biggie Smalls' net worth in 2024 is a testament to his lasting impact on the rap industry and popular culture. His music and persona have influenced countless artists who came after him, and his albums remain popular with fans old and new. As the legend of Biggie Smalls lives on, so does the fortune he amassed during his brief but groundbreaking career.
