- The late rapper’s catalogue and rights could reach up to $150 million USD.
- Deal includes 50% of publishing, master recording, and publicity rights.
- Biggie’s estate, once valued at $10 million USD, has grown to over $160 million USD.
When hip-hop conversations turn to legends, Biggie Smalls — The Notorious B.I.G. — inevitably enters the discussion. The ’90s hip-hop titan, whose albums Ready to Die and Life After Death, considered masterpieces, captivated audiences with vivid storytelling and hard-hitting lyrics about street life, wealth, and personal struggles.
Now, nearly three decades after his death at the age of 24, the Brooklyn legend’s music legacy is in the limelight again.
A Multi-Million Dollar Catalog
According to Hollywood Reporter, the estate of Christopher George Latore Wallace (Biggie’s real name), is close to inking a monumental deal up to $150 million USD (~$240 million AUD) with independent music publishing powerhouse Primary Wave, potentially reshaping how future generations experience his iconic work.
After Biggie was murdered in 1997, his mother Violetta Wallace took over his estate and managed to grow the $10 million USD inheritance into an empire that is now worth over $160 million USD. Her merchandising deals and brand collaborations — which included a 2011 partnership with Brand Sense Partners for licensing and merchandising— helped the estate flourish.
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However, after Biggie’s mother passed away last month, music producers Mark Pitts and Wayne Burrow have been representing Biggie’s estate… and are preparing sell to the highest bidder.
The Deal of a Lifetime
If the deal goes through, Primary Wave would have a 50% stake in Biggie’s publishing, master recordings, and publicity rights. In simple words, the company would have partial control over everything from his unforgettable verses to his immediately recognisable voice and image that made him a cultural icon.
The publishing rights alone have a value of $100 million USD and master recordings are estimated to have a value that is between $30-50 million USD, making the deal one for the books.
And if you’re wondering whether Biggie’s name would be in good company — don’t worry about it. Primary Wave already has an all-star roster that includes Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Nicks. If the negotiations wrap up as expected in the coming weeks, Biggie’s legacy will officially be in the hands of one of the biggest players in the business.
