The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate sells rights to his music

The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate has sold a stake in the late artist’s music publishing and recording rights, as well as certain name, image and likeness rights, to music publishing company Primary Wave.

The full terms of the deal have not yet been publicly disclosed, but The Wall Street Journal reports that the deal was agreed between Primary Wave and the rapper’s mother, Voletta Wallace, shortly before her death earlier this year. Sources say she was closely involved at every stage of the negotiations.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Primary Wave is taking a 50% stake of the estate, which was valued at $200m. It was also reported that Biggie had a standard publishing deal in place with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy company at the time of his death, allowing Combs 50% interest in his back catalogue. His estate later acquired the full stake in 2020 after negotiations with Combs over relinquishing Bad Boy’s involvement in his catalogue.

“The estate and Primary Wave will collaborate on all business moving forward in an effort to continue the incredible and innovative work done thus far with one goal in mind, to keep the legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. alive,” Primary Wave said in a statement confirming its acquisition.

Primary Wave’s portfolio already includes music by Prince, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Stevie Nicks and many more.

Biggie’s mother passed away last month and has been heavily involved in overseeing her son’s estate since his murder at the age of 24 in March 1997. She founded the Christopher Wallace Foundation and also acted as a producer on the 2009 biopic, Notorious. 

In 2022, the rapper’s classic album ‘Life After Death’ got an extensive vinyl reissue to mark its 25th anniversary, while the song ‘G.O.A.T.’ was also posthumously released that same year to celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday.