Faith Evans has been ordered to distribute more than $12.5 million in estate earnings, plus interest, following a major court ruling involving the financial legacy of her late husband, legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G.
The total payment is expected to approach $14 million, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the rapper’s intellectual property and estate.
The October 27 decision from Delaware’s Court of Chancery gives Wayne Barrow, trustee of the Voletta Wallace Revocable Trust, the right to receive distributions associated with the late rapper’s business interests dating back to the death of his mother, Voletta Wallace, in February 2025.
Why Faith Evans Is Ordered to Pay Nearly $14 Million
The legal dispute centers on Notorious B.I.G., LLC, the company established in 2007 by Evans and Voletta Wallace to manage the late rapper’s intellectual property rights.
Following Voletta’s death on February 21, 2025, disagreements emerged over her ownership interest in the company and who was legally entitled to receive the associated profits.
Barrow, who was appointed trustee of Voletta’s estate, filed a lawsuit against Evans in July 2025.
He argued that the trust was entitled to a 25% share of the company’s earnings and that Evans had failed to recognize its financial rights.
Evans challenged Barrow’s authority, arguing that the necessary legal documentation had not been properly completed to establish the trust’s membership in the company.
The Delaware court initially ruled in Barrow’s favor in August 2026.
However, additional questions remained concerning when the trust became entitled to the company’s distributions and how much money it could legally claim.
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Judge Rules Voletta Wallace’s Trust Is Entitled to $12.5 Million
In her October 27 decision, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick clarified an important distinction between formal membership in a limited liability company and the economic rights associated with an ownership interest.
The court determined that the Voletta Wallace Revocable Trust officially became a member of Notorious B.I.G., LLC, on December 12, 2025, after completing the documentation required under the company’s operating agreement.
However, the judge ruled that Voletta’s economic rights transferred to her estate when she died on February 21, 2025.
Because her estate ultimately passed to the trust, the trust was entitled to distributions dating back to that date.
Court records identified $12,518,336 in distributions attributable to Voletta’s ownership interest. The judge also awarded prejudgment interest at the statutory rate, compounded quarterly.
This means the trust is entitled to more than the original $12.5 million principal amount.
Where Will the Money From Biggie’s Estate Go?
Wayne Barrow is representing the trust in the Delaware proceedings and is expected to receive the court-ordered distributions in his capacity as trustee.
The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation is also central to Voletta’s estate arrangements.
According to the reported terms of her amended estate plan, assets not specifically bequeathed were directed toward the foundation.
Barrow’s attorney, Jay Freiberg, welcomed the latest ruling, saying it reinforced the financial rights Voletta had established before her death.
Evans’ legal representatives declined to comment on the latest decision.
Primary Wave Music Deal Adds Importance to the Estate Dispute
The dispute has attracted considerable attention because of the commercial value of The Notorious B.I.G.’s music catalog and intellectual property.
In 2025, Primary Wave Music acquired a reported 50% stake in Biggie’s catalog and likeness in a deal widely reported to be worth approximately $100 million.
The transaction highlighted the continuing financial value of the rapper’s music, image, and intellectual property decades after his death.
For the estate’s stakeholders, these rights represent more than historical ownership.
They provide access to continuing commercial opportunities through music licensing, publishing, royalties, and other intellectual property arrangements.
CJ Wallace’s Separate Lawsuit Against Wayne Barrow Continues
Although the Delaware ruling resolves the financial distribution dispute between Evans and Barrow, another legal battle involving Biggie’s family remains unresolved.
Christopher Jordan Wallace, known as CJ Wallace and the son of Biggie and Faith Evans, has filed a separate lawsuit in Pennsylvania challenging the terms of his grandmother’s will.
An earlier version of Voletta’s estate plan reportedly named CJ Wallace and Barrow as co-trustees.
However, changes made shortly before her death gave Barrow sole control of the trust and estate administration.
CJ alleges that Barrow improperly influenced his grandmother to change her estate documents shortly before her death.
Barrow has denied the allegations and has claimed that Evans is behind the legal challenge. Evans’ attorneys have also denied that accusation.
The Pennsylvania proceedings remain ongoing.
The latest Delaware decision establishes the trust’s entitlement to the disputed distributions regardless of the separate challenge to Barrow’s appointment.
Consequently, the broader legal battle over control of Biggie’s legacy is not yet over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Faith Evans owe nearly $14 million in the Notorious B.I.G. estate lawsuit?
A Delaware judge ruled that Voletta Wallace’s trust is entitled to $12,518,336 in distributions associated with her ownership interest, plus statutory prejudgment interest.
Who manages The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate?
Faith Evans manages Notorious B.I.G., LLC, which holds intellectual property rights associated with the rapper. Wayne Barrow serves as trustee of Voletta Wallace’s trust.
Who will receive the $14 million from Biggie’s estate?
The distributions are owed to the Voletta Wallace Revocable Trust, represented by Wayne Barrow. Voletta’s estate arrangements also direct certain assets toward the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation.
Why is CJ Wallace suing Wayne Barrow?
CJ Wallace is challenging changes to his grandmother’s will that gave Barrow sole control as trustee and executor. He alleges improper influence, which Barrow denies.
Is the Notorious B.I.G. estate lawsuit over?
The Delaware dispute over the financial distributions has been resolved by the latest ruling. However, the separate Pennsylvania lawsuit challenging Voletta Wallace’s estate arrangements remains ongoing.
