All The Celebs Who Attended Biggie’s Mom’s Funeral, Including Lil Kim, Christian Combs, Ma$e and More

At age 78, Voletta Wallace died of natural causes on February 21, 2025.

Photo: Getty Images John Lamparski

Dozens of loved ones showed up to honor the life and legacy of Voletta Wallace, the mother of deceased rapper Christopher Wallace— also known as Notorious B.I.G. In a bittersweet moment, Wallace’s service was held on Wednesday (March 12) at the same funeral home where her son’s was held in 1997.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Two alligators bang on a door at a Florida home and social media is going crazy

Stars and close family members gathered to the event to pay their respects. Some of music’s most prominent figures like Biggie’s widow, Faith Evans, Lil Kim, Ma$e and more gathered around 10 a.m., according to the New York Post. Take a look at some of the figures who attended the service and their connection to Wallace and Biggie’s legacy.

Lil Kim

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo

The New York City rapper was spotted bringing flowers to Wallace’s funeral. She and Smalls had a close friendship before his murder. Kim was also the leading lady of Junior M.A.F.I.A., the Hip-Hop group founded by Biggie.

Lil Kim and Voletta Wallace

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes

Even after his death, Kim— real name Kimberly Denise Jones— maintained a close relationship with the rapper’s mom. The two women have been spotted at several events honoring the later rapper.

Ma$e

Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez

The former Bad Boy artist showed up to Wallace’s funeral dressed in a burgundy suit. Most recently, he revealed he was more of a fan of California rapper Tupac, but after being introduced to Biggie, his life and taste in music changed forever.

Biggie’s Daughter T’yanna Wallace

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes

Biggie’s oldest child, T’yanna Wallace, was in attendance at her grandmother’s funeral. She was seen pushing a baby stroller, with presumably Wallace’s great-granddaughter inside.

T’yanna Shares the Service Program

Photo: Instagram Photo: Instagram

Voletta’s service was held at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel on New York City’s Upper East Side, the same funeral home where her son’s funeral was held in 1997 and singer Aaliyah’s was held in 2001.

Biggie’s Son C.J. Wallace

Photo: Getty Images [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}] Photo: Getty Images [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

The late rapper’s son, Christopher Jordan Wallace, also showed up to the event. He was spotted surrounded by family and other loved ones, including his sister, T’yanna.

Biggie’s Kids and Mother

Photo: Getty Images John Lamparski Photo: Getty Images John Lamparski

The Wallace kids have made it their business to preserve their father’s legacy over the years. Together with their grandmother, the Wallace crew has organized charities, hosted events and more to honor the late rapper.

Christian Combs

Photo: Getty Images Gareth Cattermole Photo: Getty Images Gareth Cattermole

Son of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Christian Combs, was also seen at Wallace’s funeral service. Most likely sent in place of his father, who’s being held in a New York jail, Christian was dressed in all black as he greeted family and friends of Wallace and his father.

Diddy and Christopher Wallace

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella

The founder of Bad Boy Entertainment is widely credited with discovering Biggie and propelling him to fame in the early ‘90s.

Diddy and Voletta Wallace

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes, Samir Hussein Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes, Samir Hussein

In response to the ongoing allegations against Diddy, Wallace told Rolling Stone she felt “sick to my stomach.” She continued saying, “I hope that I see Sean one day and the only thing I want to do is slap the daylights out of him. And you can quote me on that,” she said. “Because I liked him. I didn’t want to believe all the awful things, but I’m so ashamed and embarrassed.”

Faith Evans

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin

Mother of C.J. Wallace and widow of Biggie, singer Faith Evans, was spotted at Wallace’s service.

Lil Kim and Faith Evans

Photo: Getty Images John Sciulli Photo: Getty Images John Sciulli

In recent years, both Evans and Kim have said there’s no animosity between them. “My issues with Kim really went out the window when B.I.G. passed, to be quite honest,” Evans said in 2017. The two women even collaborated together on the 2017 song “Lovin’ You for Life.”

Jay Z’s Mom Gloria Carter

Photo: Getty Images J. Merritt Photo: Getty Images J. Merritt

Gloria Carter showed up to the service to pay her respects. Her son, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Biggie were close associates during the peak of the “Big Poppa” rapper’s career.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

All of the Times When These US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

All of the Times When These US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

After Joe Biden was under fire for telling a Black university trustee that he looked like Obama, here are more times that United States presidents have been racist towards Black and minority folks …
‘In Living Color’: Where Are the Cast Members Now?

‘In Living Color’: Where Are the Cast Members Now?

Thirty-six years later, the Wayans family and the most iconic sketch comedy legends are still remains to be culturally relevant to pop culture today. Here is what the stars are doing now …
You'll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

You’ll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

Before naming Kamala Harris as his running mate back in 2020, Joe Biden reportedly had another woman in mind …
Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Jaafar Jackson, who’s set to portray his ‘King of Pop’ uncle in the new Michael Jackson movie, recently visited Gary, IN. And you’ve got to see what happened next! …
Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military's Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military’s Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Starting this year, the U.S. government is officially flipping the switch on Automatic Draft Registration. Here’s everything you need to know …
Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Today, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, but it ignores the system pushing Black players out of the game …
Photo: Getty Images Addis Wechsler Pictures

11 Reasons Love Jones Is a Romance for The Ages

The 1997 romantic comedy still gives fans the feels nearly three decades later, but star Nia Long says the film was a box office flop …
Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump's Version of 'Christianity'

Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump’s Version of ‘Christianity’

“In Donald Trump’s White House, Jesus is a victim of identity theft,” Sen. Raphael Warnock told The Root in an exclusive interview …
Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

A non-Black woman is suing because she wasn’t allowed benefits from a program specifically designed to help Black mothers in California …
All About The Pope's Black, Creole Roots

All About The Pope’s Black, Creole Roots

While President Trump is in a one-sided war of words with the head of the Catholic church, we’re taking a closer look at the Chicago-born pope’s background …
Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long is making it clear she’s putting herself first and that she’s only dealing with a certain type of man when it comes to dating. And the internet is loving it! …
Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

The 40-year-old was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and fined $1,000 on April 14 after being fired for having a relationship with his former staff member …
Black Clergy React to Trump's Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Black Clergy React to Trump’s Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Following a social media post by the president depicted himself as Jesus, prominent Black faith leaders voice their outrage …
This TikTok Star's Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

This TikTok Star’s Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

TikTok star PinkyDoll is sharing yet another unfortunate piece of news about her health. But her message is one that younger folks need to hear …
'TODAY Show' Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

‘TODAY Show’ Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

Mother’s Day came early for Sheinelle Jones when her book promotion turned into tears of joy …
The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

After the rocker’s surprise performance with Clipse onstage at Coachella, we’re looking at some of his greatest hip-hop collabs of all time! …
Why Phaedra Parks' 'Men Don't Like Smart Women' Myth Is Nonsense

Why Phaedra Parks’ ‘Men Don’t Like Smart Women’ Myth Is Nonsense

The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is mistaking personal frustration for universal truth …
How The Medicaid Cuts in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Could Devastate Black Americans

How The Medicaid Cuts in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Devastate Black Americans

As threats to cut $1 trillion in Medicaid mount, Black Americans may lose access to maternal care, health coverage and economic stability …
Beloved 'Family Matters' Star Shocks Fans With Surprise Health Update: ‘Keep Praying For Me’

Beloved ‘Family Matters’ Star Shocks Fans With Surprise Health Update: ‘Keep Praying For Me’

One of the OG’s on the late-90s hit show is giving fans some truly welcomed news when it comes to their personal health! …
Artemis II Astronaut Victor Glover Gets the Welcome Home of a Lifetime in Viral Video

Artemis II Astronaut Victor Glover Gets the Welcome Home of a Lifetime in Viral Video

After coming back from space, Victor Glover received a warm welcome from his neighborhood that will touch your heart …