Biggie’s Songs Could Soon Have a New Home in Massive Deal
The music catalog of The Notorious B.I.G. may soon change hands in a deal worth a staggering sum. According to a new report by The Hollywood Reporter, Primary Wave is in the process of acquiring a significant portion of the late rap legend’s publishing rights, master rights, and publicity rights in a deal that could be finalized within weeks.
Citing multiple sources, the report states that Biggie’s publishing rights—covering the compositions rather than the sound recordings—are expected to fetch around $100 million. Meanwhile, the master rights, which include the sound recordings, could range between $30 million and $50 million. However, some sources suggest the total value of the transaction may ultimately come in under $100 million.
Primary Wave, a powerhouse in the music industry, is known for handling catalogs of legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Prince, Smokey Robinson, and Sly & The Family Stone. The company specializes in managing the legacy and rights of iconic musicians, ensuring their music continues to generate revenue and reach new audiences.
The potential sale comes shortly after the passing of Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, who played a pivotal role in preserving her son’s legacy. She passed away at the age of 78 on February 21 while in hospice care in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Following her passing, Biggie’s Invisible Bully clothing brand paid tribute to her, acknowledging her dedication to uplifting her son’s legacy. Under her stewardship, Biggie’s estate grew from an estimated $10 million at the time of his death in 1997 to over $160 million.
If the deal with Primary Wave goes through, it could mark a significant transition in the handling of Biggie’s music catalog, ensuring that his influence on hip-hop continues for generations to come.
