Biggie‘s songs could soon have a new home in exchange for a massive payment, according to a brand-new report.
On Friday (February 28), The Hollywood Reportershared that half of the rap icon’s publishing rights and master rights, along with publicity rights, were reportedly being bid on by the publisher Primary Wave, in a deal that was likely to be finalized “in the next couple of weeks.”
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The outlet, citing “multiple sources,” said that the late rap icon’s publishing rights (which involve the compositions, not the sound recordings) were set to go for $100 million, while the master rights (rights to the sound recordings) would cost in the $30-$50 million range. They did, however, note that other sources told them the total amount of the sale would come in at under $100 million.
Primary Wave, per the company’s website, “is home to some of the most iconic songwriters, artists, and record labels across the history of recorded music,” including Bob Marley, Smokey Robinson, Prince, Sly & The Family Stone and Stax soul legend Steve Cropper.
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News of the deal broke just a week after the death of Biggie’s beloved mother, Violetta Wallace.
TMZ confirmed the news on Friday (February 21), revealing that she passed away at the age of 78 while in hospice care in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Hours later, the Instagram page for Biggie’s Invisible Bully clothing company shared a tribute.
“We suffered a tremendous loss today,” it read. “Our mother, our matriarch, the woman who dedicated herself to uplifting her son, Christopher Wallace, and preserving his legacy has passed away. It is with immense sadness that we share this news with you, and ask that you please give our family the space and time needed to grieve this monumental loss.
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“Thank you for your continued outpouring of love, prayers and condolences in this difficult time. In the coming days, we will share how we can all honor Ms. Wallace. Thank you for your immense support and love.”
Voletta Wallace was in charge of Biggie’s estate after his passing, and grew it from around $10 million when he died in 1997 to over $160 million as it stands now.
