Estate of Notorious B.I.G. closes deal to sell rights to his music
It was reported that his mother, Voletta Wallace, reached a deal with Primary Music before her death last month
The estate of late rapper Notorious B.I.G. has reached a deal to sell the rights to his back catalogue of music, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Per WSJ, Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, reached a deal with music publishing and talent management company Primary Wave before her death in February.
The deal will reportedly see Primary Wave take 50% interest in both his publishing rights and master rights, sources told The Hollywood Reporter, and also sells the rights to the late rapper’s name and likeness.
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Wallace was said to have been involved in the entire process following a lengthy attempt to retain her son’s legacy, overseeing his estate and managing the release of his posthumous albums.
“Primary Wave is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Estate of Notorious B.I.G.,” the publishing company announced on Instagram yesterday, March 20.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Biggie’s life’s work was valued at more than $200 million, a 10-fold increase from what the estate was worth when he was killed in 1997 at the age of 24.
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Though further details of the deal have not been disclosed, Primary Wave said that it aims to use the rights to further Biggie’s legacy, and start projects that tell his story, WSJ reports.
His name, image, and likeness were included as part of the deal, which could be used to licence his work in both film and theatre. Primary Wave told WSJ that they hope to take his story to Broadway, and create an “immersive music experience” through his catalogue.
[Via The Wall Street Journal]
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter