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I Got a Story to Tell
Voletta Wallace
By Pharoh Talib |
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Nobody wants to outlive his or her children. Those who must endure this unfortunate experience, most times, take the necessary measures to make sure that their child’s memory lives on and serves as a testament that positively affects another soul. As we approach the eight year anniversary of the death of arguably the greatest rapper of all-time, Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, on March 9th, one person is fighting like hell that this man’s memory is properly preserved and that his killer(s) is finally brought to justice. Voletta Wallace, known to the Hip-Hop world simply as Biggie’s mom, is on a mission to protect her son’s legacy, his children’s future from those who exploit his name and raging against a system that is impeding the progress of the investigation of his murder amidst widespread speculation of the LAPD’s involvement. Recently she released a memoir entitled Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son to air out her feelings, mainly about her son’s most visible associates, everything surrounding his murder including naming Amir Muhammed, former college roommate of incarcerated LAPD officer and Death Row bodyguard David Mack, as his killer. She also takes this opportunity to properly introduce herself as Voletta Wallace, a standout woman in her own right.
Streetz (S): Before your son died you said you were simply Voletta Wallace. Now you are known as Biggie's mom. Tell us who Voletta Wallace the person is?
Voletta Wallace (VW): I was born in Jamaica, and I came here for my education. The United States was a place that I see exhibits beauty, wealth and everything that was good. As a young girl that’s what I saw so I came here, got my high school diploma and went to college. And for me I consider myself a kind, gentle woman; a woman with a heart condition; a woman of honesty, integrity, who has mad love for everyone.
S: Now as Biggie’s mom, what is your role now as you try to further your son’s legacy even more?
VW: Well, my ultimate goal is to find the person who murdered my son. That is my ultimate goal. And to make a very comfortable life for his children and put the murderer behind bars.
S: I know that you are a retired preschool teacher and that you are very dedicated to education. You founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which raises money for and serves inner city schools. Where can people contribute if they want to help?
VW: If people wish to make a contribution to the foundation, they can send contributions to the Christopher Wallace Foundation at PO Box 834 Brooklyn, NY 11238.
S: What are your personal thoughts about Hip-Hop music and this generation's hardcore affinity for your son?
VW: My son was an individual: there’s none other like my son. I don’t know anything about Hip-Hop. I know that the music my son put out there years ago was his music, the people’s music. It was a culture that was honest and I felt needed to be heard. As far as it is right now, because I haven’t heard anything like my son, I can’t answer that. There’s nothing like my son. “My ultimate goal is to find the person who murdered my son”- Voletta Wallace
S: In your book, you unfavorably mention Big’s publicly associated friends- Puffy, Lil Cease and Lil Kim- saying that they exploited your late son’s name to further their own careers. What are your thoughts on them at this point?
VW: Lil’ Kim is incarcerated right now and I wish her the very best because honestly, I don’t think it’s the place for her. She’s very talented and I hope when she comes out that she just displays her talent. I have no ill feelings towards her. As far as Lil’ Cease is concerned, he’s apologized. He’s come forward and apologized, and I accept the apology. As far as Puffy is concerned, he and I are partners. At this moment we are partners, he’s a kind person- to me, that is. I don’t know how he is with others; I can’t speak for others. I can only speak for me. But since my son’s death he’s been straight forward with me and we have a beautiful business relationship.
S: Do you still keep in regular contact with Faith? And do your grandkids talk or ask about their father a lot?
VW: Faith did the forward in my book. She is my daughter-in-law and will always be the mother of my grandchild. And we have a wonderful relationship. As far as the children, Tiyanna is twelve and CJ is nine and they’re growing up just beautifully.
S: You sued the LAPD in a wrongful death suit. What happened with that?
VW: It was a mistrial based on information that we weren’t privy to. The judge felt that wasn’t right. As a result, the trial was thrown out. So we’re starting all over again.
S: Both you and Tupac's mother Afeni Shakur share a similar loss. and are doing everything you can to keep your sons memories alive. Do you have a relationship with her?
VW: Yes I do, she also wrote a very beautiful forward in my book. Her son is on the [Biggie Duets] album coming up. We are two mothers who both lost someone very special to our hearts. I hope that our relationship continues.
S: What would Biggie say to the Hip-Hop generation of today, if he were still alive?
VW: I don’t know what he would say, but if he was alive today, I know he would want and hope and wish them all well. Christopher was very kind hearted and he wanted everybody to succeed in life. If you succeed in this business, I know he would be raising his head up to everyone.
S: What was the motivation behind putting out your book and what do you want to accomplish with it?
VW: The motivation was that I never did a book and I wanted everyone to know who Voletta Wallace is, at least a little bit about her because they know me as Biggie’s mom. They don’t know Voletta Wallace, that’s what I want. As far as my bout with cancer, my goal is that every woman- young, middle-aged, and old, would take the time out to have regular mammograms and do self breast-examinations, because I know for a fact that that can save lives.
S: So you have breast cancer?
VW: Yes I do.
S: I hope everything goes well with that. Do you have anything you want to relay to our readers?VW: We are living in a world where I see a lack of love. People do not care. They say they care but they don’t. They need to reach their heart and hug someone. Touch someone. Communicate. And share what they have. It doesn’t matter how little it is because a little bit can go a long way.
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