Biggie's Manager Wins Legal Fight Over Music Empire

Wayne Barrow, former manager for The Notorious B.I.G., has secured a legal victory against Faith Evans, the late rapper's widow. A Delaware Chancery Court judge ruled on August 7, 2026, that Evans improperly withheld payments due to a trust established by Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace. Barrow, as the trust's sole trustee, is entitled to Voletta's 25 percent share of profits from the rapper's music catalog and likeness, managed by Notorious B.I.G. LLC in partnership with Primary Wave.

Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick's ruling suggests Evans was motivated by Voletta's recent decision to remove her grandson, CJ Wallace, as a co-trustee. The judge found Voletta's trustee was entitled to all rights under the company agreement. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Barrow in July 2025. A separate challenge to Barrow's authority as trustee and executor, filed by CJ Wallace on February 20, 2026, is still pending in Pennsylvania.

Barrow's legal team expressed satisfaction with the Delaware decision, emphasizing their client's long-standing relationship with the Wallace family and his commitment to honoring Voletta's wishes. The approximately $200 million deal with Primary Wave, negotiated by Voletta before her death in February 2025, has been a central point of contention. The court's decision referenced Biggie's own caution: 'Keep your family and business completely separated.'