Faith Evans’ Husbands: A Turbulent Timeline Of Love, Loss, And Divorce With The Notorious B.I.G., Todd Russaw, And Stevie J

The tumultuous romantic life of Grammy-winning R&B icon Faith Evans has always been a major headline, and as of December 11, 2025, her marital status is officially single. The "First Lady of Bad Boy Records" has been married three times, each relationship marked by intense passion, public drama, and, ultimately, separation. Her most recent marriage to music producer Steven "Stevie J" Jordan, which began in a surprise Las Vegas wedding, officially concluded with the finalization of their divorce in 2023, two years after the initial filing.

The journey from being the widow of the legendary Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace to navigating a bitter, public divorce with the *Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta* star Stevie J has been a defining chapter in her life. This deep dive explores the complete timeline of Faith Evans' husbands, her career milestones, and the current status of her personal life.

Faith Evans: Full Biography and Relationship Profile

Faith Renée Evans is more than just a famous widow; she is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and actress who has sold over 20 million records worldwide. Her career is intrinsically linked to the golden age of R&B and Hip-Hop, particularly her tenure at Bad Boy Records.

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• Full Name: Faith Renée Evans
• Born: June 10, 1973, in Lakeland, Florida
• Hometown/Raised: Newark, New Jersey
• Career Start: Began as a backing vocalist and songwriter, notably for Usher and Mary J. Blige, before signing with Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records in 1994.
• Career Highlights: Multi-platinum selling artist; four-time Grammy Award winner, including Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "I'll Be Missing You" (a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G.).
• Studio Albums: *Faith* (1995), *Keep the Faith* (1998), *Faithfully* (2001), *The First Lady* (2005), *Something About Faith* (2010), *Incomparable* (2014), and the posthumous duet album with B.I.G., *The King & I* (2017).
• Children: Evans is a mother of four, with one child from each of her three husbands and one from a previous relationship:
  • Chyna Tahjere Griffin (b. 1993, with Kiyamma Griffin)
  • Christopher "C.J." Wallace Jr. (b. 1996, with The Notorious B.I.G.)
  • Joshua Jahad Russaw (b. 1998, with Todd Russaw)
  • Ryder Evan Russaw (b. 2007, with Todd Russaw)
• Current Status: Divorced (Finalized 2023)

The Three Husbands: From Biggie to Stevie J

Faith Evans' three marriages have been central to her public narrative, often overshadowing her musical achievements. Each relationship brought its own level of celebrity, controversy, and heartbreak.

1. The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace)

The marriage between Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G. (also known as Biggie Smalls) is one of Hip-Hop's most iconic and tragic love stories. They met at a Bad Boy photoshoot and married just nine days later on August 4, 1994.

Their union was famously turbulent, marred by infidelity and the escalating East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry. Despite the drama, their connection produced one son, Christopher "C.J." Wallace Jr. The marriage ended abruptly with B.I.G.'s fatal shooting on March 9, 1997. Following his death, Evans released the tribute single "I'll Be Missing You" with Puff Daddy, solidifying her legacy and earning her a Grammy.

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2. Todd Russaw

Following B.I.G.'s death, Evans found stability with her long-time manager, Todd Russaw. They married in 1998 and had two sons together, Joshua Jahad Russaw and Ryder Evan Russaw.

This marriage lasted the longest, spanning 13 years. However, the relationship was not without its struggles, including arrests for drug possession. Evans and Russaw eventually separated, filing for divorce in 2011. The split was reportedly amicable, allowing them to focus on co-parenting their children.

3. Stevie J (Steven Aaron Jordan)

Faith Evans' most recent marriage to producer Steven "Stevie J" Jordan began in 2018 and became the most publicly dramatic. Stevie J is a successful producer, known for his work with artists like Mariah Carey and Diddy, and a reality TV star on *Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta*.

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The two had a long-standing friendship before surprising fans by tying the knot in a secret Las Vegas ceremony in July 2018. The marriage was short-lived, with the couple facing numerous public issues, including a domestic dispute arrest in 2020.

Stevie J filed for divorce in November 2021, after just three years of marriage. The proceedings were reportedly contentious, but the couple ultimately settled their differences.

The Final Chapter: Faith Evans and Stevie J Divorce Finalized

The most current and significant update in Faith Evans' romantic life is the finalization of her divorce from Stevie J. The legal battle, which began when Stevie J filed the petition in Los Angeles Superior Court in late 2021, concluded in 2023.

According to court documents, the former couple officially "restored to the status of single persons." The settlement details were kept private, but the finalization marked the end of a relationship that had been a source of significant tabloid attention and legal troubles.

The end of the Stevie J marriage leaves Faith Evans single, concluding a period of intense scrutiny over her personal life. She has consistently maintained a focus on her family and her enduring music career, which spans decades and genres from R&B to Soul.

The singer continues to be a respected figure in the music industry, with a legacy that includes hit singles like "Can't Believe" and "Love Like This." While her romantic history is complex, her professional standing as a formidable artist remains undisputed.

Faith Evans' Enduring Legacy Beyond Her Marriages

Despite the constant media focus on her husbands, Faith Evans' professional legacy stands on its own. She was instrumental in shaping the sound of Bad Boy Records alongside artists like Mase and Lil' Kim.

Her work as a songwriter and producer, even before her solo career, shows her profound musical talent. Evans has also ventured into acting and authorship, writing the memoir *Keep the Faith: A Memoir* in 2008. Her ability to navigate personal tragedy—such as the loss of B.I.G.—and professional challenges while maintaining a successful career is a testament to her resilience.

Today, Faith Evans continues to inspire fans, proving that while her romantic journey has been a rollercoaster of high-profile relationships and public scrutiny, her status as a music legend remains firmly intact. She is currently focused on new projects and enjoying her life as a single woman and dedicated mother of four.