The Unsolved Mystery: Is Biggie Still Alive? The 2025 Update On The Notorious B.I.G.'s Legacy And Murder Case

The question "Is Biggie still alive?" is one that continues to echo through the hip-hop world, nearly three decades after his untimely death. As of today, December 12, 2025, the definitive and tragic answer is no: Christopher George Latore Wallace, globally known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at the age of 24. His passing remains one of the most significant and heartbreaking losses in music history, but the mystery surrounding his killer is a cold case that continues to generate fresh headlines and new theories every year.

The enduring power of his music, combined with the frustrating lack of justice, fuels the public's curiosity and keeps his name—and the question of his survival—in constant circulation. His legacy is not just defined by his lyrical genius, but also by the shadow of an unsolved murder that forever changed the landscape of the East Coast vs. West Coast rap rivalry. The most recent updates involve allegations against high-profile figures and the passing of the one person who fought tirelessly for the truth: his mother, Voletta Wallace.

Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace: A Complete Biography

Christopher Wallace’s life, though tragically short, was a monumental force in the history of hip-hop. His journey from a Brooklyn street hustler to a rap legend is a testament to his unparalleled storytelling ability and raw talent.

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• Full Name: Christopher George Latore Wallace
• Stage Names: The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, Biggie
• Born: May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Died: March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Age at Death: 24
• Cause of Death: Murder (Drive-by shooting)
• Wife: Faith Evans (married 1994)
• Children: T'yanna Wallace (with Jan Jackson) and Christopher "C.J." Wallace Jr. (with Faith Evans)
• Mother: Voletta Wallace (d. 2025)
• Record Label: Bad Boy Records, Arista Records
• Debut Album: Ready to Die (1994)
• Posthumous Album: Life After Death (released 16 days after his murder)
• Key Collaborations: Sean "Diddy" Combs (Puff Daddy), Lil' Kim, Junior M.A.F.I.A.

Biggie's debut album, Ready to Die, is considered a classic, and his second album, Life After Death, released just weeks after his murder, cemented his status as a lyrical titan.

The Night of March 9, 1997: Details of the Unsolved Murder

The circumstances of The Notorious B.I.G.'s death are etched into the dark history of the 1990s hip-hop feuds. His murder occurred just six months after the fatal shooting of his friend-turned-rival, Tupac Shakur, in Las Vegas.

The Location and Events

On the night of his death, Biggie had attended an industry party hosted by Vibe magazine and Bad Boy Records at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

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In the early morning hours of March 9, 1997, Biggie was riding in the passenger seat of a Chevrolet Suburban, traveling in a convoy with his entourage.

At approximately 12:45 a.m., while the car was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, a dark-colored Chevrolet Impala pulled up alongside the Suburban.

The driver of the Impala, described as an African-American man in a blue suit and bow tie, opened fire, shooting Biggie four times in a drive-by attack.

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He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Why the Case Remains Cold

Despite decades of investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the FBI, no arrests have ever been made in Biggie's murder.

The case has been plagued by allegations of police corruption, with former LAPD detective Russell Poole claiming that certain officers were involved in a cover-up.

This lack of resolution is the primary reason why the question of "Is Biggie still alive?" persists—it's a reflection of the unresolved justice in the case.

The Latest 2025 Updates: Suspects, Allegations, and the Wallace Family Legacy

While the initial question is settled, the most current news revolves around the ongoing allegations and the recent developments concerning the people closest to Biggie.

The Ongoing Shadow of Sean "Diddy" Combs

In 2025, the spotlight has intensified on Sean "Diddy" Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records and Biggie's mentor. While Diddy has never been charged, his name has resurfaced in connection with both the Tupac and Biggie murders.

Recent media, including a documentary and podcast episodes, have revisited the long-standing claims that Diddy was indirectly to blame for Biggie’s murder, suggesting a connection through his former bodyguard.

Diddy himself once claimed he felt "some sort of responsibility" for Biggie's death, though he maintains his innocence regarding any direct involvement in the crime.

The Suge Knight Retaliation Theory

The most prominent and officially investigated theory suggests the murder was a retaliatory strike for Tupac Shakur’s death.

Retired LAPD detective Greg Kading and former FBI agents have alleged that Marion "Suge" Knight, the head of rival label Death Row Records, orchestrated the hit on Biggie.

This theory posits that the East Coast vs. West Coast rivalry culminated in a deadly exchange, with Biggie being the target of revenge for Tupac's murder, which remains a separate, equally unsolved case.

The Passing of Voletta Wallace and the Estate's Legal Battle

One of the most significant and recent developments involves Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace. She dedicated her life to ensuring her son's legacy was honored and, more importantly, fighting for justice in his murder case.

Tragically, Voletta Wallace passed away in February 2025 at the age of 72 or 78 due to natural causes, marking the end of a nearly three-decade-long personal crusade for the truth.

Her passing, however, has not stopped the legal activity surrounding Biggie's estate. The estate, which is the legal keeper of his $100 million catalog, is currently involved in a lawsuit against Biggie's widow, Faith Evans, over the proceeds from the sale of his music.

The Enduring Legacy of Biggie Smalls

The Notorious B.I.G. left behind a body of work that continues to influence modern hip-hop artists. His style—a combination of vivid street narratives and complex wordplay—is often cited as the gold standard for lyricism.

His children, T'yanna Wallace and Christopher "C.J." Wallace Jr., continue to manage his music and brand, ensuring that his voice is heard by new generations. The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation also works to preserve his memory through community initiatives.

While Christopher Wallace is no longer alive, the man known as Biggie Smalls is immortal. His music, his story, and the unresolved mystery of his murder ensure that his presence in popular culture is as powerful today as it was in 1997. The hope for justice now rests with the ongoing, albeit slow, efforts of law enforcement and the continued pressure from the public and his dedicated estate.