The Notorious B.I.G.'s catalog is reportedly close to being sold for millions.
According to a report The Hollywood Reporter released on Friday, February 28, publishing company Primary Wave is closing in on a deal to acquire the name, music and likeness of the late "Juicy" rapper. The publishing rights for Biggie Smalls' catalog are on sale for $100 million along with the master rights, which has a hefty price tag of up to $150 million. Both sets of rights include his legal name and stage name, voice, image and anything that relates to his timeless music.
The deal on the table would include 50 percent of both publishing and master rights as well as the right of publicity. Biggie's estate is being represented by the co-founders of ByStorm Entertainment, Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow. They stepped in following the death of Biggie's mother Voletta Wallace, who passed away last month at 78. Wallace had controlled her late son's estate since he was shot and killed in 1997.
If the deal goes through, Biggie Smalls will join Primary Wave's iconic roster of legendary acts including Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. Primary Wave founder Larry Mestel and his partner Steve Greener previously secured the deal for a portion of Vandross' rights in 2021.
As of this report, the purchase has not been finalized yet, but it may be closed within the next few weeks.