The reported sale of The Notorious B.I.G.’s music catalog has sparked major controversy, with Diddy’s former bodyguard, Gene Deal, speaking out against the deal — claiming that Biggie’s children won’t benefit from the multi-million dollar sale.
In a new interview with The Art of Dialogue, Deal accused Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts — who represent Biggie’s estate — of taking advantage of the rapper’s family, especially following the recent death of Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, who had been in hospice care before passing away last month.
“Knowing this lady was sick and in a hospice, these guys went on and started working out deals to allegedly sell Big’s publishing, marketing — all his rights,” said Deal.
He claims the deal is not intended to help Biggie’s children, T’yanna Wallace and Christopher Wallace Jr., but rather to benefit Barrow and Pitts, who were originally placed in those roles by Diddy after Biggie’s death in 1997.
“They’re looking to get $100 to $150 million off this. It’s not for Miss Wallace or Big’s kids — it’s for them,” he continued.
Details of the Biggie Catalog Deal
According to The Hollywood Reporter, half of Biggie’s music rights are close to being sold to Primary Wave, a major publishing company that manages the rights of artists like Prince, Bob Marley, and Whitney Houston.
- Publishing rights (songwriting/composition): Estimated at $100 million
- Master recording rights (actual recordings): Estimated between $30-$50 million
Some sources suggest the total sale price might be under $100 million, but the final deal has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Critics have also questioned the timing of the deal, as it comes just weeks after Voletta Wallace’s passing. Wallace had served as executor of the estate but with her passing, Barrow and Pitts have taken the lead on negotiations.
More Accusations Against Diddy
Gene Deal also claimed that Voletta Wallace never trusted Diddy, and even suspected he may have been involved in her son’s death — a theory she allegedly took to her grave. The murder of Biggie Smalls in 1997 remains unsolved nearly 30 years later.
Barrow and Pitts have not responded to the accusations, but they’ve long been connected to Biggie’s career. They were part of Bad Boy Records, worked under Diddy, and even managed Biggie’s ex-wife, Faith Evans.
As fans await more clarity on the deal and its beneficiaries, many are now questioning whether the late rap icon’s legacy is truly being preserved — or profited from.
