Lil’ Kim has shared a touching tribute to Voletta Wallace, the mother of The Notorious B.I.G., following her recent passing at the age of 78.
Voletta passed away peacefully last month from natural causes while in hospice care at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. A memorial service was recently held at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in New York City, attended by loved ones and close friends, including Lil’ Kim, Ma$e, and Faith Evans.
A few days later, Lil’ Kim took to Instagram to share her deep sorrow and heartfelt memories. She posted a series of photos and emotional text messages, offering fans a glimpse into her personal connection with Voletta.
“We spent the last 9-10 years strengthening our relationship, which if you know our history, that is God’s work,” Kim wrote in her caption. “The last 4-5 years were especially special—we started talking once a month, then weekly, and eventually almost every day.”
Kim recalled how Voletta would send her beautiful photos of herself and updates about her garden, which had become her passion. Despite everyone calling her “Meema,” Lil’ Kim lovingly referred to her as “Mommy.”
“One of the most touching moments was when you showed me your phone and said, ‘Look what I have you saved as.’ I asked, ‘What?’ And you said, ‘Daughter.’ That warmed my heart. You started calling me daughter from then on.”
Kim expressed her regret that they never got to see each other one last time. Voletta had invited her over, and Kim had planned to visit after her Atlantic City show—but sadly, time ran out.
“You kept calling, saying we had to see each other. It’s hard because there’s no sadness like missing a conversation from someone who’s no longer here.”
She ended the tribute with a bittersweet memory:
“I’m smiling now because I can hear you saying, ‘MY GOD CHRISTOPHER!! Put that smoke down!!’ It brings a little peace knowing you’re now reunited with the other half of your heart. Rest in heaven, Meema. We lost a phenomenal Queen, but gained a beautiful warrior angel.”
Voletta Wallace’s family also released a statement:
“We suffered a tremendous loss. Our mother, our matriarch—the woman who dedicated her life to uplifting her son Christopher Wallace’s legacy—has passed away. We ask for space and time to grieve this monumental loss. Thank you for your continued love and prayers.”
Since Biggie’s passing, Voletta managed his estate and music rights—reportedly worth up to $100 million.
