The Legacy of The Notorious B.I.G. Lives On Through His Children: T’yanna and C.J.
The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace, left an indelible mark on the music world before his untimely death in 1997. Today, his children, T’yanna and C.J. Wallace, are carrying on his legacy, ensuring his influence resonates with future generations.
Biggie had his daughter, T’yanna, in 1993 with ex-girlfriend Jan Jackson, and his son, Christopher Jordan (C.J.), in 1996 with his wife, singer Faith Evans. Tragically, just six months after C.J.’s birth, Biggie was killed in a drive-by shooting at the age of 24.
Both T’yanna and C.J. now play pivotal roles in honoring their father's memory. Whether referencing him in their work or attending events in his honor—like the orchestral tribute at New York City’s Lincoln Center in 2022—they are steadfast in keeping his name alive.
“My dad had a global legacy,” C.J. shared with PEOPLE in 2022. “Even people younger than me have been inspired by him. It’s incredible to see how far his influence has reached.”
T’yanna Wallace: Continuing Biggie’s Legacy in Fashion
Born on August 10, 1993, T’yanna Wallace was a source of inspiration for her father, who referenced her in his iconic 1994 single “Juicy.” The line, “trying to make some money to feed my daughter,” reflects Biggie’s devotion to her.
T’yanna has forged her own path while honoring her father’s legacy. While studying at Penn State University, she founded Notoriouss Clothing, a fashion brand dedicated to her dad. “The Wallace name is big, and I want to continue the legacy,” she said in a 2016 interview with MusicXclusives TV. “I don’t rap or make music, but I love fashion, so I used that to honor him.”
In March 2024, T’yanna launched The Biggie Experience, an immersive exhibit showcasing her father’s life and legacy, including reimagined elements of his childhood home. “I want his fans to feel connected to him and understand his impact,” she told Forbes. T’yanna’s brother, C.J., was by her side during the exhibit's opening, and the siblings often collaborate. “We’re each other’s biggest supporters,” she shared.
Now living in New York City with her young daughter, T’yanna is committed to preserving her father’s memory. “I want my daughter to know how special her grandfather was,” she told Forbes. “His legacy isn’t just for fans—it’s for her too.”
C.J. Wallace: A New Chapter in Biggie’s Legacy
Christopher Jordan Wallace, born on October 19, 1996, was only a baby when his father passed away. Despite never knowing his dad personally, C.J. has often been told how similar they are. “I have no memories of him, but the stories people share help me feel connected to him,” he told PEOPLE in 2022.
C.J. first stepped into his father’s shoes by playing a young Biggie in the 2009 biopic Notorious. The experience sparked his love for filmmaking and inspired aspirations to tell new stories. “I want to go beyond the Notorious B.I.G. story and explore who Christopher George Latore Wallace was as a person,” he said.
In addition to acting, C.J. founded the lifestyle brand Frank White, named after one of his father’s aliases, and launched the Think BIG initiative, advocating for cannabis legalization and criminal justice reform. Through these endeavors, C.J. aims to honor his father while addressing societal issues. “Everything I do is about keeping his name alive and taking it to new heights,” he told PEOPLE.
A Shared Commitment to Legacy
Whether through fashion, immersive exhibits, or social activism, T’yanna and C.J. are united in their mission to celebrate their father’s life and ensure his legacy endures. From their collaborative efforts to personal projects, they honor The Notorious B.I.G.’s remarkable influence while carving out paths of their own.
