*Music publishing powerhouse Primary Wave is reportedly on the verge of securing a substantial share of Notorious B.I.G.’s catalog, including rights to his name and likeness.
The deal, which could be finalized in the coming weeks, is estimated to be worth between $100 million and $150 million, according to sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter. The agreement is expected to grant Primary Wave a 50% stake in both publishing and master rights, along with control over the late rapper’s publicity rights. The publishing portion alone is valued at approximately $100 million, while the master recordings could add another $30 million to $50 million to the deal. However, one source suggested the final sale price may land in the high eight-figure range rather than exceeding $100 million.
Born Christopher Wallace, the Brooklyn rap icon was 24 years old when he was fatally shot in 1997. Since then, his estate has continued to generate revenue through posthumous releases. The negotiations with Primary Wave are reportedly being led by Larry Mestel, the company’s founder, and Steve Greener, a key partner.
This potential acquisition comes shortly after the passing of Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s mother, who was a driving force behind preserving his legacy. She passed away last week at the age of 78 and had played a crucial role in overseeing her son’s estate, including managing licensing and merchandising deals.
Notorious B.I.G. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 and the hip-hop icon has been celebrated in various documentaries and the 2009 biopic “Notorious.”
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Primary Wave, founded in 2006, has established itself as a major player in the music industry by acquiring catalogs from legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, and Luther Vandross.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Notorious B.I.G. Estate Sues Retailers for Selling Unauthorized Prints of 1997 Photo
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