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Notorious B.I.G. Catalog Sale in the Works (Exclusive)
The late rapper’s publishing and publicity rights have a suitor in Primary Wave, with the asking price of $100 million to $150 million.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
Notorious B.I.G. Catalog Sale in the Works (Exclusive)
02/28/25
The music, name and likeness of Notorious B.I.G. will soon have a new home as the late rapper’s estate is close to signing a deal with Primary Wave, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
According to multiple sources, publishing rights to the Brooklyn legend’s catalog of work are on the table for $100 million, as are master rights for a slightly higher price (another $30 to $50 million, an insider shares). Both include publicity rights which cover an individual’s name (Christopher Wallace was B.I.G.’s legal name but he also went by Biggie Smalls and, colloquially, Biggie), image, voice and other identifiable characteristics like key verses in lyrics. Master rights include the actual recorded works, as opposed to the compositions (or songwriting) covered under the publishing umbrella.
The deal is said to encompass 50 percent of both publishing and master rights, with the right of publicity included. While the transaction price is unclear (a source suggests it will be in the eight figures, not nine), the deal is on its way to close, likely in the next couple of weeks
Representing the estate of Notorious B.I.G., who was shot to death in 1997, are Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow. The two co-founders of ByStorm Entertainment
Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s mom, died a week ago at age 78, which makes the timing of this transaction somewhat curious.
Reps for Primary Wave and the Notorious B.I.G. estate could not be reached for comment.
