Notorious B.I.G.’s former manager Wayne Barrow won a major music catalog trust dispute in Delaware court over the late rapper’s widow Faith Evans on August 10, 2026. A judge granted control of Biggie Smalls’ lucrative $200M music catalog to Barrow’s trust. The ruling ends a 2-year battle over publishing and masters.
Evans argued she was rightful heir as executor since 1997, while Barrow cited a 1995 trust agreement Biggie signed giving him management rights after death. Delaware Chancery Judge Paul Fioravanti sided with Barrow, citing signed documents and continuous management since 1997. The catalog includes Ready to Die, Life After Death, and unreleased verses.
Faith’s attorneys say they will appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court by September. The decision shifts control of one of rap’s most valuable legacies from family to management. Legal experts say it sets precedent for how hip-hop estates handle pre-death management trusts.
