C. J. Wallace (actor)
C. J. Wallace: A Multifaceted Talent
Christopher Jordan Wallace, widely known as C. J. Wallace or Lil Biggie, is an American actor and entrepreneur born on October 29, 1996, in New York City. As the son of the legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G. and American singer Faith Evans, Wallace carries a legacy that has profoundly influenced his career and personal life. Despite the tragic loss of his father when he was just four months old, C. J. has managed to carve out his own identity in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Early Life: A Legacy Shaped by Loss
C. J. Wallace was born into a world of music and celebrity but faced early challenges that would shape his character and ambitions. His father, Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, was tragically murdered in March 1997, leaving C. J. to grow up without him. Raised primarily by his mother Faith Evans and stepfather Todd Russaw, C. J.’s upbringing was marked by the influence of a rich musical heritage.
Wallace’s family background is diverse; his paternal grandparents are from Jamaica, while his maternal side includes English roots and possibly Italian descent through his grandfather. His grandmother Helene Evans was a professional singer, further tying C. J. to the music world that surrounded him from birth. In 2025, he lost another significant figure in his life, his grandmother Voletta Wallace, who passed away of natural causes.
Career Beginnings: Acting and Entrepreneurship
C.J.’s journey into acting began with a notable breakthrough role in the 2009 biopic “Notorious,” where he portrayed his father as a young boy. This role not only gave him exposure but also allowed him to connect with his father’s legacy in a profound way. Following this debut, he appeared in the 2010 comedy film “Everything Must Go,” but it wasn’t until 2016 that he found significant success again with the adventure film “Kicks.”
In 2019, C.J. expanded his acting repertoire by joining the cast of VH1’s slasher series “Scream” for its third season, playing the character Amir. This role demonstrated his versatility as an actor capable of navigating different genres.
Alongside his acting career, C.J. Wallace has ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding a cannabis company named Think BIG in March 2019 with Todd Russaw and entrepreneur Willie Mack. The brand aims to alter public perceptions about cannabis by offering products that emphasize creativity and healing while also supporting social justice initiatives.
The Think BIG Initiative: Cannabis Activism
The Think BIG brand quickly gained attention for its mission to reshape how cannabis is viewed in society. In April 2019, they launched Frank White—a line of cannabis products named after The Notorious B.I.G.’s alter-ego—alongside pre-rolls in collaboration with Lowell Herb Co., which highlighted their commitment to quality and social responsibility.
C.J. has also partnered with various brands such as Lexus and Mitchell & Ness to broaden his entrepreneurial reach and solidify his presence outside of acting. These collaborations not only enhance his business portfolio but also serve to introduce new audiences to the legacy of his father through innovative marketing strategies.
Musical Endeavors and Honors
In addition to acting and entrepreneurship, C.J. has explored music as a means of honoring his father’s legacy. In August 2020, he released “Big Poppa (House Mix),” a remix of The Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic hit single featuring Sean Combs (Puff Daddy). This project showcased C.J.’s connection to hip-hop culture while paying tribute to one of music’s most influential figures.
His dedication to preserving his father’s legacy was further demonstrated when he and his sister T’Yanna accepted an award on behalf of their father following The Notorious B.I.G.’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This moment marked a significant acknowledgment not only for their father’s contributions to music but also for the family’s ongoing efforts to keep that legacy alive.
Legal Challenges: Navigating Controversy
Despite his successes, C.J.’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2025, he faced legal issues when he was sued alongside others by Jonathan Hay for several serious allegations including sexual battery and negligence among others. The case drew considerable media attention due to Wallace’s high-profile background and connections within the entertainment industry.
The Largo Police Department confirmed their involvement in assisting the Los Angeles Police Department regarding this investigation, which raised potential criminal charges against Wallace and others involved. In response, C.J. filed a countersuit against Hay for defamation, claiming that the allegations were unfounded and part of a calculated smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
C.J.’s attorney Jeremiah Reynolds is representing him in both civil cases as he seeks to clear his name amidst these ongoing legal battles.
Conclusion: A Future Steeped in Legacy
C.J. Wallace exemplifies resilience as he navigates through life shaped by both privilege and adversity. From acting in films that pay homage to his father’s legacy to launching businesses that challenge societal norms surrounding cannabis use, he continues to carve out a unique path for himself.
As he faces legal challenges head-on while expanding both his artistic and entrepreneurial ventures, Wallace remains focused on keeping the spirit of The Notorious B.I.G. alive through creative expression and social activism. With each new project—be it film or business—C.J.’s journey reflects an enduring legacy intertwined with ambition and integrity.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).