Biggie's Daughter T'yanna Wallace Stops by Hot 97 for First Radio Interview
Meet 18-year-old T’yanna Wallace: she’s a Penn State student, an aspiring fashion designer, and also happens to be the daughter of the late Notorious B.I.G.
For the first time ever on hip-hop radio, Young Wallace sat down with Hot 97 to talk about growing up as Biggie’s kid, dating life, and why she believes in making her own hustle despite the cushion her father’s career left for her.
“I work at the school caf,” T’yanna told Hot 97. “I don’t need a job. But I honestly, I’m independent like [my mom] and I feel like if I want extra pocket money, I shouldn’t have to call anyone and be like, ‘Well can I transfer…’ – no, I just make my own money.”
Hot97 personalities Peter Rosenberg and K Foxx also asked the young aspiring fashion designer about her memories of her father and how he has affected her life. With "Machine Gun Funk" winning out as her favorite B.I.G. song, she spoke about her growing respect for his music:
"When I first started listening to it, it wasn't like that. But the older I get, I swear, I fall in love with his music more and more and more and more, and I'm like 'Talent, out the butt. Like, it's so good.'"
Smalls was also candid about the decent life she has been able to live due to her father's success. "I drive a BMW," she said. She went on to point out, however, that she is still independent. "I don't need a job, but I honestly, I'm independent like [her mom]," she said. "And I feel like if I want extra pocket money, I shouldn't have to call anyone and be like 'Well, can I transfer...' No, I'll just make my own money." Looks as though Biggie made that money to feed his daughter and then some.
Smalls also spoke about dating, and made a point to mention that her relationships are not centered around her father. "I feel like I would be more attracted to a guy that talks less about my dad," she said. "The less you talk about him, the more I will be talking to you."
We're sure if the late great hip-hop legend could see his daughter now, he would be extremely proud.
--Stephanie Long & Iyana Robertson
