Who is Faith Evans, Biggie Smalls Wife? All You Need to Know

Every human being is gifted with a particular talent but identifying and honing it to the best is a matter of choice. In this regard, the American singer and songwriter, Faith Evans has always pursued her passion and steadily worked on developing herself. Since her young age, Faith was very fond of singing and has sung at several public events starting from Emmanuel Baptist Church, Newark. She is a Grammy Award winner and an inspiration to many aspiring music artists. Not only is she listed in the platinum-selling albums of all time, but she has also registered her name in the heart of millions having extended unending support to numerous charitable organizations. Faith aims for the stars and has reached greater heights without any hesitation. Aside from all her laudable accomplishments, she is also known as Biggie Smalls’ ex-wife. ind out more about her below.

Who is Faith Evans?

The multi-award-winning music artist was born, Faith Renée Evans to Helene Evans and Richard Swain on 10th June 1973 in Lakeland, Florida, United States. Her father who is an Italian musician was never present in her life for once as he left her mother even before she was born. Her mother, on the other hand, is a backup singer of a rock band. Following her birth six months after her parents separated, her mother took her to Newark, New Jersey to be brought up by her cousin, Johnnie Mae and her husband Orvelt Kennedy. Her mother, however, later relocated back to Kennedy’s house to become part of her daughter’s life.

Faith Evans graduated with honors from Newark’s University High School where she learned classical music and jazz and also participated in the school musicals. She also contested in many beauty pageantries and clinched the Miss New Jersey Fashion Teen title. Due to her academic excellence in high school, she earned a scholarship to study Marketing at New York’s Fordham University. Nevertheless, Evans quit her studies at Fordham University after her first year in order to pursue a career in music and likewise tend after her daughter, Chyna.

Following her relocation to Los Angeles in 1993 to work as a composer and backup singer for many famous artists including Al B. Sure, her unique voice got the attention of Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs, a top executive of the label, Bad Boy Entertainment. He went crazy over her voice and with that she hit the nail which sealed her stardom as she signed on the dotted line with the reputable label in 1994. She became the first female singer signed to the label hence, Faith adopted the nickname, First Lady of Bad Boy Records. Faith Evans went on to release her first studio album in 1995 titled, ‘Faith’ which was critically and commercially successful as it was certified Platinum. So far, the adept singer has released eight studio albums with her first three being certified Platinum and subsequent five being certified Gold.

Prior to the release of her first studio album, Faith Evans got acquainted with fellow Bad Boy Records rapper, Christopher Wallace alias Biggie Smalls in a photoshoot in July 1994 and solemnized the union eight days later on 4th August 1994. However, they got separated before the renowned rapper was mysteriously murdered on 9th March 1997.

Following the death of Biggie, she collaborated with Puff Daddy, and 112 band to release a tribute single named, ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ in honor of Biggie Smalls alias The Notorious B. I. G. The single which was critically and commercially acclaimed went on to win a Grammy Award in the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category.

All You Need To Know About Biggie Smalls’ Ex-wife

Faith Evans’ Personal Life

The eminent record producer first dated the music producer, Kiyamma Griffin from 1992 to 1993. The relationship produced a daughter, Chyna Griffin born on 1st April 1993. Faith Evans then tied the knot with Biggie Smalls on 4th August 1994 and the union was blessed with a son, Christopher Jordan Wallace born on 29th October 1996 before hitting the rocks in early 1997 prior to Biggie Smalls’ demise.

In addition, she married Todd Russaw on 11th November 1997 but divorced in 2012. The union also produced two sons named Joshua (born on 8th June 1998), and Ryan Evan Russaw (born on 22nd March 2007). She then exchanged marital vows for the third time with Steven Jordan alias Stevie J on 17th July 2018 and they are yet to welcome any child together.

Faith Evans has Written a Book

Faith Evans has flexed her writing muscles by penning down her autobiography entitled, Keep the Faith: A Memoir with Aliya King. The book is a New York bestseller and it won the 2009 African American Literary Award in the Best Biography/Memoir category.

She is a Record Producer

In addition to her creative works, Biggie Smalls’ ex-wife has her own record label named, Prolific Music Group through which she has released some of her songs and albums.

Faith Evans’ Acting Career

Beyond being prominently recognized as a music artist, Faith Evans is also a dexterous actress as well as a film and TV producer with her film and TV credits in Half & Half, The Fighting Temptations, and Turn It Up.

Her Awards and Achievements

The multi-talented singer has won numerous accolades for her musical prowess. Among the awards are: Grammy Awards, Soul Train Award, and MTV Video Music Awards.

Controversies

Faith Evans was arrested with her then-husband Todd Russaw and charged for the possession of cocaine and Marijuana in January 2004. She later went for a 13 weeks drugs treatment program to stop further prosecution. Faith was also caught in the middle of the feud between Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls when Tupac alleged that he has slept with Smalls’ wife.

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