Faith Evans is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame in the mid-1990s as the first female artist signed to Bad Boy Entertainment. Born in Lakeland, Florida, and raised in Newark, New Jersey, she became a central figure in hip-hop history not only through her music but also as the wife of The Notorious B.I.G. Her career spans three decades, with multiple platinum albums and a Grammy Award.
Evans first performed in public at age three, singing “Let the Sunshine In” at a church in Newark. After graduating high school in 1991, she attended Fordham University on a full scholarship to study marketing but left after one year to pursue music. At 20, she moved to Los Angeles, working as a backup vocalist for Al B. Sure! and Christopher Williams before catching the attention of Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs.
Her marriage to Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.) in 1994 thrust her into the middle of the East Coast–West Coast feud, and her tribute single “I’ll Be Missing You” became a global anthem after his death. Today, Faith Evans remains active in music and advocacy, with an estimated net worth of $5 million according to publicly available estimates.
Who Is Faith Evans? A Complete Biography
- Faith Evans broke into the industry as a background vocalist for artists like Mary J. Blige before her solo debut.
- Her marriage to The Notorious B.I.G. placed her at the center of 1990s hip-hop drama, including the infamous East Coast–West Coast feud.
- Evans is a seven-time Grammy nominee and won once for “I’ll Be Missing You”.
- She is a New York Times best-selling author with her memoir Keep the Faith.
- She founded the nonprofit Ryder’s Room to support children with autism.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Faith Renée Evans |
| Date of Birth | June 10, 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Lakeland, Florida, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actress, author, producer |
| Genres | R&B, soul, hip hop soul |
| Years Active | 1994–present |
| Notable Relationships | The Notorious B.I.G. (married 1994–1997), Todd Russaw (married 2001–2011), others |
| Children | 4 (including Christopher Wallace Jr., Joshua Russaw, Ryder Evans) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $8–10 million |
Faith Evans’ Music Career: Top Songs and Albums
Faith Evans’ Debut Album and Breakthrough
Her self-titled debut album Faith (1995) went platinum. It featured the hit “You Used to Love Me” and introduced her warm, gospel-infused soprano. In 1997, after the murder of her husband, she released Keep the Faith, also platinum, anchored by the Grammy-winning tribute “I’ll Be Missing You” with Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs and 112.
“I’ll Be Missing You” won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1998 and remains one of the best-selling singles worldwide.
Faith Evans’ Hit Singles (including “Never Gonna Let You Go”)
Evans scored a string of R&B hits throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. “Love Like This”, “All Night Long”, and “Never Gonna Let You Go” became staples on urban radio. The latter, from her 2005 album The First Lady, received heavy airplay and remains a fan favourite.
Faith Evans’ Recent Projects and Collaborations
After leaving Bad Boy in 2003, she signed with Capitol Records and released The First Lady (2005), which topped the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. She later moved to indie label Prolific Music Group. In 2017, she released The King & I, a posthumous duets album with The Notorious B.I.G. that featured newly produced vocals. As of 2025, she continues to tour and has hinted at new music.
Faith Evans’ Relationships: The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac
Faith Evans and Biggie: Marriage and Legacy
Evans met Christopher Wallace at a Bad Boy photo shoot in 1994. They married on August 4, 1994, just weeks later. Their relationship was tumultuous but produced a son, Christopher Jordan Wallace (CJ). After Biggie’s murder in 1997, Evans became the steward of his legacy, managing his estate and collaborating on posthumous releases.
Faith Evans and Tupac: The Rumored Affair
In 1996, Tupac Shakur released “Hit ’Em Up”, in which he claimed to have had an affair with Faith Evans. The accusation deepened the East Coast–West Coast rivalry. Evans has consistently denied the affair. In multiple interviews she has stated, “It was a lie.” No conclusive evidence supporting Tupac’s claim has ever been publicly confirmed.
There is no credible proof that Faith Evans had a romantic relationship with Tupac Shakur. The rumor stems solely from his lyrics and has been repeatedly dismissed by Evans herself.
Faith Evans’ Remarks About Both Rappers
In her 2010 memoir Keep the Faith, Evans wrote candidly about her marriage to Biggie and the pain of losing him. She has spoken about Tupac with a mix of sadness and frustration, acknowledging the damage the rumor caused to her reputation while stressing that she never betrayed Biggie.
Faith Evans’ Family: Children and Personal Life
Faith Evans’ Daughter and Sons
Evans is the mother of four children. Her eldest daughter, Chyna, was born before 1994 to producer Kiyamma Griffin. With Biggie she had son Christopher Jordan Wallace (born 1996). With her second husband Todd Russaw she had sons Joshua and Ryder. Ryder was diagnosed with autism, which led Evans to become an advocate for special needs children.
Faith Evans’ Marriages After Biggie
She married Todd Russaw around 2000; they divorced in 2011. In 2018 she married producer Stevie J, though as of 2025 the status of that marriage is not publicly clear.
Some sources have mentioned a fifth child, but the four children listed here are the ones consistently confirmed across multiple reliable sources including Wikipedia and Biography.com.
Faith Evans’ Advocacy Work
In 2021 she launched Ryder’s Room, a nonprofit organisation that provides resources and support for children with autism and their families. The organisation is named after her youngest son.
Faith Evans’ Life Timeline
- 1973: Born in Lakeland, Florida.
- Early 1990s: Attends Fordham University; begins singing backup vocals.
- 1994: Releases debut album Faith; marries The Notorious B.I.G.
- 1996: Son Christopher Jr. born; Tupac releases “Hit ’Em Up” referencing Evans.
- 1997: The Notorious B.I.G. murdered; Evans releases Keep the Faith.
- 2001: Marries Todd Russaw; third album Faithfully released.
- 2005: Releases The First Lady; highest-charting album.
- 2010: Publishes memoir Keep the Faith.
- 2017: Releases The King & I with posthumous vocals from Biggie.
- 2021: Launches Ryder’s Room nonprofit.
- 2024: Continues touring and recording.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Faith Evans?
Established information
- Faith Evans was married to The Notorious B.I.G. from 1994 until his death in 1997.
- Tupac Shakur referenced Faith Evans in his song “Hit ’Em Up” claiming an affair.
- Faith Evans has consistently denied having an affair with Tupac.
- No conclusive evidence supporting the affair has ever been publicly confirmed.
Information that remains unclear
- The exact nature of Faith Evans’ relationship with Tupac remains disputed.
- Net worth figures vary by source; estimates range from $5 million to $15 million.
- The current status of her marriage to Stevie J is not publicly verified.
Faith Evans’ Impact on R&B and Hip-Hop
Faith Evans’ career trajectory from gospel choir to multi-platinum R&B star illustrates the evolution of 1990s and 2000s soul music. Her blend of traditional R&B with hip-hop sensibilities helped define the “hip hop soul” genre. Her marriage to Biggie linked her to one of the most tragic episodes in hip-hop history, and the Tupac rumor has fueled decades of speculation.
Beyond music, Evans has successfully leveraged her name into a brand as an author, television producer, and advocate. Her memoir became a New York Times bestseller, and she has appeared in reality TV and film. She remains a respected figure for her resilience and business acumen.
Where to Find Reliable Information About Faith Evans
“It was a lie.”
— Faith Evans, in multiple interviews, regarding Tupac’s claim of an affair
Evans first sang in public at three years old, performing ‘Let the Sunshine In’ from the musical Hair at Emanuel Baptist Church in Newark.
— Biography.com
Key sources for this article include her Wikipedia page, her official Instagram, Spotify, her YouTube channel, and her Apple Music page. Additional biographical information was drawn from Biography.com and All American Speakers.
Faith Evans: A Lasting Legacy
Faith Evans remains a pivotal figure in R&B and hip-hop, celebrated for her powerful soprano, songwriting talent, and resilience through personal tragedy. With millions of records sold and a lasting influence, her story continues to unfold through new music, advocacy, and the enduring power of her art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faith Evans’ most popular song?
Among her biggest hits are “Never Gonna Let You Go” and “I Love You”. The tribute “I’ll Be Missing You” remains her most globally recognised single.
Did Faith Evans have a child with Tupac?
No. Her children are from relationships with The Notorious B.I.G., Todd Russaw, and Kiyamma Griffin. She has no children with Tupac Shakur.
How many Grammy Awards has Faith Evans won?
She has won one Grammy (Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “I’ll Be Missing You”) and has been nominated seven times.
What is Faith Evans’ net worth in 2025?
Estimates vary between $5 million and $10 million. The most commonly cited figure is around $5 million, though some sources place it higher.
Is Faith Evans still married?
As of 2025, she was previously married to Stevie J (2018), but the current status of that marriage is not publicly confirmed. She was divorced from Todd Russaw in 2011.
What is Faith Evans’ real name?
Her full birth name is Faith Renée Evans.
Where did Faith Evans go to college?
She attended Fordham University on a full scholarship to study marketing but dropped out after one year to focus on music.
How many albums has Faith Evans sold?
She has sold over 18 million albums worldwide, and more than 20 million records overall.
Is Faith Evans still making music?
Yes. She continues to tour, perform, and has hinted at new music in 2025.
What is Ryder’s Room?
It is a nonprofit founded by Faith Evans in 2021 that supports children with autism and their families, named after her youngest son.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Events Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering restaurants, nightlife, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and city life.