Faith Evans: Balancing Career and Motherhood

Balancing a thriving career with motherhood is no easy feat, yet Faith Evans has managed to do just that while raising her four children. The Grammy-winning singer has always prioritized her family, choosing to limit her touring schedule to be present in their lives.

Despite her busy career spanning nearly three decades, Evans often reflected on putting her children's needs first. “I’ve always had children,” she shared, emphasizing the commitment she made to motherhood from the very beginning.

Her children have not only grown up watching her achieve success in the music industry but have also been inspired to pursue their own dreams. Evans’ dedication shines through as she actively supports their artistic endeavors, helping foster a love for music and the arts within her family.

Even with her acclaimed career, it's clear that Evans finds her greatest joy in being a mom. “I know I am their No. 1 advocate, and it's absolutely necessary for me to be there," she said. Faith Evans exemplifies the perfect blend of devotion to family and passion for her craft.

Chyna: From Studio Kid to Music Creator

Chyna Tahjere Griffin, the daughter of Grammy-winning artist Faith Evans, has always danced to the rhythm of creativity. Growing up in the vibrant atmosphere of a recording studio, she started discovering her passion for music at a young age. By the time she was seven, Chyna was picking up the keyboard and experimenting with tracks, showcasing her precocious talent.

Chyna's early experiences served as a masterclass in music. Surrounded by her mother's work on iconic albums, she absorbed the intricacies of the craft naturally. Chyna often reminisced about being in the studio while her mom was recording, stating, “My mom taught me without deliberately teaching me.” Those formative years laid the groundwork for her own musical aspirations.

Pursuing her passion, Chyna attended New York University to study music formally, releasing her debut single, “Grown Lady,” in 2012. Collaborating with her mother, she gained valuable insight into live performances, calling it “a learning process” that gave her new perspectives on her childhood experiences.

Today, Chyna is not just living in the shadow of her mother’s legacy; she's carving out her own unique identity in the industry. Balancing passion with experience, she continues to explore her artistry while honoring the lessons learned from her upbringing, making her journey one to watch.

C.J.: Honoring His Father's Legacy in Entertainment

C.J. Wallace, born on October 19, 1996, is more than just the son of hip-hop icon Notorious B.I.G.; he embodies the legacy of his father through his own creative ventures. Despite losing his father at a young age, C.J. has grown to understand the impact of Biggie on music and culture, stating how he's carrying that legacy forward in his life.

As a teenager, C.J. stepped into the entertainment scene with his debut in the biopic "Notorious," where he portrayed his father. This monumental experience ignited his passion for acting and directing. Traversing the line between honoring his father's past and building his own identity, he aims to tell new stories that resonate with a broader audience.

Beyond acting, C.J. is also a dedicated musician and entrepreneur. He co-founded the lifestyle brand Frank White, channeling proceeds into his Think BIG initiative. This project focuses on advocating for cannabis legalization and criminal justice reform, helping communities while paying tribute to his father's vision of greatness.

C.J."s creativity extends into activism, reflecting not just an artistic heritage but a passionate commitment to social issues. Whether through filmmaking or community initiatives, C.J. Wallace is focused on making a difference while honoring the legacy of Biggie Smalls. As he continues to forge his own path, he remains a beacon of hope and talent in the entertainment industry.

Joshua and Ryder: Unique Paths in the Family Journey

Faith Evans" journey as a mother has seen her two sons, Joshua and Ryder, carve out unique paths in the entertainment and advocacy realms. Joshua, who goes by Gabe Russaw, embodies the artsy family spirit, pursuing careers in music and teasing collaborations with his siblings. Known for his talents as a DJ, singer-songwriter, and producer, he collaborates closely with his brother C.J., merging their musical styles with deep respect for their late father, Notorious B.I.G.

Growing up surrounded by creativity, Joshua cultivated his passion early, showcasing his singing skills even as a child. He recalls family gatherings where he performed, and his mother has often shared throwback clips of his childhood performances. Forming the band Non-Fixtion, Joshua continues to honor the legacy of Biggie while exploring his musical identity and aspirations, proving that the family connection runs stronger than ever.

On the other hand, Ryder Russaw, born in 2007, has taken a different path as a beacon of hope and awareness for autism. With his mother, Faith, openly discussing his experiences on the autism spectrum, they founded Ryder's Room Inc., a foundation dedicated to supporting families navigating similar challenges. Ryder’s story underscores the importance of advocacy, and he inspires many through community engagement and volunteering.

Ryder's journey focuses on creating a constructive dialogue around autism; this is showcased in his mom's online initiatives, including their informative YouTube series. Through these platforms, Ryder and Faith seek to empower others, fostering a supportive community while celebrating Ryder's unique qualities. Together, they highlight that every child's journey is special, and support can change lives dramatically.