If you love R&B, you already know the voice of Faith Evans. She’s a singer, songwriter, and actress whose music has touched fans for nearly three decades. Songs like “I’ll Be Missing You” made her a household name around the world.
But behind the fame is something she values even more—her family. Faith is a proud mom of four children. One of them, Ryder Evan Russaw, is her youngest son, and fans often wonder about him.
Faith has always put her kids first. Even at the height of her career, she chose family over constant touring. That choice says a lot about the kind of mother she is.
In this article, we’ll get to know Faith Evans, her music, and her loving family. We’ll meet her children, learn about her youngest son Ryder, and see how she turned love into a meaningful cause. Let’s begin.
Ryder Evan Russaw’s Early Life
Ryder Evan Russaw was born on March 22, 2007, as the youngest child of R&B star Faith Evans and record producer Todd Russaw. From day one, he arrived into a big, loving, and very musical family.
Growing up as the baby of the house, Ryder was surrounded by older siblings full of talent. His brothers and sister were already deep into music and creativity, so art and song were simply part of everyday life at home.
More than anything, Ryder grew up wrapped in his mother’s love. Faith has often spoken about how much she treasures caring for him. That strong, gentle bond has been a constant part of his life from the very start.
While Faith shares her love for Ryder openly, she also chooses to keep the finer details of his childhood private. It’s a thoughtful choice—one that lets him grow up feeling both celebrated and protected.
Faith Evans’ Music Career and Fame
Faith Evans made history early. In 1994, at just 20 years old, she became the first female artist signed to Bad Boy Records. It was the start of a career that would earn her lasting respect in music.
Her talent spoke for itself. Faith has sold more than 20 million records worldwide. Her biggest hits include “I’ll Be Missing You,” a heartfelt tribute song that became a global sensation, along with fan favorites like “Love Like This” and “Again.”
Her hard work brought major awards, too. In 1998, Faith won a Grammy, cementing her place among music’s best. Over the years, she built a legacy few artists can match.
Faith isn’t only a singer, though. She has also acted in movies and TV shows, including Notorious, Girls Trip, and R&B Divas: Atlanta. Her mix of music and screen work made her a true entertainment star.
Faith Evans as a Mother
Here’s what makes Faith truly special—she never let fame come before her children. “I’ve always had children,” she once shared. She had her first child before her career even took off, and family shaped every choice after that.
Instead of touring nonstop, Faith chose to stay close to home. She wanted to be present for her kids. Even if she hadn’t been a performer, she said, she would have made those very same choices.
Her four children grew up around the recording studio. Because of this, they became, in her words, “very artsy.” Music and creativity were simply part of daily life in their home.
Faith also sees herself as her kids’ biggest supporter. She never pushed them into the spotlight, but she’s always there to cheer them on. “I am their No. 1 advocate,” she said—and she truly means it.
Meet Chyna Griffin, Her Eldest Daughter
Faith’s oldest child is her daughter, Chyna Tahjere Griffin, born on April 1, 1993. Her father is gospel musician and producer Kiyamma Griffin. From the very start, Chyna’s life was filled with music.
As a toddler, she spent time in the studio while her mom recorded her debut album. That early exposure sparked something in her. By age seven, Chyna was playing the keyboard, and as a preteen she was already creating her own tracks.
She often shared her beats with her mom. “I would just play her all of my beats,” Chyna recalled. Faith’s response was always warm and encouraging—”That’s dope,” she’d say, never critical.
Chyna later studied music formally at New York University. In 2012, she released her debut single, “Grown Lady.” She has also toured and collaborated with her mom, calling the experience a valuable learning journey.
Meet C.J. Wallace, Son of a Legend
Faith’s second child carries one of the most famous names in music history. Christopher Jordan “C.J.” Wallace was born on October 19, 1996. His father was the legendary rapper Christopher Wallace, known to the world as the Notorious B.I.G.
Sadly, tragedy struck early. When C.J. was just five months old, his father was killed in Los Angeles. C.J. has said he has no memory of his dad, but he’s grown up hearing countless stories about how alike they are.
Following his family’s creative path, C.J. stepped into acting as a teen. In the biopic Notorious, he played a young version of his own father—a powerful, emotional role. It sparked his lifelong love of film and directing.
He went on to appear in movies like Everything Must Go and Kicks. C.J. is also a musician and co-owns the lifestyle brand Frank White, named after one of his dad’s aliases. Its proceeds support his Think BIG initiative for justice reform.
Meet Joshua “Jahad” Russaw
Next is Joshua Russaw, born on June 10, 1998, to Faith and her then-husband, record producer Todd Russaw. Faith lovingly calls Joshua her “twin,” partly because they share the very same birthday.
Like his siblings, Joshua showed musical talent early. Faith once shared a sweet throwback video of him singing in the backseat of a car. She even joked about telling him to “pass the hat around” after singing at family cookouts.
Today, Joshua works professionally under the name Jahad. He’s a DJ, singer-songwriter, and producer who has teamed up with many artists, including his brother C.J. The two even formed a band called Non-Fixtion with their friend Lotus Ley.
When he’s not making music, Joshua enjoys a full life. He often shares moments with friends and hobbies like horseback riding and golf. He’s a great example of the creativity that runs through this family.
Ryder Russaw and the Family’s Youngest
Now we come to the youngest of the family, Ryder Evan Russaw, born on March 22, 2007, to Faith and Todd Russaw. As the baby of the family, he holds a very special place in his mother’s heart.
Faith shares a deeply close bond with Ryder. She often celebrates him publicly with love and pride. On his birthday, she wrote a touching message calling him her “baby boy” and thanking God for the gift of caring for him.
At the same time, Faith is thoughtful about protecting his privacy. While she shares her love openly, she keeps the personal details of his day-to-day life out of the spotlight. It’s a caring balance many parents will understand.
What’s most meaningful about Ryder’s story isn’t a list of facts—it’s the love around him, and the important cause his family built in his honor. That cause is where his story shines brightest.
Ryder’s Room: The Family’s Autism Advocacy
Ryder is on the autism spectrum, and his family turned that journey into something beautiful. Faith has been open about wanting Ryder to enjoy “the same quality of life as any other child his age.” That wish became a mission.
Together with Stevie J, Faith created a foundation called Ryder’s Room Inc. Its goal is simple and powerful: to spread autism awareness and give real support to families walking a similar path.
“I want to raise funds to be able to donate to families who may be in need,” Faith explained. For her, it wasn’t just an idea—it was born from real, lived experience as a parent.
The family also shared knowledge with others. Faith and behavior specialist Maliaka Mitchell hosted a weekly series called Good Deeds for Special Needs on YouTube. It covered helpful topics, like navigating schools, and answered families’ questions with care.
Faith Evans’ Marriages and Relationships
Faith’s personal life has seen love, joy, and heartbreak. Her first child came during her relationship with gospel producer Kiyamma Griffin. It was the beginning of her journey into motherhood.
In 1994, Faith married rapper Christopher Wallace, the Notorious B.I.G. Their marriage was tragically cut short by his death in 1997, but their son C.J. carries on his legacy today.
Later, Faith married record producer Todd Russaw. Together they had two sons, Joshua and Ryder. The couple shared many years before parting ways in 2011.
Years later, Faith found love again with music producer Stevie J. Through every chapter, one thing stayed constant—her devotion to her children and her family always came first.
Faith Evans’ Net Worth and Success
Many fans wonder how much Faith Evans is worth. While exact figures are always hard to confirm, her net worth has been estimated at around $3 million. It’s best to treat that number as a rough estimate.
Faith built her success through decades of hard work. Her income has come from her music—album sales, hit singles, and live performances—earned over a long and respected career.
She also expanded beyond singing. Acting roles, television appearances, and other creative projects added to her success. Faith proved she could shine in more than one field.
More than money, though, her real legacy is her influence. Faith Evans helped shape modern R&B, and her family continues that creative spirit today.
Interesting Facts About the Evans-Wallace-Russaw Family
- Nearly every member is an artist, from singers to DJs to actors.
- The Notorious B.I.G. remains a huge inspiration to his children’s music.
- Faith and her son Joshua share the exact same birthday—her “twin.”
- C.J. and Joshua once made music together in a band called Non-Fixtion.
- The family turned love into a cause with Ryder’s Room Inc.
- Through fame and change, their close bond has always stayed strong.
Bottom Line
At its heart, the story of Ryder Evan Russaw is really a story about family, love, and support. He’s the cherished youngest son of Faith Evans, growing up surrounded by talented siblings and a devoted mom.
While Faith keeps Ryder’s personal life private, she shares her love for him openly—and she turned their journey into a meaningful cause through Ryder’s Room. That mix of privacy and purpose speaks volumes.
In the end, the Evans family shows us something beautiful. Fame comes and goes, but love, creativity, and looking out for one another are what truly last.
(FAQs)
Who are Ryder’s parents?
His mother is singer Faith Evans, and his father is record producer Todd Russaw.
How many children does Faith Evans have?
Faith has four children: Chyna, C.J., Joshua, and Ryder—each with their own unique story.
What is Ryder’s Room Inc.?
It’s a foundation created by Faith Evans and Stevie J to raise autism awareness and support families in need.
Are Faith Evans’ other children in entertainment?
Yes. Chyna is a musician, C.J. is an actor and entrepreneur, and Joshua is a DJ and producer.
Who was Faith Evans married to?
She was married to the Notorious B.I.G., later to Todd Russaw, and then to Stevie J.
