The family of the late Notorious B.I.G. will receive US$1 million in compensation, after the Los Angeles Police Department was found guilty of withholding evidence. - AP Photo

The family of the late Notorious B.I.G. has been awarded US$1 million by the city of Los Angeles, after the city's police department was found guilty of withholding evidence.

US District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper approved the payout last Friday after stating that evidence connecting two LAPD police officers to the shooting was suppressed.

Judge Cooper concluded that the "overlooked" information is necessary, as it could potentially help the family prove important evidence in the murder case of B.I.G.

The total figure will compensate the family for legal fees and court costs after their civil suit ran into a mistrial in July last year. A retrial will take place later this year.

The Notorious B.I.G., real name Christopher Wallace, was shot dead on March 9, 1997.