A federal judge has dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit brought against Los Angeles city officials by the family of slain rapper NOTORIOUS B.I.G. because the paperwork wasn't filed on time.

U.S. District Judge Florence Marie Cooper ruled the rap star's family members did not file a claim against the city and a disgraced Los Angeles cop, believed to be involved with the 1997 murder, by an agreed deadline.

The latest news is another blow to the family of the dead rapper, real name Christopher Wallace - a judge declared a mistrial in a 2002 wrongful death case after learning Los Angeles police officials had withheld evidence.

The latest lawsuit alleged a former police detective and two partners were responsible for Wallace's drive-by shooting death.