1993 - Thug Life Original : Do U Love The Thug Life ?

  • Dec. 92 - May 93 : first Thug Life concept album. 
  • Submitted in May 93 but probably delayed due to sample clearance issues.
  • For a long time, the Thug Life Demo Tape was the only remaining source of the album, before Banned from Bomb1st forum revealed the final tracklist of it and leaked snippets of that second sequence supposed to have been presented to Interscope.
  • What happened ? definitely shelved in early October '93 for having been leaked (probably the Demo Tape). Maybe at that time the album already wore the title "Thug Life Volume 1". That led 2Pac to totally rethink his two projects towards a guest compilation/soundtrack (Honor Among Thugz) and a solo album (Out On Bail).
  • Sources : Promo Tape ; Banned info & snippets.
pic by Shawn Mortensen, first half of 1993

### The title was simply "Thug Life" - even if we don't know what 2Pac and Interscope would have finally decided if the album would have been released. We added the subtitle "Do U Love The Thug Life", following the title of the handwritten tracklist, in order to distinguish it from the other Thug Life projects. ###

THUG LIFE Original Album : "Do U Love The Thug Life ?" (May of 93)
Discogs page - Listen in Youtube
  1. Definition of a Thug Nigga (TL Alternate Version) - unleaked 
  2. Lie 2 Kick It feat. Richie Rich - snippet + og vibe + amarog1 remake 
  3. Thug Life (Fly Like An Eagle Version) feat. Big Syke & Prince Ital Joe 
  4. Death Around The Corner (Original) - snippet
  5. Fake Ass Bitches (TL Mix) - unleaked
  6. Pour Out A Lil Liquor (TL Mix) - unleaked
  7. Ready 4 Whatever (TL Mix) feat. Big Syke
  8. Is It Cool 2 Fuck (Breaks Mix) feat. Macadoshis, Rated R & Y?N-Vee - snippet x2 + amarog1 remake
  9. I'm Loosin' It (TL Mix) feat. Big Syke & Spice 1 - unleaked
  10. High 'Til I Die (Reggae Version) feat. Rated R, Macadoshis & Don Jagwarr 
  11. I'm Getting Money (TL Mix) - unleaked
  12. How Long Will They Mourn Me (TL Mix) feat. Big Syke, Rated R, Macadoshis & Nate Dogg - snippet + amarog1 remake
  13. Time 2 Get My Drank On (TL Mix) feat. Y?N-Vee - unleaked

    Bonus Tracks :

  14. Animosity (Freestyle) feat. Warren G, Richie Rich & Big Syke 
  15. Black Watch (Freestyle)
  16. I Get Around (Battlecat Remix Radio Edit) feat. Digital Underground
  17. I Get Around (Battlecat Remix Vocal Mix) feat. Digital Underground
  • Producer - Warren G (1, 2, 12, 14), Johnny J (3-11), Stretch (13), Shock G (16, 17).
  • All tracks recorded in Echo studios, Los Angeles, CA, except "Lie 2 Kick It", "Animosity", "Animosity (Freestyle)" and "Black Watch (Freestyle)" at Paramount Studios, also in Los Angeles.
  • Tracks 1-13 is the official tracklist of the promo tape (revealed by Banned in bomb1st forum in late 2021) as it was purposed to Interscope in May of 93 and delayed due to sample clearance issues.
  • Tracks 2, 4, 7, 9 and 12 were not included in the Thug Life Demo Tape, even in an alternate mix. 
  • Tracks 3 and 10 are the only confirmed full leaked tracks. 
  • Tracks 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 are said to have a slightly different mix, for instance like "Is It Cool 2 Fuck" snippets with more breaks and effects than the rough mixes from Demo Tape and the leaked versions.
 
Shawn Mortensen famous picture for Vibe

Starting on new bases : from a soundtrack to a new album project

2Pac started to record songs around the concept of Thug Life in the end of 92, he firstly had a project of a kind of soundtrack or concept compilation (cf. Thug Life Demo Tape). The project turned into a new solo album with guests.

What is noteworthy is that 2Pac wanted to work with a whole new team, in comparison of his two first albums : no Shock G, no Pee Wee, no Big D, no DJ Daryl, no Bobcat, no Truman Jefferson, no Lay Law... and probably not any engineers of TNT Recordings. The step brother Mopreme and the old partner Mouse Man have also disappeared. Even Stretch seems to not be here (maybe he has some involvement in production) but 2Pac decided to record another whole album with him (cf. Mr. Middle Finger). The only remaining links with the 2Pacalyspe / Troublesome times is Richie Rich and the Soulja avatar.

So, in comparison of the Demo Tape, 2Pac removed every trace of his old work. The remixed songs sound more West Coast : "Thug Life" got a total g-funk stylish sound, the addition of Don Jagwarr is a re-orientation of "High Til I Die" towards a fresh reggae cool sound...

What's the difference between a gangsta and a thug ?

So the purpose was to record a pure West Coast album produced by Warren G & Johnny J (also maybe with Mike Mosley of The Click - and initially maybe with Dobbs The Wino, cf. Demo Tape...), but with the nuance of "thug" instead of "gangsta". This difference is materialized by the avatar of Soulja, a pure gangsta character, the voice of Tupac distorted by hatred, anger, selfishness, desire... A temptation for Tupac. The thug is a man living in the hood, assuming his bad side, but trying to keep a human figure despite all the temptations... cf. the Thug Life code.

 


Do U Love The Thug Life ? probably a first sketch of the album 
with the addition of "Death Around Each Corner", maybe in March

The project ready to release in May but delayed
 
That resulted in a new solo album with many guests, a ready to release sequence that Pac gave to Interscope around May of 93. But the release of the album was delayed because of sample clearance issues, mainly for "How Long Will They Mourn Me" but maybe for other tracks like "Pour Out A Lil' Liquor" too (the sample is replayed live for Thug Life Volume One), maybe also because - as usual - the lyrics were very offensive against the police (what makes Tupac record a new version of "Death Around The Corner" circa Oct. of 93 or even before, cf. Out on Bail, R U Still Down Original Project). 
 
Waiting for the album to be released, 2Pac was recording a second Thug Life album, more east coast oriented (mainly produced by Stretch), that was entitled Nothing To Lose / Mr. Middle Finger. He was probably also recording b-sides and single versions for the album like (maybe "Is It Cool 2 Fuck (Short Mix)" and maybe "Thug 4 Life", "Animosity"...).

 



A shelved project

Unfortunately, the project will be finally given up by Pac himself ! according to Natasha Walker of Y?N-Vee (in a recent interview), who was then recording vocals with him for the second Thug Life East part around September of 93 (?), she was in studios with Dr. Dre and Death Row (also distributed by Interscope) while they were working at Snoop's album. And she heard the Dogg Pound listening to "Is It Cool 2 Fuck"... They had a tape of Thug Life ! So Somebody had leaked it to them (Warren G ? that could explain why 2Pac never worked again with him ; more probably an Interscope member...). Natasha Walker said that Tupac was mad, so he decided to scrap the whole Thug Life album...

 

sketch for a new solo project (circa Oct. 93)
probably right after both Thug Life Original albums being shelved

In fact, he didn't really scrap everything only because of that. But in November, with his two trials (for having shot at a cop and for rape), he had to drop off his most violent songs or to re-record them (it is still today the most unleaked part of his work). But he tried to incorporate some of them in his next Thug Life projects, firstly entitled 4 The Thug In U / Street Fame (cf. Out on Bail), before conceiving a new Thug Life project, again as a short movie+soundtrack : cf. Honor Among Thugz, Thug Life Volume One.

 


Aftermath of the project : Thug Life Volume One

In late 93, he will record new songs with guests (Syke, Macadoshis, Rated R, Y?N-Vee, Mopreme and some others), leading to form the group Thug Life (what could be a demand of Interscope). He gave "Pour Out A Little Liquor" to Above The Rim Soundtrack (Death Row, March of 1994) to promote the album. "Ready 4 Whatever" and "Is It Cool 2 Fuck" were still in it (in the leaked form we have ?). He let the group record songs without him. He also tried to have women rapping in his album, giving the song "Fake Ass Bitches" to Y?N-Vee female rapper Yesz, inviting Dee Tha Mad Bitch (half of Bo$$) and Yonnie aka a Sista Named Mysta (cf. Honor Among Thugz).
 
In summer of 94, he finally released a short LP Thug Life Volume 1. From the first project, only "Pour Out A Little Liquor" and "How Long Will They Mourn Me" were still in it. "Death Around The Corner" ended up with new lyrics in Me Against The World. Tupac was surely thinking to include other recorded tracks in a "Thug Life : Volume 2" but the project was stopped after New-York Quad Studios shooting and Pac thrown to prison. After Pac being freed, he started a full new Thug Life volume 2 with Big Syke, Mopreme & Dramacydal... unfortunately also shelved !!!!!!




DETAILED TRACKLIST

(Special thanks to Bomb1st members Dominator & Filla for samples credits)

 
01. Definition of a Thug Nigga (Alternate TL Version) / Warren G - UNLEAKED
  • 1993/01 - 04/17 (~) (new mix, new vocals). Original Version included in Demo Tape was given to Poetic Justice OST the 15th of March and was later slightly remixed in R U Still Down (1997, Amaru). 
  • Story. It is said that this alternate version has alternate beat and lyrics with notably a Kato dedication. Poetic Justice soundtrack being about to be out (the 29th of June), maybe 2Pac decided to have a different version in his album (like "Me Against The World" in Bad Boys Soundtrack). Or maybe with Kato's death and this song being the album opener, it had to be slightly different.

02. Lie to Kick it feat. Richie Rich / Warren G - SNIPPET / OG VIBE / AmarOG1 REMAKE

  • 1993/05/02 (~). Fairly remixed in R U Still Down (1997, Interscope).  
  • Story. First of many songs dedicated to Mike Tyson. It is clear that the original song (we have a snippet) re-uses more or less the same beat than "Animosity", song and freestyle also with Richie Rich. Was the song recorded the same day or later ? It could be the last song recorded for the album, replacing "Animosity"... It is said they were waiting for Snoop Dogg to come and record a verse but he never came. Maybe they recorded "Lie 2 Kick It" instead. The song mainly disappeared after that because the beat was kind of given (taken ?) to Snoop Dogg for "G'z & Hustlas" in Doggystyle (published the 23th of November 93 with credits to Dr. Dre and not Warren G...). Maybe the beat was from the first moment intended to be given to Snoop... or Dr. Dre gave him the beat he knew his cousin Warren was working on, without saying anything...
  • Samples : 

03. Thug Life (Fly Like An Eagle Remix) feat. Big Syke & Prince Ital Joe / Johnny J

  • 1993/01 - 04-05 (remix). 
  • Story. It was initially presented by Banned of Bomb1st forum to be the first version of the song. In fact, the Demo Tape was more likely a selection of early work (but it was very probably leaked later in Sept. - Oct., what created a confusion). The new sample sounds added over the old one but gives a more West Coast feeling.
  • Samples : 

04. Death Around The Corner (Original Version) / Johnny J - SNIPPET

  • 1993/04 (~). 
  • Story. This first version is said to have different and more aggressive lyrics and a last verse by the Souljah's voice. The music itself sounds similar to the Me Against The World version. Interscope could have later refused the song, like "Open Fire" because of its lyrics against the police, leading Tupac to re-record the version we know in Dec. 93 (cf. R U Still Down '94). It is said that the "Bitchin' (Interlude)" (with Capucine Jackson's voice, Johnny J's wife) which introduces the retail song could be already in this early version.
  • Samples : 

05. Fake Ass Bitches (TL Mix) / Johnny J - UNLEAKED, Basically Vevo EDIT

  • 1993/01 (~) - 04-05 (~) (new mix). Remixed in R U Still Down (1997, Amaru). 
  • Story. This unleaked mix could be slightly different with some breaks like "Is It Cool 2 Fuck ?" snippets.

06. Pour Out A Little Liquor (TL Mix) / Johnny J - UNLEAKED, AmarOG1 REMAKE

  • 1993/01 - 04-05 (new mix). Released in Above The RIM OST (March of 1994, Death Row) and in Thug Life Volume 1 (1994, Interscope).  
  • Story. This version is probably similar to the Demo Tape with the O'Jays sample which could be a reason for the album to be delayed (with also "How Long Will They Mourn Me ?" sample and the lyrics against cops of "Death Around The Corner"). But the mix is said different with more breaks and effects like in "Is It Cool 2 Fuck" snippets, "Thugs Get Lonely Too (Lil Somethin Version)" snippet and Cradle damaged part, "Bury Me A G (TL)" snippets, what would be given up in the Above The Rim / Volume 1 retail mix. It is possible that initially 2Pac gave the alternate mix to the soundtrack and was keeping the more advanced mix for the Thug Life album... Or something happened with the guy who made these remix - 2Pac seems to have them all dropped (could it be linked to the leak of the Thug Life Demo ?).

07. Ready 4 Whatever (TL Original) feat. Big Syke / Johnny J - UNLEAKED, AV OG Vibe

  • 1993/04 - 05 (new mix). Released in R U Still Down (1997, Amaru) with a slightly different mix, close to the commonly leaked version (cf. Honor Among Thugz). 
  • Story.  It is said the advanced mix of the album was somehow different with more background elements. The "No Justice No Peace introduction" re-used in Stay True mixtape and with same Johnny J beat was very likely already in it.

08. Is it Cool 2 Fuck (TL Mix) feat. Macadoshis, Rated R & Natasha Walker (Y?N-Vee) / Unknown guy (?) - SNIPPET / AmarOG1 REMAKE

  • 1993/01 - 04-05 (new mix). Original Version included in Demo Tape. 
  • Story. This version seems to be close but with breaks (like "Bury Me A G" Original in comparison of the R U Still Down '94 version, or "Thugz Get Lonely Too" in Out On Bail compared to Mr. Middle Finger version). The song was really loved by the group and was probably one of the planned singles. It is also the song Natasha Walker will recognize playing in the studios, circa end of September 93. Luniz will pay homage to that song in their second album Lunitik Muzik in 1997 with the superb "Is It Kool" featuring Mokenstef, using parts of the music and some lines (the song being leaked at that time or maybe Numskull heard the song with Shock G when they were charged by 2Pac or later by Interscope of remixing old tracks while he was in jail or after his death for R U Still Down... The final mix could have a sample of "Party & Bullshit" as introduction (unless it is "Time To Get My Drank On").
  • Samples : 

09.  I'm Losin' It (TL Mix) feat. Big Syke & Spice 1 / Johnny J UNLEAKED

  • 1993/04 - 05 (new mix). Remixed in R U Still Down (1997, Amaru).  
  • Story. This version is said slightly different from the common leaked version. The song was very shortly included in Out On Bail in October 93 (cf. Street Fame / Out On Bail), before being very probably added to the new Thug Life compilation project : Volume 1 : Honor Among Thugz, Spice 1 being announced among the planned guest ("Can't Turn Back" being not recorded yet).
  • Samples :  
    • Ohio Players - "Far East Mississippi" (melody)
    • Kool & The Gang - "N.T." (drums)
    • Scarface (Movie, 1983) (vocals : "you need people like me", "you wanna play rough ? OK. Say helle to my little friend")

10. High 'Til I Die (Jagwarr Version) feat. Rated R, Macadoshis & Don Jagwarr / Johnny J

  • 1993/02 - 04-05 (Remix).  
  • Story. Like for "Thug Life", Banned of Bomb1st leaked it as the real original, but it is more likely a remix version of the Demo Tape version. Don Jagwarr was initially a rapper known as Earle The Poet who released the Single "High Noon" in 1990 and a promo tape of his first album titled For Your Listening Pleasure. In 1992, he was featured as a reggae artist in Ice Cube's "Wicked". Strangely, in 1993, he is also featured in MC Ren's album and also wrote "It's On" for Eazy-E... After that hook for Thug Life, he will invite 2Pac to drop a verse in "Skank Wit U" for his album Faded, mostly produced by Brian G. It led Brian G to produce "Lord Knows" (probably circa Sept. 93, cf. Mr. Middle Finger / Out On Bail).
  • Samples :
    • Jr. Walker & The All Stars - "These Eyes" (melody)

11. I'm Gettin' Money (TL Mix) / Unknown guy (?) - UNLEAKED

  • 1993/03 (~). Remixed in R U Still Down (1997, Amaru). 
  • Story. Is it totally similar to the Demo Tape version ? Considering "Is It Cool 2 Fuck ?" mix, presumably produced by the same guy, we could think that this one is also slightly different...

12. How Long Will They Mourn Me (TL Original Sample Version) feat. Big Syke, Rated R, Macadoshis & Nate Dogg / Warren G - SNIPPET / AmarOG1 REMAKE

  • 1993/04/16 (~). Released in Thug Life Volume 1 in 1994 in a more sophisticated version of the beat.
  • Story. The beat is here in a pure Warren G style, reminding of his album Regulate (Nate Dogg is credited for having some responsibility as a producer, so maybe he helped to remix the thing...). Only a snippet has been leaked yet. It has been said this version could also have an alternate voice take... The sample clearance of this song could have been the main reason for the album being delayed... It would take more than a year to release the song. Combo Warren G / Nate Dogg was also the main ingredient for "Indo Smoke" (single from Poetic Justice Soundtrack and then for the super hit song "Regulate" (out in March of 94 but probably recorded not that long after this one). Warren G told that 2Pac heard "Indo Smoke" and asked to record a song with him.
  • Samples :

13. Time To Get My Drank On (TL Original) feat. Y?N-Vee (interlude) / Stretch (?) - UNLEAKED

  • 1993/01 - 04-05 (new mix). Original Version is included in Demo Tape. The final mix is supposed to have a Notorious B.I.G. introduction, unless this is for "Is It Cool 2 Fuck" (interpolation from "Party & Bullshit", but out only in June 29...).

BONUS TRACKS

14. Animosity (Freestyle) feat. Warren G, Richie Rich & Big Syke / Warren G

  • 1993/05/01. 
  • Story. Recorded during the original Thug Life sessions over "Animosity" instrumental. After that they will also record "Lie 2 Kick It" over the same beat. Snoop will use the same sample in "Gz And Hustlas" supposedly produced by Dr. Dre... Was it the beginning of the end between the cousins ? Warren G had his last feature with Death Row in Doggystyle (published the 23th of November 93), and Daz alleged they produced with Warren G most of the album (even if Dr. Dre arranged everything). Warren G will also not record again with 2Pac after that...
  • Samples :

15. Blackwatch (Freestyle) / -

  • 1993/05/01. 
  • Story. Recorded during an interview for the TV show of the same name, the day 2Pac was recording "Animosity" with Richie Rich.

16. I Get Around (Battlecat Radio Edit) feat. Digital Underground / Shock G REMIXED By DJ Battlecat  

17. I Get Around (Battlecat Remix Singing Vocals Instrumental) feat. Digital Underground / Shock G REMIXED DJ Battlecat
  • 1993/04/09. Released in I Get Around 12'' as "Vocal Version" (the 10th of June 1993), but this is a kind of instrumental with background vocals and many voices singing that are not in the Battlecat Remix.
  • Samples :   




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