Money B -1996- presents... Folk Music (Volume 1) - Music by my Folks fo' my Folks (Bobby Beats Records)

• 30th of 1996 : Digital Underground Money B's project of promotion for friends, with many people connected to the first years of 2Pac.
  

Tracklist - Discogs page (links to most songs in that page and also in that channel)

1. Digital Underground - How Long
2. Vickia Brinkley - Like To Freak Ya
3. Clee & John Doe - Heartbreaker
4. Money B - Money Talks
5. Shock G - People Over The Stairs
6. No-Coast (from Detroit) - U JUSTA
7. Neighborhood Kinpinz - Murder Stance
8. Clee - Pick-a-Part 
9. Money B - Hookers Go To Heaven Too
10. TMF - The Motherfuckers
11. John Doe - One Hoe
12. The Kumpny - Some Of That Kumpny Funk
13. Shay - Come N' Bounce

Producer - Shock G (1,5,8,13), Money B (2,11), Big D (3,6), DJ Fuze (4,9), D The Poet 151 (7), Dotrix 4000 (10), Mac Mone (12)

• Shock G & Digital Underground tracks "How Long" and "People Oner The Stairs" were re-released in Digital Underground Lost Files in 1999.
• Vickia Brinkley gave vocals in Funky Aztecs' first album Chicano Blues (partners of 2Pac in T.N.T. Records) and in Ant Banks' Do Or Die in 1995.
• Clee will record an eponymous promo EP on Bobby Beats records in 1996, with two featurings fof Money B. With Jone Doe, they will be featured in "Holla Hell" in Digital Underground's Who Got The Gravy ? album in 1998. Clee will finally release the album Good Laaawd That's A Lot Of Drank in 1999 in combo with Drank-A-Lot, pseudonym for... Knumskull of Luniz ! with featurings of Yukmouth, Money B, Ras Kass and... Bad Azz ! 
  
• No-Coast are a duo from Detroit, who had a first single in 1994 before releasing their first album Coastales in 2000 with featurings of Redman and Kurupt.
• Neighborhood Kinpinz is the group of Pook-Daddy and D Tha Poet who also appeared in "Pass The 40" (cf. Tales of the 90's N.I.G.G.A.). Together, they released Kingpin Status in 1997 with featurings of Money B, Spice 1, Del The Funkee Homosapien, Vickia and beats produced by Ant Banks, Black Jack and Bobby Ford...
• TMF (Truth Means Facts) is a group from Staten Island.
• The Kumpny & Mac Mone released the album Members Only in 1995 and another single Some Of That Kumpny Funk / Late Nite in 1996, its song "Late Nite" features Saafir & Shock G (here is the YT uploaded song).
• Shay (Erika Sulpacio Jones) is an R&B singer from Berkeley. She gave vocals on Digital Underground's Future Rhythm in 1996 and in Nadanuf's first album Worldwide in 1997, with beats produced by Def Jef and one by Tony Pizarro.

Big D was a too rare producer after his work with 2Pac. 

This is the second Digital Underground project to be published this year of 1996 with the 4th album of the group, Future Rhythm, published in June 4, with featurings of Saafir, Mac Mone, Luniz, Del The Funkee Homosapien and the unfortunately very little known Black Spooks (who made a wonderful album never released also in 1996, maybe they were counting on the promo of having a feat with Digital Underground... like 2Pac or Saafir to become a new hip-hop phenomenon...). But Money B was only featured in 4 tracks, so he had time to prepare that side project.

The title of Money B's second solo song B "Hookers Go To Heaven Too" strangely reminds of some 2Pac's songs : "I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto", "Where Do We Go From Here", and the late "Hell 4 A Hustler" (early concept of it was presumably "Ghetto Heaven"). But the shift with 2Pac (hooker instead of thug) is revealing... Did 2Pac not totally give up the cool mood, the fantasy, of his beginnings with Digital Underground ?... "Money Talks" is in the same vein. Won't reverse the history of hip-hop. Just a cool vibe with dirty rhymes given with this typical voice. John Doe and Clee are some kind of new Shock & Money B... Their songs are OK. The whole compilation is quite cool but if the goal was to push forward new artists...

Unfortunately, Digital Underground and other off-the-wall artists were not anymore trendy in 1996... The gangsta rap, the coastal war swept away everybody and everything in its path... it kills its own heroes and destroyed the fun and the hip hop itself. It is clearly against that groundswell that a rapper like Nas tried to make a U-turn in 1998 with the original version of I Am... The Autobiography where he made up the story of the death of his persona Escobar, the gangsta rap in himself, who commits suicide, in order to avoid that tragic fate written for the gangsta rap, and so symbolically for hip-hop... and to draw for himself a new direction, positive, creative, ambitious... In late 1998 part of the album was leaked before the release, and Nas and Columbia totally reshaped the project into a poor average mainstream gangsta rap album... 

In a way, 2Pac also tried to "change" the direction of his rap in the first months of 1996 when he wanted to drop a positive album, respectful, conscious, return to his basics... with a kind of Me Against The World pt. 2... the project sank pathetically (sample issues, key tracks being sold, including diss songs, obsession of being the godfather of his Outlawz...). 2Pac will then fall entirely into his dramatic Makaveli/Mr. Killuminati character... The obsession to be "true" to this, to be street, to be a real thug, to play the game, trapped him into his character... trapped the whole Hip-Hop into a tragic fantasy, which looks like 2Pac's fate... whereas Shock G with his mask, his nose, his avatar, was playing the game, initially telling the same hood stories but from a safety distance. Derision. Unlike him, 2Pac dropped the mask... and the funny guy from "If My Homie Calls", "I Get Around", became Bishop, the character he was playing in Juice... In "Ballad of a Dead Soulja", in 1996, he didn't need anymore to pitch his voice : it would be ridiculous to his new profile of serious rap in a serious rap world... and above all, it would be absurd because there was no difference anymore between him and the soulja... "It's real now, feel it or fantasize it, ain't nothing colder", he says. "I can be lost in my own mind" ; "completely lost"... 

The Notorious B.I.G. -1991-1994- Big E Smallz Demo Tapes (Homemade)

• 1991 - 1994 : first freestyles, demos and leftover songs recorded before Ready To Die.
• This homemade compilation is the perfect companion to our "rectified" Ready To Die Promo Version.
• Sources : interviews
  

Photoshoot c. late 1991,
for The Source Magazine

### - Of course, there are no tracklist for a leftover compilation. We followed the beginning of an old bootleg album and then added the other leftover tracks from Ready 2 Die. We didn't include the same tracks versions than in Ready 2 Die Promo. - ###

1991-1994 : The First Recordings

1. Microphone Murder
2. Guaranteed Raw
3. Love No Hoe
4. Another Rough One (Original)
5. Mumbling & Whispering feat. Mister Cee
   
6. 16 Bars
   
7. Can I Get With Ya ? (Original) *
8. Dead Wrong (Original)
9. For The Macs & Dons
10. Whatchu Want Freestyle
11. Niggaz (Original)
12. House of Pain feat. 2Pac & Stretch 
    
13. Come On (Demo) feat. Sadat X
14. You're Nobody (Original)
15. Blazing Chronic  -  remake ?
16. Teen Summit Freestyle 
    
17. Party & Bullshit (Demo Version)
18. Flip Dat Shit feat. Naughty By Nature, Troo-Kula, Jesse West & Onyx
19. Basement Freestyle
20. Let Me Get Down (First Version) feat. Craig Mack
    
21. Biggie Got The Hype Shit feat. Jesse West
22. Stick-Up (Extended Version) feat. Jesse West, Capital LS, Troo-Kula & Ol' Dirty Bastard - incomplete cut version
23. Stretch & Bobbito Show '91
24. Whatchu Want (Live in the Playground)
    

* Bold : these songs have a link with 2Pac. Could you guess what ?

Photoshop thing or authentic picture ?
really looks like the Source Mag photoset
but with differences...

Unused :

. Live at the Arena Birthday Party (May 21 of 1993)
. Freestyle at Royalton Hotel with 2Pac (July 24~ of 1993) - cf. Mr Middle Finger.
. Live at Amazon Club/Palladium/Tunnel - unleaked
. Live Whatchu Want / Party & Bullshit w/ Puffy & 2Pac (Aug. 1993)
. Live Party & Bullshit at Bowie State University w/ Thug Life (Sept. 1993)
. Live at Madison Square Garden feat. Big Daddy Kane, Shyheim & 2Pac (1993) - cf. Honor Among Thugz
. Runnin' From Tha Police (Original 1) feat. Dramacydal, Stretch, 2Pac & Lil' Vicious (1993) - Out On Bail / R U Still Down '94
. Runnin' From Tha Police (Original) feat. Dramacydal, Stretch, 2Pac & Brown Man (1994) - Exodus
. Let's Get It On (Heavy D Original) feat. Heavy D, 2Pac, Gran Puba & Myko Miers (1994)
. Let's Get It On (Stretch Armstrong Remix) feat. Heavy D, 2Pac & Gran Puba (1994)
. Let's Get It On (Bootleg Remix) feat. Heavy D, 2Pac & Gran Puba (1994)
. Let's Get It On (Streetsweepers Remix) feat. Az & 2Pac (1994-1998?)
. Let's Get It On (D&D Remix) feat. Heavy D, 2Pac & Gran Puba (1994) - Exodus
. Let's Get It On (Unofficial Biggie Beats Remix) feat. Heavy D, 2Pac & Gran Puba (1994) - Fuck The World (Remix Box)

Unleaked (or non existent) :
. Live In Action (1991 Demo Tape)
. Hot Butter Soul (Warning Uptown Original 1993)
. Feel The Funk (Let Me Get Down session 1994)

with the original Junior Mafia

Why "Party & Bullshit" is a powerful street anthem with a high political meaning ?

The song interpolates a well known line by Last Poets' Abiodun Oyewole in "When The Revolution Comes" (cf. The Last Poets) where he deplores than the revolution couldn't come because the young black people are only interested in "party and bullshit and party and bullshit". The poet even sued the estate for his lyrics having been used to make cash. A kind of paradox for a revolutionary to ask respect for his property rights... In itself, it somehow means he didn't understand Biggie's answer to his song.

Because Biggie's song is a serious answer to Last Poets' concern. A political answer. Biggie is not a uneducated child. His mother was a teacher, his father was a politician (probably thrown off of Jamaica because of that)... Biggie had very good results at school, especially in English. He attended the high school. He stopped only because of his troubles with justice...

So, Biggie, like every rappers of the golden age, knew The Last Poets first album. Spoken word artists like them, Gylan Kain and the Original Last Poets (cf. Right On !) and Gil Scott Heron (cf. "The Revolution will not be televised", cf. Small Talk at 125th and Lenox) were considered as the pioneers of Rap music (with also political speeches from King and X, some spoken interludes in soul music like the interlude talks of James Brown in his live performances, "Ike's Rap" of Isaac Hayes...). So Biggie understood perfectly the paradox given by Abiodun Oyewole : how to change the social situation, to improve the life and condition of the black community if the youths are always just interested in "party and bullshit", meaning to buy things, go with girls, smoke and drink...?

And, the answer given by Biggie is mostly the same than 2Pac's one given to his parents' Black Panther involvement... After years of fight, of repression, people spending their life in prison or forced to emigrate, do the young black men have to sacrifice again their life ? It didn't work. The following step they both claim is to earn success by any means necessary, to impose themselves by the force in a white society who didn't want them, to make money as usual like the white American people and in order to make money and to have their part, be ready to sell drug, to steal and rob their part - if necessary or metaphorically - of the American way of life.

Biggie & DJ 50 Grand

"I ain't 2Pac, I don't Get Around..." ; "not a paper gangster of no sort, don't smoke Newports"

In this line of "Can I Get Witcha ?", Biggie refers to the famous song of 2Pac (from Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., released in March '93), probably diffused everywhere in June '93 when the single was released. Of course, it is not a diss, the two rappers come to know each other in late July and they were inseparable until late '93. At the same time, one could understand the line as something like : me, I don't leave my neighborhood, the original place where I'm from... Whereas 2Pac grew up in Baltimore, moved to Marin City, and was then recording in L.A. and New York... Biggie kind of stayed to Brooklyn until his end.

In "Mumbling & Whispering", Biggie also said "I'm not a paper gangster of no sort, don't smoke Newports". In 1996, in "Never Had a Friend Like Me" for Me Against The World pt. 2, 2Pac will say "I smoke my Newport to the butt like it's the last muthafuckin' left"... Waaaah ! A diss line by anticipation, Biggie is too strong ! :)

Dead wrong, ready to die, everyday struggle, house of pain...

It is known that 2Pac gave Biggie the advice he should write for the mothers, for the ladies, for the youth, who will buy his albums, not only for the gangsters from the corner who don't buy anything except to bootleggers... In this perspective, he probably also told him to write about serious things in life, not only about cash, drug, ghetto things... 

2Pac later accused Biggie "to have stolen his style"... Of course, it is untrue. But I don't think it can be understood as Biggie having stolen rhymes or any way of rapping. I think he was thinking about the topics Biggie started to record for his album, following the model he gave him... 

So, Biggie didn't steal, 2Pac gave. But considering having been betrayed by this robbery, the gift is now a part of the robbery...

2Pac with Thug Life & Biggie, 93 (?)

Biggie was Thug Life...

When Biggie and 2Pac started to record songs together, like "Runnin'" in late September '93 and one month later "House of Pain", 2Pac was recording his own solo album with songs like "My Only Fear of Death", "Lord Knows", "Dear Mama", "Thugz Get Lonely Too", "Pain", "Hard On a Nigga", "Death Around The Corner"... (cf. Out On Bail / R U Still Down '94) and wanted to make Biggie part of his other group project with Thug Life shortly titled "Honor Among Thugz", the concept was also oriented on death and pain topics with songs like "How Long Will They Mourn Me", "Judgement Day", "Cradle 2 The Grave" and of course "Pour Out A Lil' Liquor", "God Bless The Dead", "Where Do We Go From Here ?"... 

Unfortunately, it is said 2Pac couldn't give enough money to Biggie (and Puffy) to have him in his Thug Life group...

 

What did you say ? Capital LS of One Nation ?...

Biggie attended George Washington High School in Brooklyn. Earlier than him, Jay-Z and DMX were also in that school (born in 69 and 70). But probably the same years than him, Busta Rhymes (also born in 1972) was also attending that school. Busta's parents were immigrants from Jamaica, exactly like him... So Biggie eventually became friend with him at that early time, and very early in 1992, Biggie was featured in Heavy D's album (also Jamaican) alongside Jesse West and Busta. He will record with Busta all his career : "Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)", "The Points", "Three B's", "The Ugliest" and "Victory"... But in late 1995-1996, Busta didn't want to be part of the war between two of his friends and dropped the song "The Ugliest" where Biggie disses 2Pac...

Capital LS is known to have been the roommate of Busta Rhymes in these early years at school... He could be from Jamaican ascendance too. His style is also very similar to Busta's. He and his group the Rumpletilskinz appear in Leader of the New School's albums in 1991 and 1993. In 1992, they were recording their first album (released in 1993)... Biggie very probably also knew him from the early school years and that's logically he invited him to record "Stickup (Long Version)" with him and Jesse (and ODB). Biggie said in an interview that the song was made for his album but unfortunately it was dropped (or fortunately, the song was not that good in comparison of the rest of the album).

This is the same Capital LS that 2Pac will receive for One Nation sessions, probably in replacement of Busta who didn't want to be part of the feud... 2Pac having just released "Hit 'Em Up"... So Busta sent his friend.

TIMELINE

picture of the original first Biggie tape ?

A bit of History : the legendary "O.G.B. 50 Grand Demo Tape", early 1991.

DJ 50 Grand met Biggie through a mutual friend from the same neighborhood in Bed-Stuy, who was selling dope with the young adolescent. But Biggie already had a reputation in Bed-Stuy of being very talented with rhymes at the age of 16... In 1990, BIG took seven months of jail...

At the time Biggie was in jail, 2Pac was touring with the Digital Underground, having recorded a demo tape with Strictly Dope, giving his first official verse on "Same Song", what got him a deal with Interscope for a solo album he started to record in the end of 1990...

When Biggie went out of jail, 50 Grand convinced him to record rap songs. They went to Grand's home, and after a few hours, it was done. They recorded together a demo tape of 4 tracks. It has been said there would still be an unleaked song from this session eventually titled "Live In Action" (even if that title appears in "Guaranteed Raw" lyrics). 

Is it the Stretch & Bobbito freestyle ?

Stretch & Bobbito Show '91.

This Demo was given here and there, for being played in local radios. That's probably because of that, that he was invited to the Stretch & Bobbito Show in 1991, maybe in late summer (he's rapping over "Hand on the Pump" Cypress Hill single being freshly released in August).

At that time, 2Pac was finishing his first solo album (2Pacalypse Now, cf. Tales of a 90's N.I.G.G.A. EP).

Mister Cee's influence.

(cf. Mister Cee's interview for AFH in 2016).

DJ 50 Grand would have then given the tape to Mister Cee, who was then very famous for being the DJ of Big Daddy Kane (both were also from Bed-Stuy). And after "The Taste of Chocolate" tour, Mister Cee came to meet Biggie and would have asked him to re-record together the Demo... Maybe another songs like "Mumbling & Whispering" with the same lyrics than the Stretch & Bobbito '91 Show, come from this new session (what could mean that the song could also be in the original OGB 50 Grand Demo...). Mister Cee then had the opportunity to give the new recorded demo to The Source Magazine, for the "Unsigned Hype" section. In the perspective of the article, Biggie and 50 Grand made that famous photoshoot where Biggie wears Raiders clothes.

During that time in November 12, 1991, 2Pac released 2Pacalypse Now, and was already working at a follow-up : 2Pacalyspe II : Now & Forever.

picture used in The Source article.

Biggie as the Unsigned Hype, March 92

A few days after that article, Mister Cee connected with Jesse West and they recorded the track "Biggie Got The Hype Shit" with Biggie. According to Mister Cee, Puffy Combs came to The Source around that time and asked Matty C for the best unsigned hype they heard and the guy pointed at Biggie... Puffy met Biggie and purposed him to record quickly and have a first verse on an official record in 1992. And so Puffy signed Biggie to Uptown records. 

At that time, 2Pac was recording his second solo album then re-titled Troublesome 21. 

Promo tape from 1994, but with Uptown,
the content should be from first half of 93.

Puffy and Uptown Records, 1992-1993.

With Puffy, Biggie started to record songs in professional studios. Maybe some early tracks for the album. But more surely Puffy firstly used Biggie as a guest star for Bad Boy Remix for Uptown artists. It is said he started on the Bad Boy remix by Daddy-O of "Real Love" for Mary J Blige's single in July 1992. He soon recorded "A Bunch of Niggas" for Heavy D's new album, track produced by his friend Jesse West, out in late 92.

During that time, 2Pac was struggling with his new album rejected by Interscope, due to the gangsta rap controversy following the L.A. riots, and following 2Pac's first problems with the justice : a guy has shot a Texas trooper and was listening to 2Pac's "Soulja Story" when he committed the crime... (cf. Ghetto Gospel)

In December of 92, Jesse West invited Biggie to record the track "Stick Up" with him and Troo Kula. Not a long time after that, they received Ol' Dirty Bastard and Capital LS to record another version of the song. Is it possible than the new connection with ODB led Biggie to record "The What" with Method Man ? or is it the reverse ?

In late 1992, 2Pac had finished to remake his album what was about to be released as Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..

Who's The Man ? Soundtrack, April 1993.

Biggie became the signature of "Bad Boy Remix" on side of Puffy, with notably the remix of Supercat's "Dolly My Baby" with also Jesse West as co-producer and rapper and vocals by Mary J Blige. Another remix for Mary J Blige's What's The 411 ? Remix album. So Biggie became a featuring beast.  The guy you invite in your album or for a B-Side. So he will kill you on your track, erase you in one verse, but you're gonna get maximum exposure for your product...

In early '93, Uptown has the project of a rap soundtrack for the movie Who's The Man ? Puffy wanted to push his new protégé. So Biggie recorded two tracks for the compilation (released the 20th of April 93). 

"Party & Bullshit", opener of the album, is a solo Easy Mo Bee produced track (also known for his work with Big Daddy Kane, he met success the past year with his group Rappin' Is Fundamental and with Miles Davis for Doo-Bop). The song instantly became a street success and was released as a single in June 29 of 1993.

The posse cut "Flip That Shit" with Onyx, Jesse West and Naughty by Nature, produced by Jesse West of 3rd Eye (who was also featured with Group Home in another song of the compilation). The song unfortunately was finally leftover for an unknown reason. It is important to notice that Biggie was featuring with Treach around the time 2Pac was freestyling with Treach in a TV show, giving his verse from "5 Deadly Venomz" taken from his about to be released second album.

During that same time, Biggie was recording other songs for his solo album : "Dead Wrong", also produced by Easy Mo Bee. He then recorded songs like "Can I Get Witchu", "Niggaz" (songs he will rap freestyle at Royalton Hotel and a few days later during the Snoop Dogg and Death Row's Chronic concert where we can also see 2Pac, Dogg Pound, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Puffy and Method Man !), "Whatchu Want" he will rap in radio and in live in August with Puffy and 2Pac backing him.

Considering the Uptown tape :  the tracks "Warning" - at least the instrumental -, "The What", "Gimme The Loot", "Dreams" were also recorded.

But Puffy was fired from Uptown Records in July 1993... and had to buy back the first recordings of his protégé. This is the exact time Biggie and 2Pac met for the first time...

at Royalton Hotel, c. July 24 of 1993

2Pac & Biggie smoking weed and touring together, second half of 1993

July 21 of 1993, 2Pac was in New York for the Poetic Justice premiere. A friend of Biggie had 2Pac's phone number and he purposed him to give a call. 2Pac answered and went to Biggie's place (what could be the Royalton Hotel, cf. Mr. Middle Finger, where Biggie dropped a verse of "Niggas" in front of the camera whereas 2Pac improvises). Then, they spoke a lot, smoked a lot, and went together to The Palladium (July 23) where they got on stage together (we only have pictures of their performance). A few days later, they were again together on scene with Snoop, Dogg Pound, Nate at a Death Row Chronic tour concert. Biggie gave the same "Niggas" verse that night.

Circa early August, 2Pac was backing Biggie in his concert ("Whatchu Want" / "Party & Bullshit"). Then 2Pac invited Biggie to rap "Party & Bullshit" with Thug Life and Live Squad at Bowie State University (Maryland). Then Biggie invited 2Pac to go on scene with him the 22nd of October for Big Daddy Kane concert at Madison Square Garden where 2Pac gave a verse of "Nothing 2 Lose". Biggie probably introduced his new friend to his key producer Easy Mo Bee. So 2Pac recorded "Temptations" with him a few days later. Then, for the second studio session with him, probably right before a concert in Atlanta the 30th of October, 2Pac invited Biggie to give a verse in "Runnin' From The Police" for his new solo album project Street Fame (soon re-titled Out On Bail after the concert when 2Pac was arrested for having shot at two off duty cops...). Biggie was among the planned guests for Thug Life Volume 1 early project (cf. Honor Among Thugz). Then Biggie invited 2Pac in late November 93 to give a verse in "House of Pain" for his album (produced by his friend Jesse West)... Notorious B.I.G. was supposed to be a Thug Life member, but it is said 2Pac couldn't guarantee enough money (regarding Bad Boy contract) to have him in the group.

at the Palladium, July 23

In December 16, 2Pac was arraigned for sexual assault at Center Court, Manhattan. That justice case notably implicated Puffy's friend Haitian Jack... who clearly raped Ayanna Jackson whilst 2Pac was sleeping in a sofa nearby... Probably 2Pac never claimed explicitly that Haitian Jack made it... 2Pac will keep on hanging with Jack (we have pictures of them together with Jimmy Henchman in mid March 94, also a Haitian descendant). But him and Biggie who where spending a lot of time chilling and singing together on stage and on studio, will clearly see each other much less often... Like if Puffy tried to take Biggie out of every controversy and justice troubles (he already did that in 1992 when Biggie got his first child, needed money and thought to sell drugs again).

Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious B.I.G. also had to change his name at that time, mainly because another guy, a white boy, had the same nickname and had already released some singles with that name. The ironic thing is that guy was produced by... Johnny J ! It was even said that 2Pac could have influenced Biggie on the choice of his new nickname... 

with Craig Mack and Jesse West

Let Me Get Down sessions with Craig Mack, early 1994 (?).

So, in the first months of 1994, Biggie kept on recording new songs for his album, with more serious topics, following more or less the advice of his friend. "Dead Wrong", "You're Nobody", "Everyday Struggle", "Ready To Die" should be from late 93 - early 94, as well as the original version of "Juicy" produced by Pete Rock (same sample but differently made).

At that time, Bad Boy Records was also preparing the first album of Craig Mack, also friend with Busta Rhymes. So Puffy organized a session between his two main protégés. Over another Easy Mo Bee beat, they recorded "Let Me Get Down", a smoking and being high anthem. It is said that during the same session, they also recorded the freestyles "Blazing Chronic" and eventually an unleaked "Feel The Funk". The first one was leaked in a strange way with the Lil'Kim "Drugs" beat. Not impossible Biggie still had it and re-used it later for his friend. There was as well a strange Snoop Dogg chorus : "blazing chronic through the galaxy, hydro, doja, chocolate thai weed..." (re-used by Dr. Dre in "Light Speed" in his 2001 album where it is given to Ms Roq).

Murder Was The Case release party, October '94

It is not totally impossible that Snoop, the symbol of smoking chronic, came to the session and gave a hook. At that time, Death Row and Bad Boy Records were totally friendly. It was the time Snoop Dogg was having a huge success with his solo album, with "Gin & Juice" (single out in January). Whilst 2Pac was kind of angry against Snoop, saying "fuck that Gin & Juice" in "Hennessey" recorded in March (for having not recorded "Animosity" with him for Thug Life Original ? for having stolen the "Lie 2 Kick It" beat for "Gz & Hustlaz" ? for having been among the people who leaked his Thug Life Demo ?... cf. Thug Life Original).

Murder Was The Case release party... Oct. 94

Biggie and Puffy will finally let the smoking anthem to Craig Mack (probably with the troubles Biggie had with selling drugs), which will appear in the promo of his album, but not in the retail version. Could Biggie justice troubles still be the reason ? Let's remember that 2Pac had been condemned to 15 days of jail for having beaten Allen Hugues, the strong clue being 2Pac's own words in a MTV Raps show one year earlier... and that his released songs lyrics were carefully inspected during the audiences about his cases about having shot at cops and about the rape... Probably following the case, Puffy didn't want to have the same troubles...

Biggie with the Junior M.A.F.I.A.

From the Demo Tape to the Puffy's version of Ready To Die

It is said that Biggie at the time always had the demo tape of his album with him, without any mix, collecting the songs he recorded here and there for the album. The tape is said to still have "House of Pain" with 2Pac and original versions of his songs. Then Puffy put his hands on that demo. He certainly removed "House of Pain" without any comments, and deeply cleaned the rest : he notably gave a different beat to "Juicy" with the same sample than Pete Rock, what disappointed him... 

Heavy D and Eddie F will again reunite both rappers in "Let's Get It On" in spring of '94... But in fact, like Grand Puba of Brand Nubian told, they all recorded their verse in April, except Biggie who dropped his months later circa June...

Funny to notice that whereas 2Pac recorded with Grand Puba, circa spring or summer of 94 Biggie recorded "Come On" featuring Sadat X, the second famous member of the Brand Nubian. Only the instrumental by Easy Mo Bee is included in the Advanced Press Copy of the Ready To Die album, so maybe it was not recorded yet at that time (circa June ?). 

In July 09, Biggie and 2Pac were together on stage at the New Regal Theater in Chicago, alongside Digital Underground, Junior Mafia, Crucial Conflict, Common, Psychodrama, Twista, Da Brat and... a 17 years old local named Kanye West ! 

at Puffy's birthday party, Nov. 4

In the final months before the release of his album, Biggie will more likely follow Puffy considerations for having clean material for the large audience, achieving the metamorphosis of his album by recording the "Big Poppa" and "Unbelievable", notably replacing the "Whatchu Want" street thing. 2Pac will again appear hugging Biggie and sharing a champagne bottle with Puffy at Puffy's birthday party in November 4th of 1994 (at Roseland Ballroom). 

Finally, 2Pac was in New York in the Quad Studios, recording a song with Ron G, It's Alive, Stretch and Keith Murray. The session stands very likely a few days or a month after Keith recorded the first version of "Who Shot Ya" with Biggie for the Mary J Blige album in the same studios... At the end of the session, 2Pac and Stretch went down the building and were robbed by a group of guys... 2Pac resisting was shot... Then he went back in the in the lift. Puffy & B.I.G. were working in a studio, maybe at Junior Mafia next project... They discovered him going out of the elevator, bleeding... 

Biggie said he tried to go to the Hospital to see 2Pac but was stopped by 2Pac's people... 2Pac very likely claimed in interviews that he was suspecting Biggie and Puffy for being behind the Quad Studios robbery... After that, in 1995, whilst 2Pac was sentenced to prison for 1.5 to 4.5 years for sexual abuse in February the 7th... Biggie released the 21st of February a "Big Poppa" single with "Who Shot Ya ?" as a B-Side... with a fatal 1st verse ending : "You rewind this, Bad Boy's behind this (Bad Boy's behind this)" (only difference with the original recording from November), that 2Pac instantly took against him...

2Pac and Biggie will only see each other again the 29th of March at the Soul Train Awards in the park place where both crews were about to shoot at each other...

Here there is a list of rumors about yet to leak/release songs from The Notorious B.I.G. : LINK

Vibe article, August 94

DETAILED TRACKLIST :

1. Microphone Murderer, mid 1991. Prod. DJ 50 Grand. 
• Beat made with "Blind Alley" by The Emotions. These lyrics and flow are what earned Biggie the attention of Mister. Cee (Big Daddy Kane's DJ), who sent the demo to The Source "Unsigned hype" section, what led him to be signed by Puffy Combs. The beginning of the thing. The powerful charismatic BIG style is already there, ready to compete with the greatest, i.e. his elder from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, Big Daddy Kane, who rapped over the same sample in 1988 for "Ain't No Half Steppin'", one of the biggest Hip-Hop tune of all time...
2. Guaranteed Raw, mid 1991. Prod. DJ 50 Grand.
• Same lyrics and drum beat than the famous live at Bedford-Stuyvesant Block Party in 1991 (there are videos of the party - it plays EPMD's "Rampage Remix" from Feb. 91 at a time - a wonderful historical document in itself, and from Biggie's performance). The drum pattern will be re-used by Easy Mo Bee for "Gimme The Loot".
3. Love No Hoe, mid 1991. Prod. DJ 50 Grand.
• Beat taken from Massive Attack's "Blue Lines" (eponymous album released in April 1991).
4. Another Rough One, c. April - June of 1993. Prod. Mister Cee (?).
• Radio freestyle (?). Biggie re-uses his verses from "Microphone Murderer" ending by a dedication to Mr. Cee who had nothing to do with the original. Leaked in the so called "Biggie Smalls '93 Demo Tapes" (fanmade). This exact vocals take was remixed in Born Again (1999). Released in Funkmaster Flex's Special Delivery Pt.2 (2001). The freestyle directly follows the freestyle version of "Party & Bullshit" with Biggie singing "party & bullshit, wooo, wooo, Mister Cee". Biggie probably gave this radio live freestyle for the release of Who's The Man ? soundtrack in April '93 or for his single in June. Released by Mister Cee as "Party & Bullshit Freestyle" in Best of Biggie, 10 Years Anniversary Mixtape (2007).
5. Mumbling & Whispering, late 1991 - early 1992 (~). Prod. Mister Cee. 
• Recorded at Mister Cee's house in 1991 or early 1992 (it is usually said '93 but it does not sound like that and these are the same lyrics than in "Stretch & Bobbito Show '91" freestyle...). It was firstly released in Best of Biggie, 10 Years Anniversary Mixtape (2007).
6. 16 Bars, 1993. Live freestyle at the Lyricist Lounge. 
• Released in Lyricist Lounge 2 (2000). There is also a video of the same event where Biggie plays "Party & Bullshit".
7. Can I Get Witcha ? (Original), March - July of 1993. Unknown producer. 
• Leaked in the so-called "Biggie Smalls Demo Tape". "My name ain't 2Pac, I don't get around". Of course, not a diss, just a nice line about the hit of the time. Remixed in Born Again (1999).
  
8. Dead Wrong (Original), 1993-1994 (?). Prod. Easy Mo Bee (?).
• The idea could eventually have been given by 2Pac who gave Biggie the advice to rap about serious topics like death, love... not only street things. Remixed in Born Again (1999).
9. For Macs & Dons, 1994 (~). Prod. Fresh Gordon. 
• Leaked in the so-called "Biggie Smalls Demo Tape". It is a reference track recorded for the unknown rapper Sheldon-D, who apparently never released anything. Biggie says 94 in his lyrics but he could anticipate.
10. Whatchu Want Freestyle, 1992-1993 (~). Radio freestyle, unknown source.
• Verses 2 & 3 of the song which is included in Ready To Die Promo Version. There is also a freestyle in the streets in 1992  with Biggie rapping the verse 1. Biggie will also play the song live in July or August 1993 with 2Pac backing with Puffy, only a few days after they met.
11. Niggaz (Original), first half of 1993 (~). Unknown producer. 
• Biggie uses one verse of the song for Snoop & Chronic concert in 93, and again for the "Freestyle at Royalton Hotel" with 2Pac in July 93 (cf. Mr. Middle Finger). Remixed in Born Again (1999).
  
12. House of Pain (Original), Nov. 1993. Prod. Jesse West. 
• Presumably recorded in late November 1993 around the time 2Pac recorded "Pain" with same topic and kind of lyrics (cf. Out On Bail, Honor Among Thugz). The leak we have is said ripped from a cassette, so probably from a very early version of Ready To Die ; there is a rumor about a tape Biggie had with him compilation of the unmixed recording sessions he made for his album.
13. Come On (Demo Version), c. Oct. of 1993. Prod. Lord Finesse.
• Biggie gives the same verse in the Live at Madison Square Garden with Big Daddy Kane & 2Pac in October. This version has a different mixdown and a alternate second verse from Sadat X than the Promo version (and O.G. Edition of Ready To Die). It was released in Lord Finesse's Rare Selections Vol. 1, labelled as a demo from 1993. Remixed in Born Again (1999).
14. You're Nobody ('Til Somebody Kills You) (Original). 1993-1994 (~). DJ Enuff (?),Stevie J & Puffy (???). 
• Remixed in Born Again (1999). The title is a play on the popular song "You're Nobody Until Somebody Loves You", notably sung by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra... The original version was possibly produced by DJ Enuff Biggie had recorded freestyles for.
15. Blazing Chronic, 1994. Prod. Easy Mo Bee (?) or Fabian Hamilton (?).
• A snippet was leaked in the so-called "Biggie Smalls Demo Tapes" (from the 2000's), with the "Drugs" beat (sample from "Bumpy's Lament" by Soul Mann & the Brothers) used in Lil' Kim Hardcore album. There is even a chorus by Snoop Dogg in some leaked/remixed versions of the song... Not impossible that Biggie got that beat first and later gave it to Kim... but it could also be a blend... The freestyle recorded during "Let Me Get Down" sessions (early 94) could have the same early Easy Mo Bee beat than that song... What about the Snoop Dogg chorus "blazing chronic through the galaxy" ? Exactly similar to the one used by Dr. Dre & the Hitmen in "Light Speed" (in 2001), Snoop could possibly have recorded something like that with Biggie in early 94 (the time of the release of "Gin & Juice"), without giving a verse, but it is doubtful...
16. Teen Summit Freestyle, 1992-1993 (~). Freestyle for the TV show.
• It is said that Biggie was struggling to rap acapella so Puffy asked the crowd to make one by applauding.
17. Party & Bullshit (Demo Version), c. Jan. 1993. Prod. Easy Mo Bee. 
• Not very different than the retail : Biggie saying "it don't stop" at the beginning, and no Puff Daddy's voice at the end. There is also a radio "freestyle" version, with a part leaked by Mister Cee in Best of Biggie with Biggie freestyling and singing at the end of the song.
18. Flip Dat Shit, Jan. 1993. Prod. Jesse West.
• Leftover track from Who's The Man O.S.T. (included in some Promo versions of the album). Onyx will recycle their verse for their duet with Hardcore group Biohazard int the eponymous song of Judgement Night Soundtrack (1993). Finally released in Cold Cases Vol. 2 (2014) Onyx compilation. Funny to notice that Biggie in his prime was featured with Treach, close friend from 2Pac at that time. 2Pac had just recorded "5 Deadly Venomz" with him in late 1992.
19. The Basement Freestyle, late 1993. Prod. DJ Enuff.
• Taken from an unknown DJ Enuff mixtape. Biggie is rapping the same verse than in "Live at Madison Square Garden" (cf. Honor Among Thugz).
20. Let Me Get Down (Demo Version), 1994. Prod. Easy Mo Bee. 
• Remixed in Born Again (1999). Initially recorded for Biggie's Ready To Die in 1994, eventually later given to Craig Mack for his first album (included in the promo of the album with alternate verse by Craig Mack). Unofficially released in Underground Airplay Vol. III. During this studio sessions, it is said Biggie also recorded "Blazing Chronic" and another unleaked eventually titled "Feel The Funk"...
21. Biggie Got The Hype Shit, 1992. Prod. Jesse West & Mister Cee.
• Possibly recorded the 5th of March '92, right about having been designed "unsigned hype" by The Source Magazine.
22. Stick-Up (Extended Version), 1992-1993. Prod. Jesse West.
• Recording session is said from December of '92. This second version has a different and unique verse by Biggie, unfortunately cut in the middle... Jesse, Troo Kula and Biggie probably initially recorded a demo for Jesse or for Biggie project. Then they invited some friends for a long posse cut version. Released in 1995 in an unofficial Niggas Ain't Ready Daddy-O's mixtape.
23. Stretch & Bobbito Show '91, c. late 1991. 
• Radio freestyle with same first verse than "Mumbling & Whispering" over Cypress Hill beat "Hand on the Pump" (Aug. of 91).
24. Whatchu Want (Live in the playground, Brooklyn), 24th of May 1992.
• Biggie gives the first verse of the song, acapella. I think he raps in front of the Crispus Attucks playground which is now also called "Christopher "Biggie" Wallace Courts", which is maybe also where the "Party & Bullshit" video was shot.

Biggie & 50 Grand, c. 1991 (?)

The Mod Squad (Wicked J & Sam Burton) -1992- People's Park (TNT / Priority)

• 1991-1992 : first album by 2Pac's T.N.T. labelmates Julian Brooks & Sam Burton.
• Julian Brooks aka Wicked J from "Static", "Fade Away" and "Live at African Liberation Day.
  

Discogs page. Julian Brooks youtube channel.

1. People's Park

2. Stroll

3. Everybody Must Get Stoned

4. Last Tango in Fandango

5. Let Go

6. Crisp Trip

7. Planet Choosing

8. Vines

9. I Want U 2 C

10. Ms. Massy

11. Reality Check

12. It's a Dream

13. The Word

14. B-Town Theme

15. The Way It Goes

 

The group is Julian Brooks & Sam Burton

They produced the whole album by themselves. 

Executive Producer - Atron Gregory of T.N.T. Records

Recording Engineer - Darrin Harris

 

T.N.T. family !

The album was recorded at T.N.T. studios under the supervision of Atron Gregory (executive producer of 2Pac and Digital Underground albums in 90-93), and with the help of the engineer Darrin Harris (engineer and producer for Richie Rich & 415, Digital Underground, Funky Aztecs, DBG'z and for 2Pac's '"No Part of Dis", cf. 2Pacalypse II). 

If the album keeps the Digital Underground bizarre sound, it has a more abstract and jazzy side than a funky vibe. The group name is a reference to the TV successful ABC's series 1968-1973 The Mod Squad : one white, one black, one blond girl. Three young undercover cops (cf. promo trailer ; opening & closing themes).

Wicked J : from "Static" with Force One Crew to the Mod Squad

Julian Brooks was formerly known as "Wicked J" - he personally confirmed it to me through his YT channel. He originally had a kind of reggae style and was the partner of reggae artist Cooley Ranks. They both gave a verse in 2Pac's original version of "Static" (known as raggamuffin mix), and they were backing him in African Liberation concert and in the unreleased 2Pacalypse track "Fade Away" (cf. Tales of a 90's N.I.G.G.A., 2Pacalypse II). Like they say in "Static", they were possibly forming a group named "Force One Crew", what could be a first lineup for Chopmaster J's Force One Network, maybe with Tupac. What could mean that Chopmaster J's original project was a rap thing - maybe a compilation of early Strictly Dope work remixed with other artists things, before losing some of his work in a firestorm and starting a whole new project with Dave Hollister as voice leader... 

In the very first tracklist for a second album, right before 2Pac transferred "Part Time Mutha" and "Soulja's Story" to his solo album (circa October of 1991 ?), a mysterious title "Go Head & Rock" is enlisted... So maybe the "Static Playa Mix" was made around that time - but it does not appear again in next tracklist. So that firestorm could have occurred around that time. Maybe Chopmaster J lost Force One Crew material, what led Cooley Ranks to make his way and to Julian Brooks to go towards a whole new direction with Sam Burton.

Sam Burton is essentially a producer with a very abstract jazzy-dub style. He is credited for having produced 6 tracks in Funky Aztecs' first album Chicano Blues (released in late 1992). Julian Brooks is also featured in one of these tracks : "Don Quixote".

In 1995, they released a new mini album called "Abstract EP" and then disappeared.

 

The Notorious B.I.G. -1994- Ready To Die (Promo / O.G. Edition RECTIFIED) (Hit Factory / Mixtape Marvel)

• 1993 -  1994 : original recordings, alternate and unreleased tracks, demo versions of the Ready To Die album, before final mixdown.
• During the process of the recording of the album, there were many leftover tracks we gathered in our Big E Smallz Demo Tapes.
• Sources : Advanced Press Copy, Hit Factory's Promo of the 26th of July '94 ; Promo of the 1st of August of '94 ; The O.G. Edition

Biggie by David McIntyre, summer of 1994

### - The O.G. Edition is a fanmade improved version of the leaked "Advanced Press Copy", an early version of Ready To Die. It follows the same tracklist (without "Big Poppa" nor "Unbelievable") but replaces some tracks - with same mix than the retail - by alternate versions to refresh the listeners experience. We chose to update some elements and to change some bonus tracks to keep on that perspective. - ###

Advanced Press Copy, c. June '94 (?)

Ready To Die (The O.G. Edition)

1. Intro [original with uncleared sample]
2. Things Done Changed [original]
3. Gimme The Loot [uncensored]
4. Machine Gun Funk [DJ Premier's version] *
5. Warning [original]
6. Ready To Die [Easy Mo Bee's original with different beat] *
7. One More Chance [original with sample not replayed]
8. Fuck Me (interlude)
9. The What feat. Method Man [original with unheard lyrics] *
10. Juicy [Pete Rock's version] *
11. Everyday Struggle [original demo mix]
12. Me & My Bitch [original with different beat]
13. Respect [original extended mix]
14. Friend of Mine [original demo version]
15. Whatchu Want [unreleased original version]
16. Suicidal Thoughts [Pete Rock's version] 
17. Dreams [demo mix with intro] **  ----  RECTIFIED  -----
18. Come On feat. Sadat X [unreleased original version] ***
    
    
    * the original tracks of the promo are very close to the retail versions.
    ** this track from the Promo was not included in the O.G. Edition. We chose to re-add a slightly different mix of the song (which is probably from another Promo).
    *** the original track of the promo tape was just the instrumental of the song. The O.G. Edition gives the recorded song.
    
    

    

    Advanced Press Copy, circa June '94,
    "Come On" instrumental is not listed.

     

     
    

    
    The O.G. Edition Bonus Tracks :
    
    
19. Who Shot Ya ? [unreleased original verse]
    Who Shot Ya ? feat. Keith Murray [unreleased original version]  ----- RECTIFIED  -----
20. For The Macs And Dons [unreleased track]
    Stick Up feat. Jesse West & Troo-Kula [unreleased "gimme the loot" first take]  -----  RECTIFIED  -----
21. Let Me Get Down feat. Craig Mack [unreleased original version]  -----  RECTIFIED  -----
22. Pepsi Freestyle [unreleased track]
    Biggie Got The Hype Shit (1991 demo track)

Note : so, we simply re-added a version of "Dreams" which was in the original promo, we updated "Who Shot Ya ? (Original)" with the Keith Murray's verse and we added two leftover tracks considered for the album (instead of the random early tracks included in the O.G. Edition).

We chose to add Craig Mack's featuring and Jesse West's one mainly because there are two versions of these songs - so we kept the other versions for our Biggie's Big E Smallz Demo Tapes (1991-1994) compilation. And also because in a way, they are among the first recorded things for the album (and it makes a strong link with Jesse West who helped Biggie from the beginning but wasn't in the final album) and one of the lasts (among the leftovers). 

Clarance Davis for NY Daily News, '94

Unused Tracks recorded during Ready To Die sessions, and very probably considered for the album :
. Stick Up (Second Version) feat. 3rd Eye, Capital LS, Troo-Kula & O.D.B.
. Party & Bullshit (Demo Mix)
. Can I Get With Ya (Original)
. Niggaz (Original)
. Dead Wrong (Original)
. You're Nobody (Original)
. House of Pain (Original) feat. 2Pac & Stretch
. Let Me Get Down (First Take) feat. Craig Mack
. Everyday Struggle [alternate demo mix with sax]
. Party & Bullshit (Lord Finesse Remix)
. Party & Bullshit (Puffy Remix)

O.G. Edition by The Mixtape Marvel

Why "Fuck Me" is the perfect interlude of Ready To Die ?

Because it perfectly illustrates Biggie's style as a rapper ! The rhymes, the deep voice strongly hit the listeners ears in the same rhythm than a brutal coitus. It lasts a few minutes and it ends up brutally in one final decisive shot, and the victim who received the rap falls on the floor...

Promo versions of Ready To Die

What's the interests of this promo version of the album ?

The official album is for sure way better than a low quality and unfinished work. Nevertheless, this promo purposes a different side of the album. Firstly, the slightly altered mix of the demo allows you to listen with a new ear. And also, the final mixdown made or directed by Puffy was sometimes criticized, wanting to polish a bit the songs in order to have radio airplay. 

Then some little surprises give a refreshing air to the album : different sample in the beginning of the introduction ; the original sample in "One More Chance" ; the original whole different Biggie verses in "The What", the different version of the "Juicy" beat by Pete Rock...

Of course, the main interest remains the exclusive leftover tracks. The promo had "Whatchu Want" and the beautiful "Come On" instrumental. Mixtape Marvel gave the complete song but the instrumental was maybe even more interesting than the recorded song itself.... We added two other leftover tracks : one which was finally given to Craig Mack and was included in promo of his album. And the first song presumably recorded for the album with a verse Biggie will reuse for "Gimme The Loot". But among them, we have to admit that only "Whatchu Want" could really compete with the released songs of the album with his dark dirty beat & angry flow.

But the jewel of this promo tape was for the die-hard fans the most wanted track "Me & My Bitch (Original)" with a totally different beat. The song is incredibly more dirty funk and powerful. There are another jewels in the O.G. Edition of the Tape : the original funk version of "Ready To Die" and an exclusive DJ Premier's boom bap version of "Machine Gun Funk", probably made for a B-Side.

Clarance Davis for the Daily News, '94

In terms of featurings... already in a competition with Nas ?

When Biggie was asked about the fact he had only one featured artist in his album, Biggie said he recorded other songs with guests but they finally chose to take them off and have mainly him with the beats. Exactly like Nas in Illmatic (April 1994), who had only AZ in "Life's A Bitch" and some backings by Q-Tip in "One Love"... Nas was considered as the ultimate MC, self-sufficient. Biggie as a competitor could do as well as him and stands almost solo for a whole album.

In a way, 2Pac will try the same kind of things - very few featurings. He said in an interview in April '94 that after All Eyez On Me, he wanted his new album to be like a Me Against The World pt. 2 but with very few guests (3 or 4 rap guests, depending of the sequence). It also looks like that in the Makaveli album Killuminati where there is only one featuring (Bad Azz), but only if we except the Outlawz on four songs...

Biggie enumerates the featuring songs he recorded for the album : 2Pac and Stretch, Sadat X, Craig Mack, ODB, Capital LS, 3rd Eye and Troo-Kula... 

For the Jesse West's "Stick Up" with ODB, Troo Kula & Capital LS, the song is obviously a cacophony... Jesse and Troo-Kula being not that good in comparison and Capital & ODB being in the same crazy hardore flow register.

Considering Craig Mack's "Let Me Get Down", it is obviously the same music vibe than "Come On"... On the other hand, this smoke anthem would have given another side for the album... finally not that present. But maybe it was said to Biggie to not promote smoke and drugs with his troubles with that for the justice...

"Come On", despite a good training chorus, is kind of strange. Sadat X finally gives an odd verse.

by McIntyre, 1994 

The exclusion of "House of Pain" ?

Puff Daddy probably didn't want a 2Pac track...

After having met in July 93, maybe the day after Poetic Justice premiere (the 21st), 2Pac & Biggie started to hang up and smoke together a lot. The 23 of July, they gave a freestyle together at the Palladium (Tunnel ? Amazon Club ?), in front of Nas, Chuck D, Redman... Maybe the next day, they were drinking & freestyling at the Royalton Hotel. A few days later you see them together on stage with Snoop and the Chronic team... Then maybe in early August, 2Pac was backing Biggie in a concert ("Whatchu Want" / "Party & Bullshit")... Then 2Pac invited Biggie to go on tour with Thug Life (Sheraton)...

Logically Biggie introduced 2Pac to his producer Easy Mo Bee and they soon recorded "Runnin' From The Police" together with Stretch circa the 30th of October 1993, originally intended for 2Pac's third album then titled Out On Bail. In return, Biggie invited 2Pac and Stretch in late November to record a song for his album : "House of Pain", produced by his friend Jesse West. The concept probably came from 2Pac who had just recorded "Pain" with the same topic.

But the justice case 2Pac was accused in December of 93 probably started to separate them. Puffy was working at protecting his key artist from the problems he already had with the justice. And the fact that Haitian Jack, friend of Jimmy Henchman and Puff Daddy, was also implicated in the rape case could have participate to this. According to 2Pac declarations, he let the girl in the bedroom with the other guys - so Haitian Jack - and went to sleep in the living room... Could they be angry at 2Pac for that ?

Anyway, for sure, Puffy didn't want to have 2Pac - a name associated to controversy and rape women - as featured artist in the album of his protégé...

Craig Mack & Biggie, 1994

Clarance Davis for Daily News, 94

So... Who shot him ???

Firstly : there are TWO VERSIONS of the song... one before 2Pac was shot, one after.

As we can understand, the original version of "Who Shot Ya ?" was recorded for Mary J Blige's new album My Life, released the 29th of November, so one day before the Quad ambush... So, circa late summer of 94, Biggie would have given a verse for an interlude of the album - over that beat. The verse being too harsh, they asked Keith Murray to record a verse too. Parts of each appear in Mary J Blige's Promo version of the album (cf. Discogs), maybe even the full Biggie's verse if we consider the duration of the interlude. So, nothing to do with 2Pac...

But... Biggie recorded a new version in early 1995 for a B-Side. He added a second verse, and modified the last line of his 1st verse... "representin for the Queen, her royal highness" to "You rewind this, Bad Boy's behind this"... Seriously, Biggie carefully chose his rhymes... He perfectly knew it will sound exactly like an answer to 2Pac's allegations ! like a provocation at least. 

Let's be clear, we don't think Biggie has directly anything to do with 2Pac being robbed at the Quad Studios. But he could be angry against 2Pac (for suspecting him and Puffy), at the time he re-wrote the song and deliberately throw some provocative lines. At the same time, if he would have something to do with it, if he would have known Puffy or Henchman & Haitian Jack were implicated, he could have written exactly like that... giving some subliminal words against him... 

We know there is a strong probability for Haitian Jack (implicated in the same rape case than 2Pac) and his protector Jimmy Henchman (same Haitian mafia, close to Puffy) to be the origin of this robbery... Maybe Stretch was also kind of implicated : a debt he could have... It was said that the goal was just a robbery and not to shoot at 2Pac... In order to afraid him ? But the main question remains : was Puffy aware of the thing ? 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

• Gimme The Loot, late 1992. Prod. Easy Mo Bee.
• Included in Uptown Promo Sampler, Biggie probably used his verse for the "Stickup" first version, presumably recorded in December of 1992. For the beat, Easy Mo Bee recycled the drums pattern of Biggie's '91 demo "Guaranteed Raw".
• Warning, c. August of 1993. Prod. Easy Mo Bee.
• Considering the tracklist of the Uptown Promo Sampler, with a song titled "Hot Butter Soul" (title of the famous Isaac Hayed album with no eponymous song but the track "Walk On By", what Easy Mo Bee had produced the song "Warning" with), it could indicate that the song "Warning" was about to be recorded at the time Puffy was fired from Uptown Records in July '93.
• The What (Biggie Original Verse), c. July of 1993 (?). Prod. Easy Mo Bee.
• Biggie said he didn't really know Meth when he came for recording the song (Enter The Wu was released only in Nov. 93), probably circa July of 1993 (he is on stage with Biggie and 2Pac at the Palladium the 23rd of that month). That first take should come from that Uptown Promo Sampler tape. Biggie admitted Meth totally destroyed him and so he recorded another verse instead of the first one... maybe in late '93. That recording could be in relation with ODB recording "Stick-Up" circa late 92 (ODB, Wu-Tang founder could have pushed his friend to go and record with Biggie).
• Juicy (Pete Rock Original Mix), first half of 1994 (?), Prod. Pete Rock.
• Remade for Juicy 12'' B-Side as "Pete Rock Remix". Pete Rock claims Puffy stole him the beat and didn't credit him as being the originator. One can say Puffy made a more polished mix. The Pete Rock Original possibly was in Biggie's "homemade" unleaked Demo Tape of the album (with "House of Pain" for instance).
• Whatchu Want, late 1992 - early 1993. prod. Easy Mo Bee.
• Biggie sings the first verse of the song in a park at Brooklyn and there is a radio freestyle where Biggie sings the two other verses, cf. Big E Smallz Demo Tapes. Then he sings it live on stage with 2Pac backings in August. 2Pac wears the same black leather vest than at the Royalton Hotel and at the Palladium in July 23 (cf. 2Pac's Mr. Middle Finger unfinished project).
  
• Dreams (with intro), mid 1993. Prod. Rashad Smith.
• Included in Uptown Promo Sampler. Biggies said it was just a joke, recording that small song as a bonus after a session for Mary J Blige's "What's The 411 ? (Remix)" - which had the same Biggie first verse - in mid 1993.
• Come On (Original), demo in late 1993 (?), second version June of 1994 (?). Prod. Lord Finesse. 
• Remixed in Born Again (1999) but initially recorded for Ready To Die. Strangely, only the instrumental is included in the Advanced Press Copy of the album... Maybe the song was re-recorded around the time of that promo... Maybe they just included the instru as an outro. The song was published in an unofficial 12'' in 2008. Another version of the song with a different mixdown was released in Lord Finesse's Rare Selections Vol. 1 (2008), with written "Demo 1993" on it. Sadat X has a whole different verse but the song is shorter...
• Who Shot Ya ? (Original), Sept.-Oct. 1994 (~). Prod. Nashiem Myrick, Poke & Puffy. 
• Biggie's original first verse - with small differences, ending dedicatory to the queen (Mary J) - was early leaked by Mister Cee, but the full Keith Murray's one came much later from an unknown source. It is said the two recorded in late summer of 94 for Mary J Blige album My Life (released the 29th of November 94), the promo of the album had Biggie's verse. but only very small parts of it (22 secs. of the instrumental in the intro and 22 secs. of Keith Murray's verse in the interlude). So the original Biggie verse was clearly written way before 2Pac was shot at the Quad studios... but Biggie chose to re-record for his Big Poppa Remix single B-side the song with the same title and a very small difference, ending his first verse "Bad Boy's behind this"... How to not guess it would be misinterpreted ?
• Stick-Up (First Take), Dec. 1992. Prod. Jesse West. 
• This version seems unfinished as a first take. Biggie uses the same verse than in "Gimme The Loot" first verse. Maybe he decided to re-use temporarily a verse from the song he recorded around that time, waiting to write a new one. And so he recorded a whole new verse for the final extended version with ODB and Capital LS, cf. Big E Smallz Demo Tapes.
• Let Me Get Down (Original), early 1994 (~). Prod. Easy Mo Bee. 
• Biggie said the song was originally intended for his album. This version was included in Craig Mack's Promo for his own album in 1994. It is said that during the same session, he (or they) recorded "Blazing Chronic" and eventually an unleaked "Feel The Funk". There is an alternate longer mix with alternate vocals by Craig Mack which is supposedly the first take of the song, cf. Big E Smallz Demo Tapes.
• Sprite Commercial, 1993-1994 (?). Unknown producer.
  

by Clarance Davis for Daily News, 94