2pac Biggie Live Freestyle
Jan Dominquez
Taking place on October 24th, 1993, at the Budweiser Superfest in Madison Square Garden, Tupac Shakur and Biggie would share the stage and deliver a fiery freestyle battle. It would not only provide us with a nostalgic tableau of what could have been but also give the Brooklynite Biggie a taste of stadium-sized fame.
By 1993, Tupac was already becoming a name in hip hop. The naturally charismatic figure had been trying to inch his way into the music business ever since he could remember and was starting to reap the rewards of his hard work. Given the opportunity of a huge stage like MSG, Shakur made sure to open up the chance at such a large crowd to his nearest and dearest, including Big.
Only a year later the two men would be pitted against one another in an apparent attempt to kill the rap careers of each coast of America. It would be a beef that would cause casualties on both sides and, eventually, lead to both icons passing far too soon. Below, however, we get to witness a more serene moment, when they shared the stage, the mic and friendship.
After an extended hiatus, Top Dawg rapper Ab-Soul returns this Friday (December 16) with Herbert, the California-based artist's first new album in six years. To promote the record, he stopped by the L.A. Leakers on Power 106 FM to deliver a new freestyle over 2Pac's "Hit 'Em Up" and "Who Shot Ya" by the Notorious B.I.G., a beat selection as classic as it is pointed. As you might expect, Soul isn't interested in getting carried by the legacies of the instrumentals, and delivers the kind of frisky and whip-smart wordplay that first made him a rapper to watch years ago. Watch above.
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As the world heals with the return of live music, we revisit three legendary nights, including the rare moment when Biggie and 2Pac traded bars on the MSG stage, the show where Captain Murphy revealed his mysterious identity with help from Earl Sweatshirt, and the time Prince played a one-of-a-kind show during the height of his Purple Rain fame.
The freestyle was eventually transferred to vinyl and continues to be heralded as one of the greatest nights in hip-hop history. Shyheim still fondly remembers the once-in-a-lifetime performance by the rap demigods.
Like Oscar-winning films The Sound of Metal and CODA, late legend Prince also proved the transcendent power of music. As he soared among the pop stratosphere with Purple Rain boasting nearly $70 million at the box office and a chart-topping soundtrack, the unparalleled artist made a 1984 tour stop at one of the largest deaf institutions in the country, Gallaudet University.
Rapping behind a cartoon image and a distorted voice, Murphy dropped a 35-minute album and accompanying visual entitled Duality later that fall. Backed by quirky and kaleidoscopic NSFW imagery, the vintage piece had social media platforms abuzz. With beats crafted by first-rate producers Madlib, Flying Lotus, Just Blaze, and TNGHT, fans theorized Captain Murphy to be either Earl, Tyler, The Creator, Flying Lotus or a combination of the three.
At a young 17 years old Biggie spent much of his time on the corners of deep Brooklyn testing out freestyles before taking over the scene. This corner is now recognized by the state of New York as Christopher "Notorious BIG" Wallace Way.
Check out where Biggie was a "terror since the public school era," (though for legal reasons we don't recommend following his lead on "cutting classes, squeezing asses"). The George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School is something of a breeding ground for rap icons, with other notable attendees including Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z and DMX. We're not saying cutting class will help your rap career, but we're not saying it won't.
Just across the street from Respect for Life is the local Key Food (Met Food Supermarket in Biggie's day). Bagging neighborhood groceries here was Biggie's original hustle, and murals of the rapper can be found on the exterior walls.
Biggie grew up on the third floor of this Clinton Hill building. Though his former "one-room shack" has been renovated extensively since Biggie lived there, you can still walk the same streets as the legendary rapper and check out the front of the building where he and his mother Voletta lived.
Across the street from Biggie's childhood home is the closed-but-standing Orient Temple, where Biggie did some of his earliest performances. At underground "Soul Power" parties, Biggie and his friends honed their freestyle skills, earning Biggie the nickname of "Mayor of Saint James Place".
Notorious B.I.G would have turned 50 this Saturday and NYC is honoring Big Poppa with a video montage at Barclays Center, a light display on the Empire State Building, a special edition MetroCard and more.
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The song 'Live freestyle 95' by 2Pac is a powerful showcase of raw talent and lyrical dexterity, featuring not only 2Pac but also other prominent figures in the rap scene like Biggie Smalls and Scoob. This live freestyle session captures the essence of 90s hip-hop, where spontaneous creativity and street credibility were paramount. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, aggressive bravado, and a sense of urgency that reflects the harsh realities of life in the streets.
2Pac's verse stands out as a testament to his resilience and defiance. He begins by thanking the Lord for his blessings and emphasizes the importance of protection, both physically and mentally. The line 'Ain't nuttin separatin us from a mack-10' underscores the constant threat of violence and the need for vigilance. 2Pac's portrayal of life as a 'hustler' and 'soldier' highlights his determination to survive and thrive despite the odds. His vivid descriptions of high-speed chases and confrontations with the law paint a picture of a life lived on the edge, where every moment is a battle for survival.
The collaborative nature of the freestyle, with contributions from Biggie Smalls, Scoob, and Shyheim, adds to the dynamic energy of the performance. Each artist brings their unique style and perspective, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions. Biggie's verse, with its detailed account of his arsenal and criminal exploits, contrasts with 2Pac's more introspective and philosophical approach. Shyheim's contribution, reflecting on the struggles of growing up in a tough environment, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. Together, these verses create a powerful and multifaceted portrayal of life in the urban jungle.
The song is not just a display of lyrical skill but also a reflection of the socio-political climate of the time. The references to violence, poverty, and systemic oppression resonate with the experiences of many listeners, making the freestyle a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by marginalized communities. The raw, unfiltered nature of the performance captures the essence of hip-hop as a form of resistance and self-expression, where artists use their voices to challenge the status quo and assert their identity.
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