Chances are, if you’ve ever heard of hip hop, you’ve heard the names Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls (aka The Notorious B.I.G.) tossed around. And if you’re a fan of classic rap, you’re either repping 2Pac or Biggie.
The East Coast and West Coast hip hop rivalry was a musical feud that ran from 1991 to 1997. While I myself have never been a part of a “hip hop rivalry,” I can imagine the heated rhymes that came from each side. Tupac Shakur, although born in Harlem, was raised on the gang-ridden streets of California. Known by his stage name, "2Pac," he was generally known for being an incredible poet and lyricist, penning raps that brought up many of the social injustices that many black Americans were experiencing at the time. Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known as "The Notorious B.I.G." or "Biggie Smalls," was considered to have the better flow of the two rappers, stringing together words as easily as I could make a bead necklace at church camp....which is pretty dang easy for me. I have lots of knowledge of bead necklaces. These two men are considered two of the greatest rappers of all time. But the question is, who is really the best rapper?
Every person has a different opinion on this still hotly debated topic. Personally, I'm a Biggie fan, as the beats behind his words are especially sick and his words paint dark images of a cocaine-dusted, gang-run New York City. His music makes me feel as if I am watching a movie. 2Pac, although he has some beautiful songs such as "California Love" and "All Eyez On Me," falls short of the immense legacy that the Notorious B.I.G. left behind.
One of the most controversial chapters to the stories of 2Pac and Biggie surround their mysterious deaths. On September 7th, 1996, Tupac Shakur was killed in a drive-by shooting by an unknown assailant. Many believe the attack was carried out by a member of Biggie's party, but the murder remains unsolved to this day. Only a few months later, Biggie Smalls was murdered in a similar manner in Los Angles, California. Some think that this attack was carried out as retribution for 2Pac's death. This murder also remains unsolved to this day.
While both hip hop legends died in an untimely fashion, their influence upon modern hip hop is unparalleled. Many rappers today draw upon beats and references used by both Biggie and 2Pac. It's undeniable that both of these East Coast and West coast heroes held throne over the rap scene, even in 2015. But who do you rep? Biggie? Or 2Pac?
Recommended Tracks:
"Hypnotize" - The Notorious B.I.G.
"Respect" - The Notorious B.I.G.
"Gimme the Loot" - The Notorious B.I.G.
"California Love" - 2Pac
"Ambitionz Az a Ridah" - 2Pac (he wasn't known for correct spelling...)
"Dear Mama" - 2Pac
