Kylie W
When Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, the hip-hop world was rocked. Not only was Tupac one of the most beloved and influential rappers of all time, but he was also embroiled in a feud with fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G. that had been escalating for months.
So when news of Tupac’s death spread, many wondered what Biggie’s reaction would be. Would he take the opportunity to end the feud, or would he continue to feud with Tupac even in death?
The answer, it turns out, was neither. Biggie told a friend that he wasn’t going to Tupac’s service, but it turned out he couldn’t have gone even if he’d wanted to. Two days after Tupac’s death, New York police arrested Biggie and his friend Lil’ Cease for marijuana possession. The cops took their Lexus, and when they got it back, the car wouldn’t drive.
In the days following Tupac’s death, Biggie remained silent. He didn’t make any public statements about Tupac, and he didn’t attend the memorial service. Instead, he kept a low profile and focused on his music.
Biggie’s first public comment on Tupac’s death came in a 1997 interview with Vibe magazine. In the interview, Biggie said that he was “hurt” by Tupac’s death and that he wished he could have talked to Tupac one last time. He also said that he felt like he was partly responsible for Tupac’s death, because of the feud between them.
Biggie’s next public comment on Tupac’s death came in 1998, when he released the song “Long Kiss Goodnight.” The song is widely seen as a tribute to Tupac, and it contains the lyrics “Ain’t no love lost, it’s just a long kiss goodnight.”
Biggie’s last public comment on Tupac’s death came in 2002, when he was interviewed by the New York Times. In the interview, Biggie said that he wished he could have done more to end the feud between him and Tupac before Tupac’s death. He also said that he wished he could have talked to Tupac one last time.
Biggie’s reaction to Tupac’s death was complex and nuanced. He didn’t take the opportunity to end the feud, but he also didn’t continue to feud with Tupac even in death. Instead, he kept a low profile and focused on his music, while expressing his sadness and regret at not being able to talk to Tupac one last time.
It’s been more than 20 years since Tupac’s death, and Biggie’s reaction to it still resonates with fans. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of a feud, it’s possible to show respect and compassion for a fallen rival.
