Free Suge // Free Meech
Dating back to 1993, 2pac had a breakout year in the mainstream, with his Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.. album. During the creation process of the project, Pac already had plans of launching his own Thug Life imprint, which included the 1994 Vol. 1 compilation album.
With direct distribution in play, Pac was planning to formally become his own bos; but still didn’t own rights to his name. Years later, we would find out that was his plan with the Makaveli name change, with help through Suge Knight. During the creation process of Ready to Die, which released the same month around Thug Life: Volume 1; Biggie was contemplating leaving Bad Boy Records.
Biggie had left the street life for good, but wasn’t seeing initial income that was expected – which is where he felt disgruntled. 2pac had everything set up for Biggie to join him, as the two were in the process of recording multiple tracks together. This even took into the early creation process of Ready to Die, which Pac even helped offer ideas to Frank White (see: the chorus for Everyday Struggle, and basically the album).
With Biggie as the star of Thug Life Records and best rapper in the world, 2pac was already contemplating leaving rap for good, and wanted to focus on acting and fashion. Makaveli felt he could give Biggie his music resources and just give him the crown, which he really wanted to do.
However, The Notorious B.I.G. would put trust in Puff Daddy, with his life and career going forward. This is one of the crazier what-ifs, which would’ve changed the history of rap. Just a few weeks after Ready to Die and Thug Life released, 2pac was shot during the infamous Quad Studios controversy.
As you all know, the relationship between both Tupac and Biggie was never resolved. The week before Pac died and came back New York to make peace with Nas, he planned on eventually meeting with The Notorious B.I.G. to end their beef.
Unfortunately, those plans never happened, leaving many questions forever like this one.