In the mid-90s, the hip-hop world was shaken to its core with the tragic deaths of two prominent figures, Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace, famously known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G. Treach, who had a close relationship with 2Pac, spoke about getting the news of 2Pac being shot in Las Vegas.
On September 13, 1996, the news broke that Tupac Shakur had died. Treach remembers the initial rumors of Pac being shot and believed he would be fine. However, as more information trickled in from sources in Las Vegas, it became clear that the situation was grave. Treach contemplated flying out to Vegas to lend his support and gather more information, but the chaotic circumstances deterred him.
Just six months later, the news of Biggie's murder shocked the world once again. Treach vividly recalls receiving the news in a hotel room, feeling perplexed and disheartened. These two tragic events left a lasting impact on the music industry, as Treach reflects on the loss of two prominent figures who were relatable and seen almost as family.
Treach recalls the escalating tensions between the East and West Coast rap scenes, initiated by the infamous Vibe magazine cover that sparked the East Coast-West Coast rivalry. The headline simply said, "East versus West." This seemingly innocent title stirred up fans and fueled the fire of the feud. Treach emphasizes that it wasn't just a label confrontation but a divisive cultural split.
The media played a significant role in heightening the rivalry between the coasts. Treach cites the media's distortion of events, particularly the media's portrayal of Biggie's promotional activities in California after Pac's death, as a poor decision. As a result, tensions grew, and the situation became even more volatile.
Source: Youtube
