The East Coast/West Coast beef is one of the most talked about events in Hip Hop. 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G., two of the game’s most prominent emcees, were right in the center of it. Unfortunately, lives were lost before a peace treaty could be signed. However, had HHAD been around to orchestrate one, it would’ve involved the music such as albums, Thug Life, Volume 1 and Conspiracy by Thug Life and Junior M.A.F.I.A., respectively. Let’s chop it up.
Comprised of 2Pac, Big Syke, Macadoshis, Stretch, The Rated R, and Mopreme, Thug Life released Thug Life, Volume 1 in October 1994.
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Pac was known to create songs centered around sensitive street topics. This album would be no different with songs such as “How Long Will They Mourn Me” and “Pour Out a Little Liquor.”
Pac would reach out to some familiar names for production such as Easy Mo Bee and Johnny J, among others.
The album reached the 42 spot on US Billboard 200 and 14 on US Top/Hip-Hop Albums. It was certified Gold.
Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s Conspiracy would come the following year.
After hearing Lil Cease’s name shouted out on numerous records by The Notorious B.I.G., we were able to put a voice with the name in “Player’s Anthem.” We would be introduced to Lil Kim as well. The song was in constant rotation in Summer 94.
“Get Money,” the album’s second single, got its share of notoriety as well. So did the video. Big and Faith Evans, his wife at the time, were having martial problems. Charlie Baltimore played a Faith looks alike.
“I Need You Tonight,” featuring Aaliyah, was the album’s third single. It was accredited as the launching pad for Kim’s solo career.
Conspiracy reached number 8 spot on the US Billboard 200 chart. It was certified gold by R.I.A.A.
It would have been nice if we could’ve settled the East Coast/West Coast with music. Unfortunately, what’s done is done. So, we’ll debate the music out of love.
Thug Life’s ‘Thug Life, Volume 1’ or Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s ‘Conspiracy’?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Thug Life – Thug Life, Volume 1 – 50%
Junior M.A.F.I.A. – Conspiracy – 50%
