I have a running argument with one of my mates about who is better - 2Pac or Biggie? I'm team Notorious. He's team Shakur. We can go on and on about it. I don't think there's a better album in hip-hop than 'Ready to Die'. He reckons 'Changes' is the 'Imagine' of the '90s.
It's like arguing about The Beatles or The Stones, or Blur and Oasis. You're never going to agree, because both have disputable genius.
A letter written by Tupac whilst he was incarnated, which recently sold at auction for $172,725 (£141,851), has now shown why his legendary status has remained following his death in 1996.
Credit: goldinauctions.com
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Written to Nina Bhadreshwar, the publicist for Death Row Records, the four-page, handwritten letter is titled, 'Is Thug Life Dead?' Originally intended as a note that would be released for his young fans, it was never published at the time. But in his scribblings he provides the kind of reflections on society that made his lyrics so poignant.
"A regular Playa plays women," he writes. "A Boss Playa plays life. A Boss Playa is a thinker, a leader, a builder, a moneymaker, a souljah, a teacher and most of all, a Man! I want all my homiez to know there is another level." [sic]
He concludes the letter by saying: "Beware of Playa Haters and evil envious 'homiez'. They will bring u harm. It ain't all good my people be aware! Hopefully this will do some of u some good. If it does then I don't sit in jail in vain." [sic]
2Pac on the Arsenio Hall show in 1993. Credit: Paramount Television
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The single-sided quartet of pages was apparently sold to a well-known individual in the collecting community who outbid an anonymous 'household name level' entertainer.
Who is your guess for the famous star? Let us know in the comments...
Featured image credit: PA Images / goldinauctions.com
Featured Image Credit:Topics: hip hop, Tupac Shakur, Letter, auction