Their worlds seemed destined to collide. They were two of the most talented hip-hop rappers on the scene. And they both were dedicated to exposing the truth of the tribulations of life on the streets, social injustice and the racial divide.
But the biggest difference between Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls:
They represented different coasts.
What exploded into arguably the biggest rivalry in music history, ended up in the death of both artists, just as their careers were skyrocketing.
Tupac was gunned down on September 7, 1996, and died six days later, while Biggie was shot and killed six months later on March 9, 1997.
Neither murder has ever been solved.
But, there’s no question that they started off as friends and ended up as enemies
From day one, there were questions about who was involved, who wanted Biggie dead, who pulled the trigger and who helped after the fact.
Rumors that it was the latest slaying in an ongoing, and increasingly violent West Coast v. East Coast beef hit the airwaves and inspired more bloodshed.
Biggie’s murder was a tragic milestone in ’90s American culture, one that still has people reeling and heads spinning all these years later.
For many, it was also, regrettably but undeniably, a quintessentially Los Angeles crime—steeped in celebrity, money, and entertainment, and wrapped in a shroud of conspiracy.
In his 2002 book, LAbyrinth, Sullivan connected Biggie’s murder to Suge Knight, Death Row Records, and a coterie of LAPD officers who were allegedly working as record company security and may have been involved in the Wallace attack.
Former LAPD officer David Mack, working in connection with Death Row Records’ Suge Knight, was believed to be involved in arranging the murder of Christopher Wallace, with Amir Muhammad allegedly acting as triggerman.
Mack was also implicated in the Rampart police corruption scandal and was convicted for his role in a $722,000 robbery of a Los Angeles Bank of America branch, resulting in a fourteen year sentence in federal prison.
FBI agent Phil Carson, originally came to the Wallace murder by way of investigating LAPD corruption
The FBI’s investigation into David Mack’s involvement in the Biggie slaying was stymied by the fear potential cooperators had of Mack, the former LAPD officer.
Phil Carson visited Mack in federal prison and interviewed him in connection with the Wallace murder and its links to police corruption.
Some pal eople believe they spotted Biggie alive in 2016:
WHY HAVEN’T THESE CASES BEEN SOLVED?
Russell suspects police involvement because it was so well-orchestrated and police officers know exactly what to do.
Russell pointed the finger a DAVID MACK, an LAPD police officer who used scanners and radios to orchestrate the hit. Many of these were found in his house.
Officer Rafael Perez was Mack’s former partner and best friend was convicted for the sale of drugs, racketeering and falsifying evidence.
Russell also suspected Harry Billips AKA AMMO MUHAMMED as a possible hit man.