East Coast v. West Coast

Hip Hop is notoriously known for the battle of the East Coast versus the West Coast. The largest known battle, which caught the most media attention was between Notorious B.I.G. (New York) and Tupac Shakur (Los Angeles). BIG belonged to Bad Boy Records and Tupac belonged to Death Row Records. Ultimately, they both faced the same ending, being shot and killed. Lets take a look at this rivalry.

Sean Combs, known as "Puff Daddy" founded Bad Boy Records in New York City in 1993. Combs' first rapper, who was a great success was Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace. Around the same time, Dr. Dre and Suge Knight owned Death Row Records, based in LA. Dr. Dre released one of the most influential hip hop albums under Death Row Records, The Chronic. Tupac was also under the label. Dr. Dre and Sean Combs has many digs at each other over the years, but the prolific battle was between Biggie and Tupac.

In 1994, Tupac accused B.I.G. and Sean Combs of being involved in his shooting at Quad Recording Studios. 2Pac was shot five times, but survived. Shortly after 2Pac's shooting, B.I.G. released the record "Who Shot Ya?" which many in the hip hop community took as a dig to 2Pac. This is just when the rivalry picks up some speed. After the release of "Who Shot Ya?" 2Pac appeared in many records that threatened Biggie and Bad Boy Records. Now the media was providing attention to this battle, and people were taking sides.

In 1996, Tupac Shakur died after again being shot five times, in a drive by shooting in Las Vegas. Many people believe that Shakur was shot because of a gang rivalry. It has never been proved that Sean Combs or anyone on the East Coast had direct involvement. Only six months later, Notorious B.I.G. was killed in a drive by shooting in LA, and to this day, his murder remains unsolved.

Ultimately, this battle ensued for many years to come and can even be seen in today's hip hop culture. All of the artists in hip hop strive to be the best, but maybe it was taken too far. Check out Biggie's "Who Shot Ya?" below.

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