2pac: greatest rapper Alive

April 28, 1990

The tension in hip-hop had just hit a new level.

Across the country, radio stations were suddenly playing a mysterious 40-second snippet. It wasn't a full song—just a teaser, a sharp, cutting message aimed directly at Tupac. The track, laced with hard-hitting bars, questioned Tupac's street credibility and accused him of abandoning gangsta rap for pop music.

"Pac switched up, he ain't N.W.A no more,

Now he chasin' hits, tryna sing for these hoes.

Talkin' 'bout justice, man, you sound so soft,

We the realest out the West, you just fell off."

The words spread like wildfire.

Every major radio station in L.A. had the snippet in rotation, and it wasn't by accident. Ruthless Records had paid to ensure maximum exposure, using their connections to make sure it played in every major city. New York, Atlanta, Chicago, even down in Texas—wherever hip-hop was big, this teaser was playing. And just as they had planned, people were talking.

The snippet was meant to serve two purposes: first, to promote N.W.A's upcoming EP, dropping May 5th, and second, to take a direct shot at Tupac, making it clear that his former crew wasn't backing down.

Hood Reaction: The Streets Eat It Up

The hood was loving every second of it.

From barbershops to street corners, from car stereos to boom boxes, the conversation was all the same—Tupac versus N.W.A.

"Yo, you heard that new N.W.A snippet?" a young hustler asked, leaning against his Impala outside a liquor store.

"Man, they went in on Pac!" his friend replied, shaking his head with a grin.

"It's 'bout time! Pac been actin' brand new since he left. He think he Michael Jackson now," another man chimed in, laughing.

The beef was entertainment, something for the streets to latch onto. People loved drama, especially when it came from artists they admired. It wasn't just about the music—it was about loyalty, about identity. Some were siding with Tupac, arguing that he had every right to go his own way. Others were with N.W.A, believing that Pac had turned his back on the hardcore sound that made him famous.

But no matter which side they were on, one thing was certain: this was hip-hop history in the making.

Carl Johnson's Reaction: The Business Side of the Beef

While the hood was hyped, Carl Johnson—Vice President of UMG and the man who had invested heavily in Tupac—was not.

Sitting in his office, he listened to the snippet playing through his speakers, his fingers drumming on his desk. He had bet his entire career on Tupac. If this beef spiraled out of control, it could hurt Pac's image—and by extension, hurt Carl's bottom line.

Carl knew how the industry worked. Beef sold records, but it was also unpredictable. It could derail an artist's career just as easily as it could boost it.

He picked up his phone, dialing a number.

"Get Tupac on the line," he ordered.

A few minutes later, Tupac's voice came through.

"You heard it, huh?" Tupac said, his tone almost amused.

"I heard it," Carl replied. "What's the move?"

Tupac chuckled. "The move? I ain't stressin'. They want my attention? They gonna get it."

Carl exhaled. That's what he was afraid of.

"You gotta be smart, Pac. This ain't just rap—this is business. We just dropped Poetic Justice. You're at the top right now. Don't let this pull you down."

Tupac was silent for a moment. "Carl, I hear you. But you know me. I ain't lettin' nobody disrespect me. If they want a war, I'll give 'em one."

Carl closed his eyes, already knowing there was no stopping him. Tupac had made up his mind.

[Author's Notes]

Hello, guys! I know some of you might be confused about what an EP album is, so let me break it down for you.

In the music industry, there are different types of projects that artists release: singles, EPs, albums, and mixtapes. Each of them serves a different purpose, and understanding their differences can help you follow the industry better.

1. Singles

A single is just one song. It's usually released before an album to generate hype, or sometimes as a standalone track. Singles are what you hear playing on the radio the most. For example, when any artist drops a track one song from the album that is going to become popular and artistic release ahead of his album, that's a single.

2. EP (Extended Play)

An EP, or Extended Play, is longer than a single but shorter than a full album. It usually has 4 to 6 songs and runs between 15 to 30 minutes. EPs are often used by artists who want to put out new music without making a full album. They're also a way for new artists to introduce themselves before working on a bigger project.

In this case, N.W.A is releasing an EP—meaning it's not a full-length album, but still a solid collection of songs. Think of an EP as a small meal before a big feast (the album).

3. Album (LP – Long Play)

A full album, also called an LP (Long Play), is the main project an artist works on. Albums usually have 10 to 20 songs and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. These are the major releases that define an artist's career.

For example, Poetic Justice is Tupac's full-length album—it's a complete body of work with a strong theme and concept behind it.

4. Mixtape

A mixtape is different from an album or an EP. It's more informal and usually released for free. Artists use mixtapes to experiment with new sounds, drop music without label restrictions, or keep fans engaged between albums. Unlike albums, mixtapes don't always follow a strict theme or structure.

Summary

Single → One song.

EP (Extended Play) → 4-6 songs, around 15-30 minutes.

Album (LP – Long Play) → 10+ songs, 30 minutes or more.

Mixtape → Unofficial project, often free, less structured than an album.

Now that you understand the differences, you can follow the industry better and know what's happening when an artist releases new music!

End