Snoop Dogg on First Meeting Biggie with 2Pac | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, Snoop Dogg and Joe Rogan discuss Biggie's early days in the hip-hop scene and his freestyle skills. Snoop shares anecdotes of their experiences together and talks about the impact of Biggie's talent. They also touch on the rivalry between East Coast and West Coast rap artists, particularly the events surrounding Tupac's shooting and his accusations towards Biggie and the East Coast. The conversation explores the cultural influences and the business side of hip-hop, emphasizing the purity and competitive spirit of the genre.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you share any memories or stories of Biggie's freestyle skills?

Snoop Dogg recalls a night in L.A where he, Biggie, Warren G, and Tupac were freestyling on stage, and it was mind-blowing. He describes how initially, people didn't take Biggie seriously because of his appearance, but once he started rapping, everyone recognized his talent and knew he was exceptional.

Q: Have you seen the video of Biggie rapping on a street corner in Brooklyn when he was 17?

Snoop mentions that it's one of his favorite videos in hip-hop. He talks about how powerful and impressive it is to witness a 17-year-old kid rapping with such skill and charisma. He believes that seeing that performance would convince anyone that Biggie was destined for greatness.

Q: Was Biggie already signed to Death Row Records at the time of his freestyle with Warren G and Tupac?

Surprisingly, Biggie wasn't even on Death Row Records at that point. Snoop explains that Biggie was just a friend who came over to collaborate. This fact highlights the organic connection between artists and the impactful collaborations that can happen outside of contracts and record labels.

Q: Do you think Biggie's style was as good as Warren G's when they were freestyling together?

Snoop expresses admiration for Biggie's style and says that Biggie held his ground and showcased his explosive technique while rapping alongside Warren G. He emphasizes that Biggie's talent was not overshadowed by others, and his performance was exceptional.

Q: What are your thoughts on the video of Biggie rapping on a street corner at 17 having very few views on YouTube?

Snoop emphasizes the rarity and quality of the video. He urges that more people should watch it, as it is a significant piece of hip-hop history. He predicts that the video's views will spike considerably once more people discover it and appreciate its impact.

Q: Did you know Snoop Dogg before he had long hair?

Snoop confirms that he knew Snoop Dogg before his iconic long hair period. He reflects on the time when they were all cool in the West Coast scene, hanging out together, smoking, and making music. It was a beautiful period of camaraderie and positivity.

Q: When did things go wrong between Tupac and Biggie?

Snoop explains that things started to go wrong after Tupac got shot in New York. Tupac believed someone from the East Coast was involved in the shooting. Later, it was revealed that the people Tupac accused had nothing to do with it. Snoop mentions that Tupac's accusations and involvement with Death Row Records further fueled the rivalry, escalating the situation instead of finding resolution.

Q: How did the East Coast-West Coast rivalry affect the hip-hop industry?

Snoop relates the East Coast-West Coast rivalry to conflicts in other countries, highlighting the impact it had on the culture and business of rap. He reflects on the missed opportunity to focus on making great music instead of fueling animosity. He believes that the music industry, like any other, should aim to find resolutions rather than escalate problems.

Q: What was the significance of seeing Biggie rap on the street corner at 17?

Snoop describes the pure and powerful performance by Biggie at such a young age. He believes that witnessing that level of talent and passion was a game-changer, as it showcased the potential and influence of hip-hop. He, along with other young MCs, enjoyed the competitive spirit of the genre.

Q: How did rap become so influential within just 15 years?

Snoop reflects on how rap rapidly gained influence within a relatively short span of time. He mentions that during the time the video was recorded, he had either recently caught a case or hadn't caught one yet. He acknowledges that the evolution and impact of rap were incredible, considering its short history and the personal events surrounding its development.

Takeaways

The conversation between Snoop Dogg and Joe Rogan highlights the talent and impact of Biggie in the early days of hip-hop. They discuss his freestyle skills, his rise to fame, the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, and the cultural and business aspects of the music industry. The video of Biggie rapping on a street corner at 17 becomes a symbol of raw talent and potential within hip-hop. Snoop emphasizes the need for unity and resolution rather than escalating conflicts within the industry. The discussion provides valuable insights into the evolution and significance of rap as a genre.