How Biggie and Tupac Went From Friends to Music’s Biggest Rivals

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 (also known as 2Pac) was gunned down on September 7, 1996, and died six days later, while Biggie (also known as the Notorious B.I.G.) was shot and killed six months later on March 9, 1997.

Neither murder has ever been solved. But one thing that there’s no question about is that they started off as friends.