Back in the 1990s, the East Coast vs. West Coast rap battle raged on. Whether the beef was real or some sort of genius promotional gimmick we will never know. Many of the people who could have answered the question are now gone. Within a short period of time we lost two of the most influential hip hop artists tragically in Biggie and Tupac. Fortunately, their memory and influence is not lost and still viable through the music they created.
The notorious Tupac Shakur, aka 2Pac, is considered by the Guinness Book of World Records to be the best-selling rap artist ever. He sold over 73 million albums worldwide, and has 17 top ten singles to his name. Consignor worked at DEATH ROW records 2001.
Presented is an example of handwritten lyrics for the song “Catchin Feelings” from the artist himself, Tupac Shakur. He had a gift for eloquently expressing the problems and struggles of everyday life as well as calling out the issues he had with Biggie and Bad Boy Records in particular.
In offering this item, there exists a background story (provenance letter) that further enhances the appreciation for Tupac. The lyrics originate from a talent manager that worked extensively with Death Row Records. He was also friends with many of the artists on the label. According to him, Shakur gave lyrics out to close friends and confident. These in particular were given to an artist for his birthday. He obtained them from that artist along with another song “What’s Your Number.” The “What’s Your Number” lyrics were previously sold for $30,000. This is the last writing he has of Tupac in his collection.
These are the lyrics that were handwritten by Tupac (as such without edit) with some words that were crossed out in self-editing. All the writing is legible in Tupac’s hand and in blue ballpoint pen on lined notebook paper. Important to note, are rare the lyrical mentions of Biggie in the first verse and ‘dis’ to Bad Boy in verse 18. Remember at the time of the rivalry, the issues between them were hot and any form of disrespect would have been taken seriously.
The particular verse mentioned here is in the song in both the clean and parental advisory R version. The song was released on the album Better Dayz which was his eighth album and forth produced after 2Pac died. The lyrics for the verse are written as follows:
“Catchin Feelingz”
Cross this Nigga Here Now Biggie
Who Do i fear
ain’t a livin soul breathin shall pump no fear Here
My last foe Flashed & I mashed his Ass
Bastard Fuck with Me & bET I BLAST ya AZZ
So Many follow but cant Reach Me They caught in the Daze
Catch em Mimicing (sic) My Style Tryin Z Talk this Way
Immpossible (sic) my Posse droppin We Deathrow Ridaz
No need 2 beg Motherfuca Aint no Mercy inside us
Feelin blessed the Richer i get the Mo I stress
Smokin LA Watchin Time fly waitin 4 Death
*Dear God I been feeling like Im close 2 Jesus
Paranoid with my Pistol close Smokin Treez
I keep my eyez on my foez those close 2 me
Watching Niggaz catch stray shake choke & bleed
Me a Mercany 4 the street check my Pedigree
Bustin mutherfukaz It’s the thing in me
Niggaz talk alot bad boy shit then get 2 Squealin
Bitch Made Catchin
Outlawz
My Homebozy Niggaz Ready 2 Clown
Might Squabble but we
don’t fall down
Screamin Bye Bye Bitchez Untouchable Sound
Niggaz Hidin like Hoez when we HIT
ya Town
Catchin
2Pac has proven himself time and time again to be a talented musician, singer and accomplished songwriter.
In the eyes of the public he is a true hip hop legend. These lyrics are a great opportunity to keep the literal impression of his music alive.
Authentication: JSA Full Letter & 100% Authentic Team Provenance Letter
Important to note, the lyrics have been removed from the display. However, by request the display is available without the glass front with a shipping surcharge added. All displays are sold as is without warranty to the condition of the frame. The display shows off his memory through a photo from Poetic Justice and the cover of the CD in which the song was released.
| Weight | 10 lbs |
|---|---|
| Authentication |