2Pac and Chuck D of Public Enemy had a long-standing relationship before ‘Pac’s untimely death, and a recent interview that’s doing the rounds once again has proved the loyalty went both ways.
Chuck stopped by Sway in the Morning for an interview back in February, during which he shared a little-known story about 2Pac from the 1990s, when he was still an apprentice of sorts of the Digital Underground.
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“‘Pac — little brother. Brought him on tour along with, rest in peace, Shock G,” Chuck D began. “‘Pac is carrying bags, hoping he can get a verse on the stage as a rookie. [And] Queen Latifah introduces me to her rookies. She says, ‘Chuck, meet Young Treacherous.’ And we’re in Lafayette, Louisiana, I’m lookin’ at both of them, and I’m like, ‘okay.’ It’s 1990. These two cats — Treach, and ‘Pac, okay? … I felt so good for them.”
He continued: “Quick story about ‘Pac: we were in Oklahoma City one time, and somebody went and stole stuff out of the backstage. I think they stole some equipment — a hat, whatever — and they found the dude. And they said, ‘Is this the dude?’ And ‘Pac said, somebody told him that was the dude. And ‘Pac went upside this dude’s head. I said, ‘Yo, ‘Pac, it’s not that deep man. But ‘Pac wanted to prove, ‘Listen, I’m ridin’ for y’all!’ Well, ‘Pac, we don’t want you to get arrested in OKC, man, it’s alright.”
This isn’t the first time Chuck D has shared some exclusive stories about 2Pac. As far back as 2014, the “Fight The Power” rapper has been sharing how close he and the late legend were, going so far as to share a letter that ‘Pac wrote Chuck while he was still in prison back in 1995.
At the time, ‘Pac had just signed with Death Row Records, and wanted to get his old friend on a song called “Da Struggle Continues.” And though the track never happened, Chuck still fondly remembered how much he and ‘Pac valued their brotherhood.
“I’m sure u know how highly respected & loved u R by me so your letter definitely warmed my heart,” began 2Pac’s letter to Chuck. “I was also touched by your offer and show of support. It will not go unnoticed. Thanx! It was good 2 hear how well u aRe doing but hey it’s only Right. Back in the dayz on tour with u I learned so much from what u did and how u did it. It may be hard 2 c but u have alwayz played a majoR Role in what it is I do 2day.”
‘Pac continued: “I just Received woRd that my bail pending appeal has been granted so I should be free by the time u receive this…I just signed 2 Deathrow so I should be working on this album soon. Thanx Again Chuck! I do believe we can make a difference and I have every intention of doing just that. STAY STRONG!”
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Unfortunately, Chuck D also shared that he never received ‘Pac’s reply: “He never sent it. He had to think before he sent it, he told me later.”
A lot of stories about 2Pac have come to light since the premiere of FX’s Dear Mama docu-series, the first two episodes of which dropped on Friday (April 21). The series, which focuses on the legendary rapper’s relationship with his mother, Afeni Shakur, has earned praise from his former manager Leila Steinberg, who called the series “incredible.”
