2Pac's Testing Option Agreement For Juice (2/26/91)

First, a Happy Birthday to 2Pac, who was born on this day in 1971 in East Harlem, NY. Below is part of 2Pac's original contract to test for roles in the movie Juice in February, 1991. As you can see, Pac was initially being considered for the role of "Q" or "Bishop" in the film. His compensation was only $1647.80 per "studio week" for no less than seven weeks. Naturally, this doesn't reflect all of the terms, nor any adjustments that might have been made, but it's interesting in the sense that you've probably heard the rumors that 2Pac might've played the Omar Epps role of Q, instead of the "villain" Bishop. I can't imagine the movie without 2Pac playing "Bishop," he just captured that role so perfectly. Just the same, you probably heard all the controversy around Pac and the Hughes brothers, regarding fights and roles for the movie Menace II Society. Pac was such a strong personality and presence that he would've undoubtedly changed the course of those movies had roles being altered. His absence is still felt, and when I look back on what could've been - in life -  I know 2Pac would have inserted himself into the daily conscience of folks and his voice would be one of the most influential. As is, he is still one of the most impactful artists our generation. R.I.P., 2Pac.

B.I.G. Ends Contract w/ Uptown Records (May 16, 1994)

From the internet archives, this is an OG contract between Biggie & Uptown Records. It states that as of May 16, 1994, Christopher Wallace p/k/a B.I.G.'s contract with Andre Harrell & Uptown Records was terminated. B.I.G. followed Puffy from Uptown over to Bad Boy Records. The contract states that he'd leave with the masters for 'Party & Bullshit' and 'Flip That Shit,' in exchange for $326,092.91, which constitutes all the costs associated with those records. It goes on to reflect that B.I.G. would be transferring the rights and obligations over to Arista Records, which handled distribution for Bad Boy Records. For those that don't know, 'Flip That Shit' was a track Biggie did with Naughty By Nature, Onyx and 3rd Eye in 1993. According to Fredro Starr, the cut was also originally for the Who's The Man soundtrack. These contracts were up for public auction some years back, not sure if they sold and for how much, but it's a nice piece of Hip-Hop history. Damn... $326K and those weren't even "hits," times have changed. Rest in Peace, The Notorious B.I.G.