Da Wolfpack "Definition" (Video)

Da Wolfpack (Omar Epps and his cousin, G-Sharp) dropped "Definition" (produced by Akshun) on cassette and vinyl in '95 on Emotional Records. The video for the single had decent rotation at the time, but I'm not sure how much distribution the physical copies had - I was never able to cop the cassette. While the cousins formed the group in '91, it's not a surprise that after the success of Juice in '92, Omar Epps was able to leverage his notoriety into bigger opportunities for his music. I can't say too much on what happened after '95 (because I don't know), but you might argue that loyalty to his fam got in Epps' way, I'll let you decide: when faced with the opportunity of doing a bunch of joints with DJ Premier (funded by a label), O tried to reach back and grab his homie who made beats instead. I DO respect his loyalty (honestly) and it's not to say his homie did or didn't make dope beats, too, (especially if it was Akshun, he had lots of dope stuff with Pac, Special Ed and more) but I'm saying, we could have had joints with DJ Premier too! I doubt there's any regret, Omar Epps' career has been long and distinguished so certainly things worked out just fine, and if you think about it, '95 was "Higher Learning" and '97 was the slept-on gem "First Time Felon," so he was busy with plenty of dope 'ish. Thinking more about it, I'd seen some info that Domingo - who has worked with Big Pun, KRS and many others - had done some work with Da Wolfpack, but I don't know the timeline - maybe he was the producer? That woulda been dope, too! Anyhow, let's get back to the music - peep "Definition" and do some diggin' to find more of their must, it's out there!

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.