Young Noble On 2Pac Being Mad At Snoop For Saying Biggie & Diddy Were His Friend

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Young Noble details how days before Tupac death how he was mad at Snoop Dogg for comments he made on Hot 97.

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I've listened to both clips posted, overall good interview. While I understand what Noble is saying with respect carrying the beefs and the past, I can't help but notice he always frames it as a "plight" of his; like this was all thrust upon him and it's unfair. He seems to hold this conflicting notion that his rap career has been burdened and stifled by his 2pac affiliation, just as much as it has been assisted by it. In one way he embraces it, in another he bemoans it. We've seen all the Outlawz do it (except Fatal), and that's fine. But it becomes weirdly problematic when it comes time to collect a check from the Estate, or lay claim to being the modern-day messengers for 2pac beyond the grave.

He has said in the past [as it relates to being with 2pac and a member of the Outlawz] that it’s: "a gift and a curse." The curse being that [paraphrasing] "we sold 20 million records and the record industry won't give us the time of day." That the shadow of 2pac and everything that comes with it hasn’t allowed them to assert themselves individually and establish a name and a body of work outside of it. Understandable, but then why keep going back to it if that’s how you actually feel? You can’t lament being in the shadow of 2pac and then mention him in every interview. You can’t decry Outlawz “brand confusion” when you avail yourself every opportunity to re-record modern lyrics and verses on 20 year old 2pac songs for exposure. You just can’t have it both ways. 

I understand as a man not wanting to carry the torch for another man or be some lifelong disciple, I get that. But then don’t. Never mention 2pac or the Outlawz again and go be your own man. But that means not participating in that next Estate project. That means turning down a check. That means not basking in the reflected glory of the legacy. You can’t wear the party badge and get all the perks of affiliation while saying you’ve moved on from it.