The date, September 13th, 2020, marks twenty-four years since the passing of Tupac Shakur. It is one of those events that many remember where they were when his untimely death occurred. There were vast outcries and numerous dedications from artists whom he had made an impact and inspired. Many dedications would also come from close personal friends. In taking a listen, revisiting these dedications, Treach from Naughty By Nature’s “Mourn You Till I Join You” resonated the most.
Naughty By Nature – Mourn You Till I Join You
The song itself deftly recounts Tupac and Treach’s relationship and events in Pac’s career and life. When listening, you get the sense that Treach poured his heart out with the lyrics, evoking such powerful raw emotion. Whenever interviewed about Tupac, Treach maintains that same energy, discussing his friend with such intensity and fervor.
Treach – Tupac Interview
The two artists initially met each other on a Public Enemy tour back in 1990. At that point they were roadies. 2Pac was with the group Digital Underground, and Treach was under Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit. Traveling from city to city, the two aspiring artists forged a true kinship, a real brotherhood. Especially early on in their careers, helping each other out to become successful.
The first opportunity was the film Juice, which was filmed in 1991 and came out in 1992. Both Tupac and Treach auditioned for the main character Bishop Roland. Tupac, who had gone to school for acting, had a natural gift won the part. He did encourage Treach to still be a part of the film, which ultimately led to being an extra.
Tupac and Treach – Juice Movie Clip
Just prior to the release of the film Treach’s group Naughty By Nature put out their self-titled debut album, and 2pac released 2Pacalypse. Both projects would go on to be impactful and certify them as stars. For Naughty By Nature’s second single, which would also land on the Juice Soundtrack, they went with “Uptown Anthem.” From a visibility standpoint, Treach had Tupac appear throughout the video. They were helping each other out in any way they could.
Naughty By Nature – Uptown Anthem
In 1993, 2Pac would release his sophomore album Strictly 4 My ******. The album would go on to sell more than its predecessor. 2Pac would put Treach on the posse project, “5 Deadly Venomz”. That same year 2Pac would endure a large significant amount of legal issues. It would be the beginning of Pac having a tough time trusting those around him.
2Pac – 5 Deadly Venomz feat. Apache, Stretch & Treach
In 1994 Tupac’s film Above the Rim was released, accompanied by a soundtrack. Pac and Treach would link up again on the bonus track “Loyal to the Game”. It would be the last song they ever recorded. Towards the end of that year would be the infamous Quad Studio Shooting. Afeni Shakur, Tupac’s mother, called for Treach to come to the hospital to console Pac. From that point on in his life, Tupac was paranoid that people were out to get him, which would lead to death at a young age.
2Pac – Loyal to the Game feat. Treach & The Riddler
Sadly, two years after the shooting Tupac had passed away in Las Vegas. Treach could not bring himself to see Pac in that condition at the hospital where he managed to stay alive for a week. They shared a real true bond, coming in the game with nothing and achieving success at a high level. Looking out for one another and Treach to this day remaining loyal and keeping his name out there. Remembering him and mourning him until he joins him.
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