2pac: greatest rapper Alive

1990 February 30th

The day after the beat switch revelation, Michael Jackson arrived at the studio with his team, ready to continue the collaboration with Tupac. He had kept his word—he had been thinking about the track all night, excited about what was coming next. But when he walked into the studio and saw Tupac already at work, something unexpected happened.

Tupac was already deep into his new project, working on the album that was soon to be released—Poetic Justice. Michael, being naturally curious, sat down and began listening. He'd always been a fan of Tupac's raw energy and honesty, but what he heard as the music poured from the speakers took him by surprise. The beats, the lyrics—there was something uniquely compelling about this album. It wasn't just a collection of songs; it was an emotional journey, an unapologetic testament to the struggles and triumphs of life.

Michael sat in silence as the music continued, his eyes fixed on the studio setup. He had heard enough. He knew he wanted to be a part of this project. Tupac wasn't just an artist; he was a voice of a generation. And Michael, who had always believed in pushing boundaries, saw this as an opportunity to support and give back to someone who could elevate the game in ways even he hadn't expected.

"Pac," Michael finally said, his voice calm but eager, "This is amazing. I'm serious. This album—Poetic Justice—is going to change everything. The sound, the message... it's powerful."

Tupac stopped what he was doing and turned to Michael, raising an eyebrow. He hadn't expected this level of praise from someone like Michael Jackson, but the sincerity in Michael's eyes wasn't lost on him.

"Thanks, man," Tupac said, his tone a mix of surprise and appreciation. "But I'm just getting started. The whole album's almost done, though."

Michael's expression softened. "You know, Pac... I've been thinking. I've got something to offer here. I want to help out with this project—be a part of it. If you'll have me. It's the least I can do after what you did for me with that track."

Tupac stood there, taking it in. Michael was offering more than just his presence. He wanted to contribute, wanted to be a part of something that felt bigger than just a collaboration. Tupac had always respected Michael, but hearing him say this meant a lot.

"Alright, Mike," Tupac said with a grin. "Let's make it happen. I'm down."

That was the moment the collaboration between them went from just being about a single song to something far more meaningful. Over the next week, their work ethic shifted into overdrive. What started as a few tracks quickly turned into hundreds. They spent days and nights in the studio, each with their own vision for the music and how it could push boundaries. Michael, always meticulous with his approach to music, became enamored with Tupac's raw creativity and fearless attitude.

Their chemistry was undeniable. Tupac would throw out ideas, and Michael would tweak them, refining the sound. There were moments when the two of them would lock eyes in the middle of a session, understanding that they were onto something monumental.

Though the recording sessions were intense, they were also filled with laughter and shared stories. Tupac would often talk about his upbringing in New York and how it shaped his perspective, while Michael shared his experiences growing up in Gary, Indiana, and the isolation that came with fame. There was mutual respect, but also a shared understanding of the struggle each had gone through to reach the heights they had attained.

The work didn't stop there. As the weeks passed, Michael and Tupac began planning a music video for their collaboration. The energy in the studio shifted once again. It wasn't just about making a song anymore. It was about creating something that would last, something that would leave a mark. Tupac took the lead as the creative director for the video, channeling his vision and putting together a concept that would be both simple and revolutionary at the same time. He wasn't just an artist in the studio anymore; he was an architect of his own future, and he wasn't about to let anyone else tell him how to do it.

Michael, for his part, was impressed with Tupac's ability to orchestrate everything. The way Tupac managed every detail, from the direction of the video to the vibe they wanted to convey, showed Michael just how much depth there was to the young rapper. It wasn't just about the music—it was about the message. It was about shaping a culture and changing how the world viewed both their lives.

By the time the month had passed, the video was in the final stages of post-production. The song was complete, and Tupac had already set his sights on how he wanted to release it—an unexpected surprise for the fans, with just the right amount of mystery around it. The buzz was growing. They were ready to make an impact, and Tupac knew it.

The studio sessions had turned into a blur. Tupac and Michael had recorded more songs than either of them could count, but only two of them would make it to Tupac's debut album. The other tracks, though powerful in their own right, would remain under wraps for now. Tupac was focused on making his first impression unforgettable, and he knew that these two songs would be the foundation for what was to come.

The rest of the material would find its way into the world eventually, but for now, they were saving their best moves for the right moment. Tupac's debut was shaping up to be a defining moment not just for him, but for the culture itself.

As the days went on, Michael and Tupac began discussing the next steps for the music video. The plans were in place, but there was one thing that remained constant: Tupac had taken complete control of the direction. He wasn't just working alongside Michael. He was calling the shots, and Michael was more than willing to let him.

"I've been thinking, Mike," Tupac said one evening, leaning back in his chair as they reviewed the footage. "We don't need anything fancy for the video. I want it to be raw—just us, doing our thing. But we're gonna surprise everyone with the feature. People won't see it coming."

Michael nodded in agreement. He trusted Tupac's instincts.

"You got it, Pac," Michael said. "Let's do it your way."

Tupac smiled. "Exactly. We're not gonna just make a video. We're gonna make something people won't forget."

As the weeks wore on, it became clear to both of them that this was more than just a collaboration. This was a partnership between two artists who understood each other. They weren't just recording music. They were creating history.

But even as Tupac prepared to release the single, there was a part of him that knew things were about to change. The industry would be watching. The world would be watching. The video, the music, and the release—it was all a chance to redefine what it meant to be a rapper, an artist, and a leader. Tupac was determined to make sure everyone understood that.

Michael, for his part, knew he was part of something bigger. He'd been through his own ups and downs, but working with Tupac felt like a new chapter—one that held infinite possibilities.

Their collaboration was far from over. But for now, they were about to make their first real mark on the world together.

To be continued...