Biggie’s original tracklist for ‘Life After Death’ has been revealed, showcasing some intriguing surprises.
The discovery came from an Instagram account named 92 Bricks, revealing a list from a 1997 listening party. At this exclusive event, listeners were treated to 28 tracks—four more than the final release. Interestingly, one song appears twice, hinting at a possible printing mistake.
Among the revelations, there are five unheard tracks, with titles like ‘Once Upon a Time’ featuring Fat Joe, ‘Stayin’ Alive,’ and nameless tracks from producers RZA, Easy Mo Bee, and DJ Clark Kent. Each holds a sense of mystery, waiting to be heard.
A notable non-finalist, ‘Spanish Fly,’ is believed to be an early take of Black Rob’s release on his 2000 album. Additionally, song titles from the final cut appeared under different names. For instance, ‘Comin’ Out’ morphed into ‘Mo Money Mo Problems,’ and ‘Bones Track’ changed to ‘Notorious Thugs.’
These newly surfaced details haven’t been confirmed by Biggie’s estate or Bad Boy Records, leaving fans to speculate about what could have been. Meanwhile, Fat Joe once mentioned his collaboration with Biggie, recalling plans for a joint album.
“You the Latino don, I’m the Black don,” Biggie supposedly quipped during studio sessions, as Fat Joe shared. They created about five songs together, making for a dynamic duo fueled by creativity and rivalry.
These tracks were even intended to include diss songs aimed at 2Pac, B.I.G.’s then-rival, adding another layer of intrigue and historical context. However, the ever-present tensions and eventual tragedies meant they remained hidden away.
While we may never hear these tracks as they were intended, the glimpses into what might have been keep the legacy of Biggie alive and kicking.
