Warren G (real name Warren Griffin) was an integral part of West Coast hip-hop. Not only was he the individual who introduced Snoop Dogg to Dr Dre, but as the producer’s cousin, the artist was one of the pioneers of G-funk in the 1990s.
As part of the Death Row family, upon meeting Shakur in 1994, Warren G and Tupac had an unparalleled chemistry. As both a rapper and producer, Warren G produced many Pac tracks, including, ‘Definition Of A Thug Nigga’ from the Poetic Justice soundtrack and ‘How Long Will They Mourn Me’.
Talking with the hosts of Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson, Warren was questioned about his friendship with Shakur after the ‘California Love’ rapper was released from prison in 1995 (and signed with Death Row). “We didn’t get a chance to link up after he got out actually, I seen him one time when he got out,” he told the two hosts of the show Mike Tyson and DJ Whoo Kid.
Detailing the last time he saw Pac, the producer and pioneer recalled, “We was in the House of Blues, and he hugged me like, ‘Warren!’ We was huggin’ for a lil’ bit, and then he hit me a few days after that, and he was telling me let’s get in the studio, I’m a book some time.”
However, one thing had changed since the two of them last collaborated. Pac was now signed to Death row Records and involved in a very dangerous beef. Furthermore, he was associated with Suge Knight, known for his aggression and brutality. Griffin recalled how after 2pac suggested they use the Death Row studios in Tarzana, he had to decline the offer to record at the infamous studio immediately.
“I ain’t just ready to step out there,” Warren told Pac. Warren explained to Tyson and DJ Whoo Kid how he had just been involved in a confrontation with Death Row head Suge Knight and his affiliates. The producer explained how it was over a ridiculous LA rumour flying around, and he couldn’t be bothered to face Knight as he was too volatile and impulsive.
Revisiting the rumour, G told the hosts, “I knew it was bullshit when the motherfucka said something about some bitches saying I was trying to get at you. I don’t know why they was trippin’, but they was trippin’. I’m not gonna lie, he was the one who caused the diversion for me to get up out of there.” Warren G was wise to avoid Suge Knight as only a year later, in 1996, he would be involved in some of the dealings that resulted in the murder of Tupac. You can hear the producer explain the situation more extensively in the video below.
