Their worlds seemed destined to collide. They were two of the most talented hip-hop rappers on the scene. And they both were dedicated to exposing the truth of the tribulations of life on the streets, social injustice and the racial divide. But the biggest difference between Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls: They represented different coasts. What exploded into arguably the biggest rivalry in music history, ended up in the death of both artists, just as their careers were skyrocketing. Tupac was gunned down on September 7, 1996, and died six days later, while Biggie was shot and killed six months later on March 9, 1997. Neither murder has ever been solved. But, there’s no question that they started off as friends and ended up as enemies. Tupac Amaru Shakur, born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971– September 13, 1996, popularly known by his stage name 2Pac” He is considered by many as one of the most significant rappers of all time. Much of Shakur's work has been noted for addressing contemporary social issues that plagued inner cities, and he is considered a symbol of resistance and activism against inequality. Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), widely known by his stage name The Notorious B.I.G., or, more commonly among the familiar, Biggie Smalls or simply Biggie,[2] was an American rapper, in the New York and gangsta rap traditions, who ranks among the greatest rappers ever. On November 30, 1994, Tupac Shakur was shot five times during a robbery in a recording-studio lobby in New York. He was headed up to meet Biggie and Puffy. They were scheduled to work on a project together for another rapper, Little Shawn. Shakur survived, but believed Biggie and his label boss Combs had orchestrated the attack. It didn't help that the B-side to Biggie's single "Big Poppa," released a little more than two months after the incident, featured the song "Who Shot Ya?" Tupac interpreted this as Biggie taunting him, and released an explosive diss track, "Hit 'Em Up," the following year, on which he claimed to have slept with Biggie's wife, Faith Evans. Next week we will discuss all the different theories surrounding the death of these 2 superstars.