Slow Burn Season 3 Trailer: Biggie and Tupac
Podcast: Slow Burn (Slate Podcasts)
Host: Joel Anderson
Date: October 24, 2019
Episode: Season 3 Trailer: Biggie and Tupac
Overview
In this season 3 trailer, host Joel Anderson introduces listeners to Slow Burn’s exploration of the meteoric careers and tragic deaths of two of hip hop's biggest legends—Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls). This series promises to revisit the cultural and social landscape of the 1990s, examine how these artists shaped the music industry, and probe the mysteries behind their unsolved murders.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
-
Historical Context and Series Focus (00:00–00:30)
- Joel Anderson recaps past Slow Burn seasons—Watergate and the Clinton impeachment—signaling this season’s focus on “the creative lives and the tragic deaths of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G.”
- He sets the scene for how their stories became two of the most influential and tragic in late 20th-century America.
-
Tupac and Biggie’s Backgrounds (00:20–00:54)
- The season will highlight both artists’ origins and personalities:
- Tupac: Described as the “son of a Black Panther who came up in the Bay Area,” wrestling with his identity.
- Quote (B, 00:54): “He had every bit of street bonafide that he would ever need as a Black Panther, baby. But for whatever reason, Tupac thought that that wasn't enough for him.”
- Biggie: “A one-time crack dealer from Brooklyn,” known for his lyrical prowess and bravado.
- Quote (C, 00:44): “Biggie's brilliant. He was someone who just outright was like, I'm lyrically superior and I'll take your girl.”
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Rise of Hip Hop and Cultural Tensions (00:30–01:06)
- The show will revisit the 1990s cultural landscape, reflecting how hip hop transformed from subculture to mainstream force.
- Discussion includes:
- How rap lyrics began to appear in murder trials as evidence.
- Political backlash: “The Vice President of the United States called on record companies to pull albums from stores.”
- The shift in Biggie and Tupac’s relationship—from friends to bitter rivals.
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Personal Recollections and Relationship Fallout (01:06–01:26)
- Joel Anderson recalls the surreal moment when news broke of the two formerly close rappers falling out:
- Quote (A, 01:11): “I was there when Biggie and Tupac were friends... when it was announced that all of a sudden they had problems, I woke up that day and I was like, what happened?”
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The Deadly Rivalry and Its Fallout (01:22–01:43)
- Exploration of the notorious East Coast vs. West Coast feud and how paranoia and betrayal defined their final years.
- Quote (C, 01:22): “I truly believe that Pac really thought that Biggie tried to have him killed.”
- Quote (B, 01:26): “When BIG went upstairs to see him and came back downstairs, he's like, yo, cheat. You know this D actually said that I came to the hospital to try to kill him. Yeah. After he got shot.”
-
Unsolved Murders and Lasting Impact (01:37–01:51)
- Joel Anderson raises the fundamental question: “How is it that two of the most famous performers in the world were murdered within a year of each other and their killings were never solved?” (A, 01:37)
- Commentary on the cultural code of “keeping it real” and its consequences:
- Quote (B, 01:43): “The worst thing that happened to hip hop from that era was keep it real. Keep it real got a lot of people killed.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote |
|-----------|---------|-------|
| 00:44 | C | “Biggie's brilliant. He was someone who just outright was like, I'm lyrically superior and I'll take your girl.” |
| 00:54 | B | “He had every bit of street bonafide that he would ever need as a Black Panther, baby. But for whatever reason, Tupac thought that that wasn't enough for him.” |
| 01:11 | A | “I was there when Biggie and Tupac were friends... when it was announced that all of a sudden they had problems, I woke up that day and I was like, what happened?” |
| 01:22 | C | “I truly believe that Pac really thought that Biggie tried to have him killed.” |
| 01:26 | B | “When BIG went upstairs to see him and came back downstairs, he's like, yo, cheat. You know this D actually said that I came to the hospital to try to kill him. Yeah. After he got shot.” |
| 01:37 | A | “How is it that two of the most famous performers in the world were murdered within a year of each other and their killings were never solved?” |
| 01:43 | B | “The worst thing that happened to hip hop from that era was keep it real. Keep it real got a lot of people killed.” |
Important Segment Timestamps
- [00:00–00:30] – Season introduction and historical context
- [00:30–01:06] – The world of 1990s hip hop and artists' roots
- [01:06–01:26] – The friendship and betrayal between Biggie & Tupac
- [01:26–01:43] – Paranoia, accusations, and the start of a deadly feud
- [01:43–01:51] – Reflection on unsolved murders and hip hop’s legacy
Tone and Language
The trailer sets an investigative, reflective, and at times tense mood, signaling a sensitive yet in-depth examination. The speakers combine nostalgia, personal insight, and cultural critique, using direct and vernacular language reflective of the hip hop world (“keep it real,” “yo, cheat”).
Summary
Slow Burn's third season promises a compelling exploration into how Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. changed music and culture forever—tracing their parallel rises, the complicated social and industry forces around them, the infamous and fatal East vs. West rivalry, and the enduring mystery of their unsolved murders. This season will use personal anecdotes, cultural commentary, and archival research to uncover the real stories behind the legends, inviting listeners to reconsider what really happened—and why it still matters.
