Sugar’s Take

That is the reigning question in my mind. To answer the first part of your question, there is evidence (court proceedings) that suggests it’s true. My answer to the second part is I hope so. I remember hearing Ms. Wallace on the NYC radio waves asking the public to help her raise funds for Biggie’s foundation (which I hear nothing about anymore). My first thought was, and I quote: “I hope Puff put some money in that pot…” I felt like she shouldn’t NEED to ask anyone for a dime because of all the folks that have careers because of BIG. It would be a crying shame if Ms. Wallace is not receiving any funds from her son’s estate. I know it’s rare for artists to own masters, publishing rights and the like, but it becomes even crazier, in my mind, when your own people are giving you the “Bend Over Grover.” It would be nice if Ms. Wallace gets a lil change from this movie. It would be even nicer if she and her grandkids didn’t have to worry about money for the rest of their lives. We don’t know if Ms. Wallace is getting some undisclosed payments from Bad Boy, but it did take The Lox making a public stink on the airwaves to get their publishing. Damn, why they tryin to stick me for my paper?

Ed’s Take

Considering the slavery dynamic of the recording industry, isn’t it ironic that the final format of a recording is called the “Master?” As legend has it, or word from barbershops the world over, in an effort to secure some upfront cash very early in his career, Biggie got pimped for his publishing selling the rights to a shrewd businessmen named Sean “P Diddy”Combs.  But despite what percentage brother Combs owns, one thing is clear, Biggie’s work has fed a ton of folks and served as seed money for the Bad Boy & Sean John empires.

It’s easy to hate on Puff.  I have my own personal issues with him from time to time. He is a prime target. Confident–some say arrogant– fly and flashy. The brother is successful…and with mo’ money comes mo’ problems.  But despite my critiques, which I will cover in a larger piece one day, I tip my hat to the man. Gotta give props where props are due. ( I got Sean John in my closet….and I just sprayed some Unforgiveable after a shower before typing this..LOL!)

To be completely transparent, ethics and the music industry go together like mix matched socks. So, I pray that Ms. Wallace and Biggie’s kids are reaping the benefits of what his talent sowed.  And if not, may the heavens render a verdict on the side of justice.