Meaning: The quote "I like Biggie. Like 'Pac, he was one of the best rappers in the business. Why would I try to do something to him?" by Suge Knight, a renowned music producer, is a statement that has been the subject of much speculation and controversy within the hip-hop community. It refers to the relationship between two iconic rappers, The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie) and Tupac Shakur ('Pac), and the circumstances surrounding their tragic deaths.

The quote is significant because it comes from Suge Knight, the co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records, a record label that was heavily involved in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry of the 1990s. Both Biggie and Tupac were central figures in this rivalry, representing the East Coast and West Coast, respectively. Their feud, along with a series of violent incidents involving their respective entourages, culminated in the murders of both rappers in separate drive-by shootings within a span of six months in 1996 and 1997.

Suge Knight's statement is often interpreted in the context of the conspiracy theories surrounding the deaths of Biggie and Tupac. Many fans and music industry insiders have speculated about the possible involvement of rival record labels, feuding artists, and even law enforcement in the killings. Suge Knight's quote is seen as a denial of any personal motive or involvement in the deaths of the two rappers, particularly in the case of Biggie, as Knight was serving a prison sentence at the time of Tupac's murder.

The quote also reflects the complex and often misunderstood dynamics of the hip-hop industry during the 1990s. The East Coast-West Coast rivalry was a defining feature of the era and contributed to the sensationalism and glamour of the genre. However, it also had devastating consequences, as the deaths of Biggie and Tupac marked a tragic turning point in the history of hip-hop and left a lasting impact on the culture and the music industry as a whole.

Furthermore, Suge Knight's statement raises questions about the narrative surrounding the deaths of Biggie and Tupac. The circumstances of both murders remain unsolved, and the lack of closure has fueled speculation and conspiracy theories for over two decades. The quote serves as a reminder of the unresolved nature of these tragedies and the ongoing quest for answers and justice.

In conclusion, Suge Knight's quote about Biggie and 'Pac reflects the enduring impact of the deaths of these two influential rappers and the lingering questions and controversies that continue to surround their legacies. It underscores the complex history of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry and the broader cultural and social implications of the hip-hop industry in the 1990s. The quote remains a potent symbol of the unresolved mysteries and enduring fascination with the lives and deaths of Biggie and Tupac within the music world and beyond.

References:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/05/arts/music/suge-knight-interview.html
- https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jul-21-ca-ratliff21-story.html