death row record II

The goal was clear: they would raise the money needed to operate, but each shareholder, including Lydia, needed to contribute according to their stake. The money would go directly into running the label, not into anyone's pocket. Tupac's personal investments in stocks were separate, helping him build his own wealth and tax savings, but the label was about keeping things running and profitable for everyone involved.

Lydia sat back in her chair, processing everything Tupac had just explained. She had seen the business side of the music industry, but Tupac's approach to finance was a whole new level.

Lydia: "I get it now, Pac. You're not just trying to make the label work. You're setting up a legacy for yourself, too. But if I don't invest my part in the fundraiser, my share's gonna get smaller, huh?"

Tupac: Smirks "That's the deal, Lydia. If you want to stay in this, you gotta play by the rules."

Lydia: Leans forward, determined "Alright, then. I'll put in my $200,000. Let's make sure Death Row stays on top."

Tupac: Nods, smiling "Smart move. You're with me, then."

I focused on finishing the single. The track was already powerful, but I wanted the presentation to match. I decided against putting my face on the cover. Instead, I plastered the words "18+ WARNING" across the entire design. The warning covered every inch of the cover except for the title of the song and the credits. It wasn't subtle, but that was the point. I wanted people to know exactly what they were getting into before they even pressed play.

Once Death Row Records was officially registered, Marcus introduced me to William, an independent distributor with connections all over the country. William wasn't tied to the major labels, which made him the perfect partner for this project.

When William heard the track, he leaned back in his chair, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Pac, this is fire," he said. "It's gonna stir some people up, no doubt about that. But I like it. This is the kind of music people need to hear."

"You think you can get it out there?" I asked, watching his reaction closely.

"Absolutely," he said. "We'll start with L.A. and build from there. No middlemen, no interference. Just your music, your terms."

I nodded, relief washing over me. This was exactly what I needed—no one telling me what I could or couldn't say.

The day before Christmas, William and I were finalizing the distribution plan. William tapped the pen against the table, a thoughtful expression on his face. The contract between Death Row Records and his independent distribution company lay open before him. We had been going back and forth for hours, hammering out the details of the deal.

"Alright, Pac," he said, breaking the silence. "You're asking for 60% of royalties—more than half. That's a steep cut for an indie distributor like me."

I leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "You said it yourself, William. This track is fire, and you know it's going to move numbers. I'm taking all the risk here—production, marketing, publicity—it's all on me. All you're doing is getting it out there. Sixty percent is more than fair."

He rubbed his chin, thinking it over. "I won't argue about the work you've put in, but 60%? That's a big bite. Most artists wouldn't even dream of asking for that."

"Most artists don't own their music," I shot back. "I do. This isn't some label puppet show. Death Row Records is mine, and that means I call the shots. You want in? You take the 40% and leave the rest to me."

William chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got some nerve, Pac. I'll give you that. Alright, let's say I agree to the 60/40 split—what about the exclusivity clause? If I'm putting my name on this, I need to know you're not gonna jump ship to another distributor right after this single blows up."

"Fair," I said. "Death Row will give you exclusive rights to distribute this sond if this deal worksout . After that, we'll renegotiate. If this partnership works, I'm open to extending it. But I'm not signing my future away."

William leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "You've thought this through, haven't you?"

"Damn right I have," I replied. "This isn't just about this single. It's about setting the standard for how I'm going to do business moving forward. No middlemen taking what's mine. No compromises."

He nodded slowly, clearly impressed. "Alright, Pac. You've got a deal. Sixty percent royalties to Death Row Records. I'll handle the distribution, and you handle the rest. But don't forget—if this works, you're gonna have every other indie artist knocking on my door, wanting the same cut."

"Let 'em knock," I said with a grin. "They won't have what I've got."

William reached across the table and shook my hand. "Alright, then. Let's make history."

With the contract signed, it was official. Death Row Records had its first major deal, and I was in complete control.

I wasn't waiting for anyone's permission anymore.

"So, Pac, when do you want to drop this single?" he asked.

"Tomorrow," I said without hesitation.

William's eyes widened in disbelief. "Tomorrow? Are you serious, man?"

"Yeah," I replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Tomorrow is Christmas, and I want it out then. No delays."

He ran a hand through his hair, clearly trying to process what I had just said. "Pac, you're killing me. If you want it out tomorrow, I can only distribute it in L.A. There's no way we can get it nationwide that fast."

"That's fine," I said, my voice steady. "L.A. is where it starts."

William sighed, shaking his head with a mix of frustration and admiration. "Alright, if that's what you want. I'll make it happen. But you'd better be ready for the fallout. This track is gonna shake things up."

"That's the point," I said, my resolve unshakable.

As I left the meeting, I couldn't shake the feeling that tomorrow was going to be a turning point. The single was ready, the label was established, and for the first time, I was in complete control.

To be continued…

Author notes

Many of might think that for 2 million for 20 % are huge or unreasonable then let me tell you Lydia invested more then 1.5 million on death row with only Dr dre on the lebal were Tupac is the most popular person on rap game and that price is reasonable. Also many of you guys are confused on some part I think PAC only sing for this single only not for his future projects or album it is only for this single that's all.

End