This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/21/2018
Tupac Shakur's handwritten working lyrics for verse three of his song "Smile." Tupac has handwritten the lyrics in green felt tip marker, the first six lines of the track begin on a partial page which is taped to a larger sheet on which the lyrics continue. The entire page taped together measures The lyrics are substantially the same as those of the final recorded version, albeit with some minor differences. In part: "Fuck the world az we unloading [with] furious speed/Unanswered questionz keep us all stressin curious g'z/Back stabbed & bleedin crooked thoughtz laced with weed/Learning/Duckin stray shotz bullettz be hot they burning/Inhale the sherm smoke visualize the flamez/Will I be smothered by my own pain/Strange whisperz cowardz will conversate quick 2 dis us/Takin picturez 4 the Fedz in desperate hopez they get us/Hit us all give uz plenty centuriez/Forgive my sinz since I enter many penitency..." This track was recorded as a collaboration with the rapper Scarface, and was released on the latter's fourth album "The Untouchable". It was one of the last songs recorded by Shakur before his death, and the album version ends with Scarface reciting a prayer in Shakur's memory. Overall very good condition, with some tears and slight staining at the edges. Comes with an original signed letter of provenance (which has been notarized with others) from the recipient of the lyrics who was given them directly by Tupac in 1995. The two had met while both were recording at Can-Am Studio in Tarzana. They soon became friends, and on one particular occasion, Tupac gave his friend and fellow rapper a group of his working lyrics as a gift. Also comes with a letter of authenticity from James Spence Authentication and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.