Hennessey (Original Version)
Track Information
| Artist | 2Pac |
| Track | Hennessey (Original Version) |
| Performers | 2Pac featuring Big Syke and Mopreme |
| Producer(s) | Live Squad |
| Writer(s) | Tupac Shakur, Randy Walker (Stretch), Christopher Walker (Majesty), Kevin Rhames (K-Low) and Tyruss Himes (Big Syke) |
| Recorded | February / March 1994 (estimated) |
| Status | Unreleased |
| Length | Unknown |
Overview
Hennessey (Original Version) is an unreleased recording by 2Pac featuring Big Syke and Mopreme, recorded during the early months of 1994. Although never officially released, the song later formed the basis of Hennessey, which appeared on the posthumous album Loyal to the Game in 2004.
Unlike the Eminem-produced version, the original recording featured members of Thug Life and reflected the sound of 2Pac's 1994 recording sessions. Official credits for the 2004 release identify Live Squad as the original producers, highlighting another important contribution by Stretch, Majesty and K-Low to 2Pac's catalogue.
Among collectors, the original version is particularly notable because the complete studio recording has never surfaced. Only an acapella has circulated, leading fans to recreate the original production using the faint instrumental bleed heard beneath the vocals.
Recording History
Collector research places the recording during February or March 1994 as part of the Honor Among Thugz / Exodus recording sessions. The song features Big Syke and Mopreme and was reportedly inspired after 2Pac heard Arrested Development's Tennessee. Engineer Duane Nettlesbey later recalled that the song was recorded only weeks before 2Pac and Madonna began dating in the spring of 1994.
The original recording has never leaked in complete form. For many years only an acapella circulated among collectors, resulting in several fan-made recreations attempting to reproduce the original Live Squad production. According to collector research, these recreations are still missing Stretch's background vocals that were present on the original chorus.
In 2004 the song was rebuilt by Eminem for Loyal to the Game, with Obie Trice replacing the original guest appearances by Big Syke and Mopreme. The bonus disc also included the Red Spyda Remix, while the official credits continued to acknowledge Live Squad as the original production team.
Release History
| Year | Release | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Studio Recording | Unreleased | Original recording featuring Big Syke and Mopreme. |
| 2004 | Hennessey | Album Track | Reconstructed by Eminem for Loyal to the Game featuring Obie Trice. |
| 2004 | Hennessey (Red Spyda Remix) | Bonus Track | Bonus remix released on selected editions of Loyal to the Game. |
Samples
Samples Used
The original instrumental has never been officially released and no verified samples have been identified.
Lyrics
Lyrics unavailable.
As the complete original recording has never surfaced publicly, a verified lyric transcription is not currently available.