Holler If Ya Hear Me (Original Version)

Overview

Holler If Ya Hear Me (Original Version) is the earliest known studio recording of what would later become 2Pac's 1993 single Holler If Ya Hear Me. Produced by Live Squad, the original version features guest performances from Stretch and Majesty and presents a noticeably different arrangement from the officially released recording.

Rather than serving as a rough demo, the recording is a fully developed studio performance featuring additional verses and a simpler production. It documents the song before 2Pac reworked it into the solo version that appeared on Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..

Among collectors, the original version is regarded as one of the most significant unreleased collaborations between 2Pac and Live Squad, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of 2Pac's best-known early songs.

Recording History

The song was recorded during the Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. sessions in 1992 while 2Pac was working closely with Stretch and Majesty. During this period Live Squad contributed to several recordings including 5 Deadly Venoms, Strugglin', Flex and the commercially released Holler If Ya Hear Me.

The original recording features both Stretch and Majesty alongside 2Pac and contains a different musical arrangement from the final album version. During production the song was substantially revised, with Live Squad's guest verses removed before its release as the lead single from Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..

Although never officially released, the recording has circulated among collectors for many years and is widely regarded as one of the most important alternate versions from 2Pac's early catalogue.

Release History

Samples

• Scarface; Born Killer (Multiple Elements)
• B.T. Express; You Got Something (Multiple Elements)
• Pumpkin;; Feel the Heart Beat (Drums)
• Syl Johnson; Different Strokes (Vocals / Lyrics)
• Funk, Inc.; Kool Is Back (Drums)

Lyrics