News of May 5, 2016
"Dear Mama": Early Version with Yo-Yo Surfaces
After Afeni's death, an early version of "Dear Mama" surfaced: featuring Yo-Yo on the chorus, which had to be removed due to a denied clearance.
Following the death of Afeni Shakur, many listened to “Dear Mama” once again. On May 5, 2016, Billboard reported on a version said to have originated before the well-known recording: Tupac’s early collaborator DJ King Assassin shared it online via the outlet Ambrosia for Heads. It features vocals by Yo-Yo and previously unknown samples.
No Clearance for Yo-Yo’s Chorus
According to DJ King Assassin, the chorus originally sounded different: it consisted of a sample of Yo-Yo, the rapper from Ice Cube’s circle, delivering the line that without a woman it “wouldn’t be a damn thang.” The day after recording wrapped, Tupac reportedly arrived at Echo Sound Studio upset: Yo-Yo’s part had to be removed due to a denied clearance. That is also why an excerpt of Richard Pryor is missing from the released version.
Authenticity Remains Unconfirmed
This is DJ King Assassin’s account; reports did not independently confirm the recording’s authenticity. Vibe linked the track as the “OG Version.”