Tupac Shakur

A passionate, critically incisive biography of one of the most influential rappers of all time, Tupac Shakur (1971-1996), examining how he rose from abject poverty to dominate the rap music world of the 1990s, the multiple theories surrounding his untimely death, and his impact on the history of hip [...]
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A passionate, critically incisive biography of one of the most influential rappers of all time, Tupac Shakur (1971-1996), examining how he rose from abject poverty to dominate the rap music world of the 1990s, the multiple theories surrounding his untimely death, and his impact on the history of hip-hop. On September 13, 1996, an unknown assailant in Las Vegas, Nevada gunned down Tupac Amaru Shakur, one of the most high profile, controversial, and multi-talented recording artists of his day. He was twenty-five. Fred L. Johnson and Tayannah Lee McQuillar examine the many theories surrounding his death and the extraordinary story of the life that was lost. Delving into his family history, they relate Tupac's childhood journey of deprivation, frequent homelessness, and parental neglect. They tell the story of his mother who struggled with substance abuse, failed relationships, and insecurity, giving birth to Tupac only a month after being released from prison. And they cite the salvation of the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts where Shakur's tornado of talent finally spun into view.For millions, this proud, Afro-centric urban hero gave voice to the struggles and victories of their lives, laying them bare in the uncompromising truth of his lyrics. But there was also another side to Tupac Shakur. The authors look at the changed man who emerged in the later years of his life, examining Tupac's imprisonment on charges of sexual abuse, his relationship with the notorious Marion 'Suge' Knight, and his blistering transformation as an artist, as his music moved from social-conscience to gangsta rap. And they consider Tupac's fun-loving lifestyle as it spun out of control, as the whispered warnings from friends went unheeded, and the denunciations of critics grew louder. Most disturbingly, they examine how he sang, wrote, and pondered an impending death. And how, when it came, it shocked the world, brought the rap music industry momentarily to its knees, and ended an era when American rappers had led the way in using their art as a means of speaking truth to corrupt corporate, government, and judicial power.