2Pac Archives

Raz Simone Catches Inspiration From Tupac’s Words In Lighting Up The Industry (Video)

Fresh off of "Macklemore & Chief Keef," Raz Simone devotes his attentions to "Drake & Macklemore's Platform." Here, the Seattle, Washington MC uses some poignant and prophetic interview footage from Tupac Shakur to explain just how lofty his goals are with the microphone, and just how hungry he is to... Read more

February 17, 2015 Video

Puff Daddy & Snoop Dogg Symbolically Use 1995 Source Awards Footage To Put BEEF To Bed (Video)

In an evening that saw a surprise Drake mixtape, and two star-studded Kanye West events in Manhattan, Puff Daddy and Snoop Dogg may have scored the most historical moment, as far as Hip-Hop is concerned. At Madison Square Garden, the two veteran MCs, producers, and record executives co-headlined a New... Read more

February 13, 2015 News

Here’s a Mix Celebrating the Music of Death Row Records (Audio)

The Death Row Records brand has been plagued with controversy over the years, due to a litany of events surrounding people connected with the label in some fashion. At times, the negativity seemed to be louder than the records being produced by the company. The reason that news was relevant,... Read more

January 31, 2015 Throwback

DJ Quik Admits Losing Passion In Music-Making Since Tupac & Notorious B.I.G. Deaths (Audio)

DJ Quik is the latest guest for NPR Hip-Hop's Microphone Check interview series. In a week that's brought tragedy and suspicion to former members of Quik's circle, the iconic producer/DJ/MC opens up, with NPR's Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley. The interview is as in-depth as... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Tupac vs. Big Boi…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 23, 2015 Fresh

Eminem Grants One Teenage Fan’s Final Wish

Many Eminem Heads know how much the superstar admires the life and music of Tupac Shakur. Eminem even worked extensively, as a producer, on some of 'Pac's posthumous albums, including 2006's Pac's Life. Although a lot can be said about the final years of 2Pac's life, one moment always speaks... Read more

January 12, 2015 Fresh

There Have Been A Gang Of Death Row Records Documentaries, But This One Stands Tall (Video)

Starting when the label was less than six years old, documentaries started releasing around the creation, controversy, and commercial dominance of Death Row Records. Started by Marion "Suge" Knight and Dr. Dre in late 1991, the Los Angeles, California-based label released classic, multi-platinum albums by Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Tha Dogg... Read more

January 11, 2015 Throwback

Punch Makes A Potent Song About Living Past 25, With Kendrick Lamar On The Hook (Audio)

President Punch of Top Dawg Entertainment has begun transitioning from independent label executive to a thoughtful MC in 2014. No stranger to TDE's pre-Interscope releases of the early 2010s, Punch was part of the ensemble that made albums by Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q so potent. His... Read more

December 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Star-Studded 2Pac Single To Be Released By The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation

Not counting remixes or unofficial independent efforts, there have been seven 2Pac albums released since Tupac Shakur's 1996 murder. From those albums, largely released by Death Row/Interscope Records, singles have emerged, ranging from the chillingly revengeful "Hail Mary" to the introspective "Changes" to the immortalizing "Until The End Of Time."... Read more

November 10, 2014 Fresh

Here’s Previously Unreleased Poetry From 17-Year Old Tupac Shakur

Leila Steinberg, the first manager of Tupac Shakur, has shared some never before released hand-written poetry from Tupac when he was 17-years old. The poems, "Things That Make Hearts Break," "Cupid's Smile II" and "A Love Unspoken" were published via Citizens of Humanity and offer an early glimpse into the... Read more

October 30, 2014 Throwback

Here’s a Blend of Biggie & Tupac Vocals Over Watch the Throne Beats (Audio)

For nearly 20 years, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. have been nearly inextricably linked. The 2 Hip-Hop heavyweights had an indelible effect on Hip-Hop and their deaths cast a shadow on the culture that lasted for years. September 13th provides another link between the two icons. The date marks the... Read more

September 13, 2014 Food for Thought, Mixes

DJ Warren Peace Recalls Why Tupac Broke Broke His Vinyl Records the Night They Met.

Here's a fascinating piece from Medium about Las Vegas' infamous Club 662 during the Death Row era. The story, as told in part by DJ Warren Peace, recounts the Suge Knight/Death Row affiliation with the club, the beginnings of the Death Row/Bad Boy feud and why Tupac removed Warren's records... Read more

September 13, 2014 Fresh

Katt Williams Defends Suge Knight In Shooting, Chris Brown To Cooperate

On Sunday morning (August 24), Marion "Suge" Knight was shot six times in West Hollywood, California, at a club. The former music mogul, and co-founder of Death Row Records was stated to be in critical condition upon his hospitalization, while rumors swirled surrounding the events at a party at 10AK... Read more

August 26, 2014 Fresh

2Pac, Ruthless & Priority Records To Be Honored At Indie Entertainment Summit Conference

Three pillars of Gangsta Rap are among those slated to be honored at 2014's Indie Entertainment Summit & Hip-Hop Honors. Iconic artist 2Pac is included, along with two 1980s labels, Priority Records and Ruthless Records. Notably, all three of these acts are tied together. 2Pac appeared on Above The Law's... Read more

August 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

2Pac’s Classic Double-Album All Eyez On Me Certified Diamond By RIAA

Over 18 years ago, 2Pac released his "out on bail, fresh outta jail, California-dreamin'" double-album, All Eyez On Me. Today, according to a spokesperson and e-mail from the RIAA, it has been reported that the Death Row/Interscope Records effort has now achieved diamond status, scanning over 10 million copies sold... Read more

August 1, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Two Former Death Row Factions Unite, As Tha Outlawz Re-Link With Snoop Dogg (Video)

In the days following 2Pac's 1996 murder, Tha Outlawz, missing their leader and suffering the additional loss of slain member Khadafi were literally "stranded on Death Row." Label-mates with Snoop Dogg, both parties lost the love with the label that had once been so bountiful and successful at breaking talent.... Read more

June 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

With 2Pac’s Activism In The Conversation Again, Broadway Cries Holler If Ya Hear Me

While Tupac's music is perennially celebrated, it is his activism that has once again come to the foreground, recently. A month ago, 2Pac's previously-unreleased conversation with Sanyika Shakur (Monster Kody) provided 20 minutes of deep insights, reflections, and admissions from the final year of the iconic "Thug Angel's" life. Over... Read more

June 24, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

Read 2Pac’s 1995 Letter From Prison To Public Enemy’s Chuck D

In September 1995, Tupac Shakur was in New York's Clinton Correctional Facility, with less than a month remaining on a sexual assault conviction, stemming from 1993. Maintaining that he was innocent of the accusations against him, 'Pac rallied in his year leading up to the sentencing, while working hard at... Read more

June 23, 2014 Throwback

Here is an Incredibly Candid Previously Unreleased Conversation Between 2Pac & Sanyika Shakur (Audio)

This is a an amazing find. Here's a previously unreleased 20 minute conversation between Tupac and Sanyika Shakur (pka Monster Kody). They speak about the perils of prison life, the Hughes brothers, Yummy Sandifer, signing to Death Row, his rape case, Pac's desire to help the community and more. This... Read more

June 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Throwback

Take a Trip Back to the G-Funk Era With This Video Playlist (Video)

Here's a video playlist to transport you back to the G-Funk era. You'll see vintage clips from Dr. Dre, Snoop, Tha Dogg Pound, Warren G, 2Pac, Spice 1, The Luniz, DJ Quik and more. Check it out. Related: Here’s a playlist celebrating the 21+ year career of the legendary DJ... Read more

May 17, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Covers 2Pac and Rocks It. THIS IS CALIFORNIA LOVE (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been consistent in his praise for 2Pac as one of his favorite artists. At the iHeartRadio Awards, he paid homage to Pac and Dr. Dre with a rousing rendition of California Love (and some m.A.A.d. City), backed by a live band. This is the ultimate symbol that... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

One Of 2Pac’s Most Hip-Hop-Minded Songs Gets A Nice New Cookin’ Soul Remix (Audio)

Sometimes Tupac Shakur's Hip-Hop contributions are underplayed. Sure, 'Pac was a new kind of superstar rapper at the time of his death in late 1996, but Heads can forget that the native New Yorker was a B-boy too. Although One Nation never released the album as 'Pac intended, the group's... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

DJ SNS Liberates The Original Mixtape Version Of Biggie’s Who Shot Ya With A Keith Murray Verse (Audio)

It could be easily argued that the 1990s was the ultimate decade for mixtapes. Still on cassettes, New York masters like Kid Capri, Doo Wop, Tony Touch, DJ Clue, Ron G, Silva Surfa, Green Lantern, and a host of others competed with each other for the best exclusives, freestyles, strongest... Read more

March 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Jada Pinkett Smith Says Tupac Was 1 of the 1st Males in Her Life to See Her Beauty & Talent Non-Sexually (Video)

The close friendship between Tupac and Jada Pinkett Smith has been well-documented over the years. Jada recently sat down with Arsenio and spoke about several aspects of Tupac that are not often highlighted in the media. She talked about his diverse musical tastes, his love for Shakespeare and his respect... Read more

March 3, 2014 Video

John Singleton Is Taking Over The Tupac Shakur Biopic

Director/writer John Singleton has been reported as the latest visionary at the helm of Tupac Shakur's biopic. After years in pre-production, the film, which is partially in the hands of veteran Hip-Hop producer L.T. Hutton (Eazy-E/Snoop Dogg) now goes to the director of Boyz N The Hood. John will re-write... Read more

February 13, 2014 Fresh

Tupac Shakur-Inspired Musical Confirmed To Hit Broadway

Fans of Tupac Shakur in the New York City area have reason to celebrate. Today, Variety confirms that "Holler If Ya Hear Me" will be hitting Broadway's Palace Theater, beginning in June. The play takes its name from 'Pac's 1993 sophomore album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. The track opened the... Read more

January 8, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Crooked I Channels Makaveli & Goes For Broke On Against All Odds (Audio)

When you upset Crooked I, you've got problems. Following this week's airing of Slaughterhouse's 2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, Crooked I does his rendition of 2Pac's (as Makaveli) "Against All Odds." While this is not a cover by any means, this is a thematic homage to the Don Killuminati closer,... Read more

October 17, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Pay Tribute to Eazy-E, Tupac & The Notorious B.I.G. (Video)

Which group in Hip-Hop has recorded with each of Biggie, Tupac and Eazy-E? That's correct...Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. The group recently paid tribute to each of the fallen legends by performing a medley of their collabos. Check out the video of Bone performing Foe Tha Love Of $, Thug Luv and Notorious... Read more

September 25, 2013 Video

AFH: The Week in Video (9/14/13) (Video Playlist)

This was an exceptionally strong week in video. We got new music videos from Eminem, Eddie Murphy, 50 Cent, Macklemore & Schoolboy Q, Wiz Khalifa, The Weeknd and The Foreign Exchange, as well as performances from Drake (after he tries to holler at Scarlett Johansson), Kanye West and Nas. Check... Read more

September 14, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Mister Cee – 2Pac Tribute Mix

Mister Cee is back doing what he does best: mixing great music. With that comes what has become his tradition of making mixes that pay tribute to Lost Legends. Here's Cee's tribute to 2Pac from earlier today, the 17th anniversary of Pac's death. Related: A Look at 17-year Old Tupac... Read more

September 13, 2013 Audio

Jhene Aiko – Keep Ya Head Up (Video)

No I.D. was crazy about this Los Angeles songstress that went from kickin' it with B2K back in the early 2000s to rhyming with ScHoolboy Q and Drake 10 years. Here she is covering 2Pac's breakthrough single for Rap-Up TV's "Rap-Up Sessions." Jhene Aiko's solo debut album will be promoted... Read more

July 19, 2013 Fresh, Video

AFH: The Sweet 16 Playlist (Audio)

As you gear up for the NCAA Sweet 16, here's another type of sweet 16. Check out 16 of the best hip-hop songs from 16 years ago--1997 to be exact. You'll hear music from Biggie, Jay-Z, 2Pac, Scarface, Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Tha Dogg Pound, KRS-One, Camp Lo, The Firm,... Read more

March 28, 2013 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

This is…the REMIX (Audio Playlist)

It used to be remixes were a BIG deal. Unlike now, where an extra verse from a featured rapper constitutes a remix, remixes were often wholly-different takes on a song. The track was substantially different than the original and sometimes there were completely new verses. Here's a playlist of some... Read more

December 7, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Hit-Boy – East vs. West (Video)

Here's the video for Hit-Boy's ode to Biggie and Tupac. He dons the look of the 2 icons in the video and, true to the times he's lamenting, the track is a horn-influenced melancholy throw back to the 90's. Check out East vs. West. Related: Hit-Boy – HITstory (Mixtape)... Read more

October 17, 2012 Video

Mister Cee’s 2Pac Tribute Mix (Mixtape)

16 years. That's how long it's been since we lost 2Pac on that terrible Friday the 13th. As has become his custom on these days, Mister Cee dropped a mix on NYC's Hot 97 to celebrate Pac's LIFE. You can listen to the entire mix below. Related: 2Pac video playlist... Read more

September 13, 2012 Audio

Mike Tyson speaks on 2Pac (Video)

Mike Tyson has a new one man show in NYC. Here's an interview of the champ talking about his friendship with 2Pac, how they met and the night Pac was shot after attending Tyson's fight in Vegas. He also talks about Obama and more. Check out the video below. Related:... Read more

August 20, 2012 Video

Happy Birthday 2Pac (Video Playlist)

Happy birthday to the immortal outlaw Tupac Shakur, who would have been 41 today. Here's a video playlist celebrating the born day of a true icon. Related: 2Pac Hologram performs at Coachella (Video) and Kendrick Lamar discusses what 2Pac meant to him (Video)... Read more

June 16, 2012 Playlists, Video

Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg perform at Coachella 2012 with Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and 2Pac’s Hologram

The performance with 2Pac's hologram got all the shine earlier today, but from the looks of it, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg all around shut it down last night at Coachella. In addition to the 2Pac hologram, Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar all shared the stage with... Read more

April 16, 2012 Playlists, Video

2Pac hologram hits the stage at Coachella 2012 with Snoop Dogg (Video)

Rumors were circulating around the web last week that a hologram of Nate Dogg would be joining Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg during their set at Coachella. When the smoke lifted however, instead of Nate Dogg, a hologram of 2Pac hit the stage at Coachella during performances of Hail Mary... Read more

April 16, 2012 Video

Reflections on Trayvon Martin (Playlist) and a petition to prosecute his killer.

I've been searching for a song to capture my feelings around the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin and lack of prosecution of his killer but I haven't found one. It's probably because I have a multitude of emotions ranging from rage to sorrow to reflection. Here are some songs that... Read more

March 24, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Playlists

Miami (Bass) vs. Los Angeles (G-Funk) (Playlist)

5 on 5. Miami vs. LA. Big game today between the Lakers and Heat. As you wait for the game (or not) here are 2 playlists featuring 5 back in the day songs each that represent the distinctive sound generated in hip-hop from each locale. For Miami, it was the... Read more

March 4, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a President’s Day playlist featuring music about the presidents most discussed in hip-hop: Dead Presidents. You’ll hear music from 2Pac, DJ Quik, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, Scarface, Eric B & Rakim, Kanye West, Zion I, J Cole and more. You can listen to the whole playlist below.

Dead Presidents by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more

February 20, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Here’s a video playlist some classic hip-hop commercials (Video)

Commercials are always a big part of Super Bowl Sunday. With that in mind, here's a video playlist of some vintage hip-hop commercials. You'll hear verses from Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Large Professor, Grand Puba, Biggie, Snoop, 2Pac, Warren G, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Ice Cube, EPMD, Geto Boys... Read more

February 5, 2012 Audio, Playlists, Throwback, Video

Death Row Records was the most feared record label in the music industry. They are the 2nd most important hip-hop record label of all time. For the full scoop on Death Row and a video playlist of its classics, click here.

#2 Death Row Records The history of Death Row Records reads like a season of The Sopranos. Suge Knight was the Godfather figure who rose to power as quickly as anyone ever in entertainment, and he ruled with an iron fist once he got to the top. The label was... Read more

December 15, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists, Throwback, Video

Here’s a playlist of songs that have focused a critical eye on the status quo and expressed a desire for something better. Some of the names you would expect (Public Enemy, Talib Kweli, Common, Lupe Fiasco, 2Pac) and others might surprise you (Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West). Regardless of whether or not you share their views or not, it’s food for thought in these interesting times.

With the global economy in chaos, people are standing up for their beliefs across the world. The many "Occupy" protests are just a few examples of this. Throughout time, music has played an important role in such movements. Hip-hop was that voice of unrest for many in the 80's and... Read more

November 1, 2011 Food for Thought, Playlists

MCs from the West never left but there’s been a resurgence of late from Southern Cali. It’s inspired this playlist which celebrates the contribution that LA-based MCs have made to hip-hop over the last 3 decades. You’ll hear music from Ice-T, NWA, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, DJ Quik, Lady of Rage, Warren G, 2Pac, The Game, The Pharcyde, King Tee, Tha Alkaholiks, Jurrasic 5, Dilated Peoples, DJ Quik, Pac Div, Murs, Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar.

Obviously, there are many other MCs who've helped build the LA legacy but this is a representation of many left coast eras. Just press play, sit back and listen to how the West was won. Related: Snoop Dogg - Reincarnated Official Film Trailer (Video)... Read more

September 24, 2011 Audio, Playlists

We lost Pac 15 years ago. Here’s a video playlist celebrating his 25 years of LIFE. RIP Tupac Shakur.

September 13, 2011 Playlists, Video

Big K.R.I.T.’s The Vent is special. It’s a thoughtful and thought-provoking rhyme accompanied by dark, brooding chords. It is almost prayerful. Here’s the official video. Check it out.

There also have been some incredible videos of K.R.I.T. performing the song live. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xVEa0SMxFg&feature=player_embedded For me, The Vent strikes a similar emotional chord as this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbs7wWLXLpw... Read more

August 26, 2011 The Bridge, Video

Kendrick Lamar – Hail Mary Freestyle & Interview (Video)

Kendrick Lamar paid a visit to the Bootleg Kev show, recently. He did an interview and dropped some verses over Makaveli's Hail Mary track. Check out the video below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tc1PH6_69c&feature=player_embedded And, in case you need to hear the original... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iaQrh4YtuQ... Read more

August 22, 2011 The Bridge, Video

Back in the Day: West Coast Style. Here’s a mix dedicated to the G-Funk era.

You'll find music from Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, The Luniz, The Lady of Rage, Sam Sneed, Spice 1, Ice Cube, Warren G, 2Pac, DJ Quik and more. Check it out. Ambrosia For Heads G-Funk Mix by Parfit... Read more

July 21, 2011 Audio