tupac Archives

A New Documentary Series Will Show The Rise & Fall Of Death Row Records

There are few storylines, whether fact or fiction, filled with more drama, violence, or ups and downs than the tale of Death Row Records. Founded in 1991 by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight, with help from SOLAR Records' Dick Griffey, The D.O.C. and incarcerated silent partner Michael "Harry O" Harris,... Read more

April 20, 2017 Video

Treach, Snoop & T.I. Bring Tupac Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame In Style (Video)

Friday night (April 7) at Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center, Tupac Shakur was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. More than 20 years after the legendary rapper, actor, and revolutionary was killed in Las Vegas, Nevada, his name and music will live on forever, positioned alongside The... Read more

April 8, 2017 Video

Teasers For The Tupac Movie Have Been Really Good. The Official Trailer Is GREAT (Video)

Tupac Shakur's life story is coming to theaters in less than 10 weeks. The film, All Eyez On Me will chronicle the rise and fall of one of Hip-Hop's immortal voices. The movie traces a timeline from 'Pac's impressionable childhood to his sudden, tragic death. Following several teasers, the June... Read more

April 6, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Tupac Shakur Will Be Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame By Snoop Dogg

UPDATE: The original March 26 story erroneously reported that Mopreme Shakur was recently deceased. We apologize for that mistake and any confusion it may have caused. In fact, Mopreme's Thug Life band-mate Big Syke is the artist whose obituary we linked to in that statement, and intended to report. In... Read more

March 26, 2017 News

A New Auction Acknowledges Tupac As 1 Of America’s Most Important Historical Figures (Video)

People are willing to spend considerable amounts of money on collectible items, especially thanks to online auctions. Within Hip-Hop alone, collecting items belonging to rappers and others has become a multi-million-dollar industry, particularly when it involves artists who have passed away. Unsurprisingly, Tupac Shakur is one of the most highly... Read more

March 20, 2017 Lifestyle

Joey Bada$$’s Mad Max-Inspired Video Shows Tupac Was His Biggest Influence

Last week, Joey Bada$$ made headlines for saying “I already know I’m a better rapper than Tupac. That’s just facts. One-on-one battle, I’ll flame Pac.” The statement was in the context of him discussing Black History Month's significance to him. One of Joey's central themes in the conversation was that... Read more

March 6, 2017 Video

Joey Bada$$ Says He’s A Better Rapper Than Tupac Was (Video)

In January, Joey Bada$$ released "Land of the Free," by far the most politically-minded song of his career. The record was about self-empowerment, and featured lines like “realize the real games that they tried to show us/300+ years of them cold shoulders/Yet 300 million of us still got no focus/Sorry... Read more

March 1, 2017 Video

Snoop Talks With The Star Of All Eyez On Me About How Much The Film Moved Him (Video)

On June 16, 2017, All Eyez On Me, the long-awaited biopic on Tupac Shakur, will hit theaters. The film is directed by legendary music video and film director, Benny Boom, and stars Demetrius Shipp, Jr., as Tupac, and Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead's Michonne), as Pac's mother, Afeni Shakur. All... Read more

February 21, 2017 Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: Erick Sermon vs. DJ Quik. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 15, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Snoop Dogg Recalls Meeting Tupac & Nearly Battle Rapping (Video)

In 1996, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg would release several collaborations, beginning with All Eyez On Me video single "2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted." Snoop has previously credited himself with recruiting Shakur to join Death Row Records in 1995, when the Long Beach, California MC was the standout MC at... Read more

January 22, 2017 Video

Juice Turns 25 Years Old. This Collection Shows Why It’s Still Hard As Steel (Video)

Twenty five years ago today (January 17, 1992), Ernest R. Dickerson's directorial debut film Juice hit theaters. Starring Omar Epps and Tupac Shakur (in addition to Samuel L. Jackson), the film adapted a classic story-line of deception, betrayal, and greed within a circle of friends. For Shakur, a trained actor,... Read more

January 17, 2017 TV/Film, Video

E-40 Says Tupac Had An Album Ready For When He Died (Video)

Fans of Tupac Shakur know that the enigmatic MC often contemplated his own death in his songs, videos and interviews. On records like "No More Pain," from All Eyez On Me, he scoffed at his demise, with lines like "my only fear of death is reincarnation." For other songs, like... Read more

January 3, 2017 Video

Tupac Will Enter The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Gene Simmons Can Kiss Off.

In just five years of releasing albums, Tupac Shakur transformed Hip-Hop music and culture. The New York-born lyricist made songs about love, family, decadence, teenage pregnancy, police brutality, and humiliating his enemies, among a litany of other topics. The music of Shakur's is as complex as the man, and often... Read more

December 20, 2016 News

This Alternate Version Of “How Long Will They Mourn Me” Has An Unreleased Tupac Verse (Audio)

Long before they were label-mates at Death Row, Tupac Shakur and Nate Dogg made a jam together. Thug Life's 1994 single "How Long Will They Mourn Me?" is eerie, given that Shakur, Nate, and now Big Syke have all died since the record released. Furthermore, Jam Master Jay (who is... Read more

December 15, 2016 Audio

Thug Life Co-Founder & Tupac Associate Big Syke Has Passed Away

Thug Life co-founder Big Syke (aka Tyruss Himes) has died today (December 6). A Hip-Hop veteran of nearly 25 years, Syke was a close associate of Tupac Shakur. In addition to Thug Life's 1994 album, Syke appeared on Tupac tracks like "All Eyez On Me," "When We Ride," and the... Read more

December 6, 2016 News

Puffy Details Stepping To Suge Knight After The Source Awards & Suge Backpedaling (Video)

On August 3, 1995, many historians believe that the East Coast and West Coast Hip-Hop Beef was declared. Accepting the Source Award in Madison Square Garden for the Above The Rim soundtrack, Death Row Records CEO and co-founder Suge Knight told attendees, “Any artist out there that want to be an... Read more

November 30, 2016 Video

Shia LaBeouf Transforms Into The “#1 MC In Hollywood,” With A Monster Freestyle (Video)

Many things come to mind when the name Shia LaBeouf is mentioned. "MC" is not one of them. For years, LaBeouf has been a fixture in Hollywood as an actor and director, who has been involved in major film franchises such as Indiana Jones, Wall Street and, of course, Transformers.... Read more

November 12, 2016 Video

Rakim Opens Up About Rivalries With Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, EPMD & More

Although he is revered as one of, if not the greatest, MCs of all time–Rakim typically shuns the spotlight. Even as rumors (and anonymously reported denials) linger about an Eric B. & Rakim reunion and corresponding tour, the 30-year professional musician has not come forward to confirm or waive off reports.... Read more

November 3, 2016 Fresh, News

Hillary Clinton & Charlamagne Talk Death Row Meme & Her Response May Surprise You (Video)

Moments after taking the stage at the third presidential debate on October 19, Hillary Clinton became the subject of what may be the greatest Hip-Hop-meets-politics meme of all time. In it, her wardrobe choices for each of the three debates is matched up against uncannily similar outfits worn by Death... Read more

October 26, 2016 Video

Juice’s Director Reveals It Was By Chance That Tupac Auditioned For The Movie (Audio)

In 1991, Tupac Shakur was a relative unknown. At best, for those paying close attention, he had begun to build a buzz after his guest verse on Digital Underground's 1991 record, "Same Song." Within 5 years he would become one of the most famous people on the planet, but, on... Read more

October 21, 2016 Audio

Joey Bada$$ Reveals His Presidential Aspirations & How Tupac Is His Greatest Influence In Life (Video)

In a recent interview with San Francisco, California's KMEL radio station, Joey Bada$$ had a lot to say. Among other things, the Brooklyn, New York artist and actor announced the abbreviated title of a new album - A.A.B.A. - which he says will be his most political body of work... Read more

October 20, 2016 Video

Tupac Shakur Has Been Nominated For The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

The nominees for the 2017 class of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame have been announced, and Tupac Shakur leads a list of first time nominees that also includes Pearl Jam, Journey, Jane's Addiction, Depeche Mode, and more. If accepted, Shakur would be the sixth Hip-Hop artist admitted to... Read more

October 18, 2016 News

Shock G Takes It Back To The Streets With A Lit Freestyle…Literally (Video)

Shock G and his brainchild of Digital Underground helped introduce the world to Tupac Shakur, Saafir, and others. The Oakland, California group may have taught the world how to do the "Humpty Dance," but their albums and hits run much deeper than just a crossover single. With a career spanning... Read more

October 13, 2016 Video

Soul On Ice: Ras Kass Reflects On His Groundbreaking Album 20 Years Later (Video)

By all accounts, Ras Kass is one of the most gifted lyricists of all-time. For more than 20 years, Ras Kass has been seizing every opportunity to approach rapping with thoughtfulness, complexity, and message-driven content. Of course, he wasn't the first to do so, and he credits KRS-One and Rakim... Read more

October 1, 2016 Video

Token Explains His Journey As An MC & How Music Saved His Life (Video)

Less than one week ago, Salem, Massachusetts MC Token released his debut project, Eraser Shavings. The 17-track effort featuring production by Nottz, Clinton Sparks, and Jon Glass (among others) arrives just as the lyricist turns 18 years old. Although he is a teenager, this MC is hardly new to the craft.... Read more

September 28, 2016 Exclusive, Video

Tupac Approved The Artwork For Makaveli’s Don Killuminati A Day Before He Was Shot (Audio)

Twenty years ago this month, Tupac Shakur was confirmed dead seven days after a Las Vegas, Nevada drive-by shooting. At the time, Shakur had released one of the biggest albums of 1996 care of double LP All Eyez On Me. However, the Death Row Records artist had recently completed an... Read more

September 24, 2016 Audio

Here’s What Nas Would Say If He Could Go Back in Time to Stop Tupac & Biggie’s Beef (Video)

Celebrated sports columnist Bill Simmons recently hosted Nas on his weekly HBO talk-show series, the cleverly titled "Any Given Wednesday." In their discussions, the two discussed far more than the rapper's interest in sports and the host's interest in Rap, and along with fellow guests Kevin Durant and Vince Staples,... Read more

September 22, 2016 Video

Bokeem Woodbine Reveals Tupac Was Fed Up With Record Labels Profiting On Beef

Tuesday's September 13th date marked 20 years since the death of Tupac Shakur. In addition to his circle that included Madonna, M.C. Hammer, and actor Mickey Rourke, The Rap superstar had many burgeoning famous people around him in the last year of his life. Keyshia Cole, Rashida Jones, and Kxng... Read more

September 15, 2016 News

9th Wonder Makes A Powerful Case For Tolerance Between Generations In Hip-Hop

In recent weeks, there have been several incidents, primarily on social media, that suggest a generational divide within Hip-Hop. Three of the biggest breakout stars of the last year ran into isolated incidents, and collided with some of Rap's veterans. Beyond simply music, age played a factor in the conflicts... Read more

September 14, 2016 Food for Thought

Why Tupac Is The Most Influential MC Of All-Time 20 Years After His Death

Twenty years ago (September 13, 1996) Tupac Amaru Shakur died in the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. The last year of his life had been his most successful, his most active, and certainly bid to be his most controversial. Shakur, who was born in New York, became a young... Read more

September 13, 2016 Food for Thought

Tupac’s Latest All Eyez On Me Trailer Shows A Fast Life At Full Speed (Video)

Today (September 13) marks exactly 20 years since the death of Tupac Shakur. As his theatrical biopic gears up for screenings, an expanded, second trailer to All Eyez On Me releases. In the film, Heads can see the portrayals of important figures to Shakur's life including his mother Afeni Shakur,... Read more

September 13, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Ed Gordon Recalls Building Closeness With Tupac After Questioning His “Thug” Life (Video)

Tomorrow (September 13), veteran broadcast journalist Ed Gordon will launch his new, self-titled series for Bounce TV. Throughout the last 30 years, the Detroit, Michigan native has been a pillar of news and information, as a longtime host and correspondent on BET, plus contributor to "60 Minutes," "Today," and other... Read more

September 12, 2016 Video

What’s The Greatest Opening Line In Hip-Hop History? Here Are 50 (Video)

Hip-Hop is built on debates. Who is the greatest MC of all-time? What's the best album? What's the best song? The arguments are endless and often simultaneously the source of great entertainment and great agita. There have been several lists that aim to settle these matters, and The Peak has released... Read more

September 2, 2016 Video

20 Years Later, OutKast’s ATLiens Is A Masterpiece Of Space & Time

True to its extraterrestrial theme, OutKast's 1996 sophomore album ATLiens was of another world. Like the "Paid In Full" vocal sample proclaimed, André 3000 and Big Boi added "new color, new dimension, and new value" to the mid-'90s Hip-Hop ethos. Arguably, this came at a time when Hip-Hop's soul needed... Read more

August 25, 2016 Food for Thought

Ed Lover’s Tupac Stories Will Make You Cover Your Mouth (Audio)

Contemporary Hip-Hop has a plethora of media personalities presenting, dissecting, and analyzing the music and culture. Names such as Sway Calloway, Charlamagne Tha God, Miss Info, and DJ Vlad come to mind in breaking news, discourse, and reaction to the daily stream of events. These personalities use different media platforms... Read more

August 16, 2016 Audio

Snoop Dogg Claims He Is The Reason Tupac Signed To Death Row

In 1995 and 1996, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur were label mates at Death Row Records. Notably, 'Pac had made a cameo in Snoop's 1994 film, Murder Was The Case—which was directed by Dr. Dre. He would also release a hit video single on Above The Rim soundtrack in "Pour... Read more

August 7, 2016 Audio

Why Did Tupac Attack De La Soul? A New Video Breaks Down The Beef

Tupac's war with the East Coast, particularly with The Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Entertainment, is well-documented. And, while his sharp words for the likes of Biggie, Mobb Deep and even Nas have been oft-discussed, the ire he directed toward De La Soul on his songs "Against All Odds," from... Read more

July 31, 2016 Video

Tupac Left Prison A Superstar On A Vendetta. Gucci Mane Uses Him For Inspiration (Audio)

In the last year of his life, Tupac Shakur left Clinton Correctional Facility to claim the pole position in Rap music. While Me Against The World would go to #1 when 'Pac was incarcerated, his 1996 follow-up All Eyez On Me, is the (diamond-certified) double album he is largely remembered... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

All Eyez Can Watch A Trailer To Tupac Shakur’s Biopic (Video)

After years of development, the Tupac Shakur biopic is completed. Today (June 16) would have been the music and film star's 45th birthday. In conjunction, All Eyez On Me unveils its first official film trailer. The Morgan Creek Production is said to reach theater screens on November 11, 2016—more than... Read more

June 16, 2016 TV/Film, Video

The Game’s Rap Dreams Are Still Stranded On Death Row (Audio)

Dr. Dre released his solo debut The Chronic more than a decade before he would help introduce the world to 50 Cent. However, one Dre co-executive produced (with Eminem) 2003's Get Rich Or Die Tryin', it was a chain reaction of G-Unit artists that would quickly collect heat from D-R-E's... Read more

June 14, 2016 Audio

New Details Emerge About Tupac Ambushing A Tribe Called Quest’s Source Awards Speech (Video)

In the canon of Hip-Hop, the most famous Source Awards is the 1995 year. There, tensions between Death Row Records and Bad Boy Records came to a head, after Suge Knight aimed a thinly-veiled criticism at onetime associate Puff Daddy from the microphone podium. Snoop Dogg, Danny Boy, Dr. Dre, and... Read more

June 2, 2016 Video

Easy Mo Bee Confirms Tupac Was Trying To End The East/West Beef

Easy Mo Bee is one of the artists who worked with Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. the closest, during the mid-1990s. While acts like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Method Man, and Buckshot would record with both MCs, the Brooklyn, New York producer was deeply responsible for the soundscapes of Biggie Smalls'... Read more

May 23, 2016 Throwback

Greg Nice Reveals Details About The East/West Peace Album Tupac Was Recording When He Died (Video)

In the month of May, the unreleased music of Tupac Shakur has been the topic of discussion. The reported 152 songs belonging to the estate of the slain Hip-Hop superstar are said to now be in the hands of the music executive who signed him to Interscope Records in the... Read more

May 19, 2016 Throwback, Video

Here’s A 20-Year Celebration Of Tupac’s All Eyez On Me Through Its Samples (Video)

Earlier this year (February 13), Tupac's magnum opus, All Eyez On Me, turned 20-years old. The LP was historic, as Rap's first double album, and it embodied all sides of the enigmatic Tupac that made him beloved to many. There were political statements ("Only God Can Judge Me"), odes to... Read more

May 14, 2016 Video

Tupac’s Original Version Of “Dear Mama” Emerges & It Features A Sample Of Yo-Yo On The Chorus (Audio)

In 1995, Tupac Shakur would release what may be the most definitive song of his career in "Dear Mama." Appearing on the #1, multi-platinum Me Against The World album, the Tony Pizarro-produced first single countered the Shakur portrayed in the media. While the Thug Life front-man was in prison for... Read more

May 5, 2016 Audio, Throwback

The Game Releases The Realest Song About Mothers Since “Dear Mama” (Audio)

One day after Prince died, The Game released "Rest In Purple," a powerful tribute song that spoke to how Prince's music affected Game personally, and how his death caused Game to reflect on his own mortality. Now, days after the death of Afeni Shakur, mother of Tupac and a revolutionary... Read more

May 5, 2016 Audio

Tupac Shakur’s Estate Is Now In The Hands Of The Man Who Signed Him

Late Monday (May 2), Afeni Shakur died in Marin County, California at the age of 69. The mother of Tupac and Sekyiwa Shakur had become a mainstream figure, not just because of her high-profile son's life (and death), but also due to her years as a Black Panther, social activist,... Read more

May 4, 2016 News

Tupac’s Mom, Afeni Shakur, Has Died At The Age Of 69

Afeni Shakur, mother of 1990s Hip-Hop superstar Tupac Amaru Shakur, has died early this morning (May 3). She was 69 years old. While a cause of death has yet to be released to the public, the onetime Black Panther and inspiration to 1995 Interscope Records single "Dear Mama" has been... Read more

May 3, 2016 News

Producer Mike Mosley Reveals Several MCs Who Witnessed Tupac Record “Hit ‘Em Up” (Video)

In the mid-1990s, Tupac Shakur revamped his production personnel. While 1996's All Eyez On Me would be his first album at Death Row Records, working extensively with the label's production staff, those changes started taking shape even prior. On 1995's #1 LP, Me Against The World, 'Pac maintained a close... Read more

April 26, 2016 Throwback, Video

Unreleased Footage Shows Tupac Speaking Incredibly Powerfully About Income Inequality (Video)

MTV News has released never before seen footage of Tupac from 1992, speaking about income equality. Shakur, the son of two Black Panthers, often incorporated strong political messages in his music and everyday discourse, and often his words carried themes of uplift and revolution. In the MTV clip, after citing... Read more

April 20, 2016 Video