English 1101 JR

On September 13,1996 the drive-by shooting and murder of West Coast rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur has been, and still is today was one of the most mysterious cases in Hip Hop Culture. After attending a boxing match in LA at the MGM Grand Tupac got into a fight with a group of Crips, which escalated to the drive by shooting. After being rushed to the hospital Shakur, a leading rap artist at Death Row Records, was pronounced dead. The East coast West coast uproar, stimulated by Vibe coverage, was simmering down during the late 1990’s, but the question still remains “Who killed Tupac?”. Shakur’s death revealed the hatred and envy those felt towards him and his success. During his time Tupac left behind a great legacy of heartfelt music that expressed African-American culture through rap. Tupac used his music as a way for people to feel free and let loose and not have a worry about the struggle and hardships they were facing. Shakur’s outspoken ways made him uncommon in the music industry, his lyrics were unfiltered which made him one of the greats. 

Shakur, Tupac. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 7:49 Oct      15,2014 from http://www.biography.com/people/tupac-shakur-206528

This article discusses the background of Tupac Shakur’s early years and life in a brief overview. I used this article to gain a clear understanding of the minor details of Tupac’s life. I came to an understanding that he was a strong individual raised by his mother a Black Panther Activist. While living in New York he attending Baltimore School of Arts and took acting classes and even ballet. After moving from New York (East Coast), to the California (West Coast) he gained an interest in rap and didn’t let that opportunity pass him up.

 Selby, J. (2014, May 23). Tupac Shakur death: Last words 18 years later. Retrieved October 16, 2014. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/tupac-shakur-death-last-words-of-the-rapper-revealed-18-years-after-his-murder-9424622.html

This source discussed the reactions officers that responded to the murder felt toward the situation. They were able to express emotions and reactions people were feeling at the time especially the CEO of Death Records Suge Knight who was the driver of the vehicle Tupac was murdered in. The last words of the rapper were nothing short of a Tupac response “F you” he gurgled out.

 Reed, R. (2014, May 23). Tupac's final words revealed by police officer on scene. Retrieved October 17, 2014, from http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/23/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/tupac-last-words-rs/

This source also discussed the final words of Tupac. I compared and contrasted the two because I felt as though the information needed to be clarified and looked over thoroughly before researching.

 Suge Knight has not been arrested for Tupac's Murder. (2012, May 8). Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.vibe.com/article/suge-knight-has-not-been-arrested-tupacs-murder

Suge Knight became a leading suspect in the mysterious murder. After following up multiple leads and even witnesses Knight’s name became to come up a lot. Due to the allegations a warrant was set out for his arrest for questioning but later in the trial he was not charged and was set free to leave. Many different sources pointed the finger at Suge Knight but not enough evidence can pin him on the murder.

 Broomfield, N.  (Producer), Michele D’Acosta (Producer) & Broomfield, N. (Director). (2002). Biggie and Tupac (Motion Picture).  United States: Lions Gate Entertainment.

This powerful documentary discussed the how the media and outsiders made the public view the murder of Tupac. I used this documentary as a base for my resources while it gave me the most insight and major details on the crime.

 Shakur, T. (August 1996). Hail Mary (Tupac Shakur).  The Dom Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. Death Row Records. Interscope. (August 1996).

 Hail Mary one of Tupac’s top hits was recorded in just under an hour. This video featuring The Outlaws was filmed in a jail scene and cemetery scene. The strong lyrics and intense beat makes this song one of his best.

Lazin, L (Producer). Lazin, L (Director). (2003) Tupac: Resurrection (Motion Picture). United States: Paramount Pictures.

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