My Tupac Background Knowledge & Experience
Whenever someone asks, “Who is your favorite rapper?” Tupac Amaru Shakur is always at the top of my list. Although I never met him physically, it didn’t matter because I knew him spiritually.
My love for this unique and often misunderstood soul began several years ago. In fact, I was aware that Tupac was making a name for himself in the music industry when he appeared with the hip-hop group Digital Underground. However, it wasn’t until he appeared in John Singleton’s 1993 film, POETIC JUSTICE, that my love for this man soared to a whole new level.
In the movie POETIC JUSTICE Tupac made me swoon. While playing the character “Lucky” he represented the hood, maintained a decent job, and had aspirations of becoming a hip-hop star. He was what we considered back in the day, “A Corporate Thug” which is a man that can easily transform from his well paid job and blend in naturally while appearing in the hood.
Although he was acting on the screen I noticed authentic layers in this man that were truly profound. Therefore when he began to make headlines in the news for mischievous and dangerous offenses, I reflected on the “Lucky” that was hidden within.
Tupac’s acting skills weren’t the only thing that made me love him. His originality, substance, and truthfulness in his lyrics also made me a fan of his musical work. As a lover of poetry Tupac frequently used the words in his lyrics to tell a story and that made me love him even more. With songs like “Brenda’s Got A Baby” or “Keep Your Head Up” Tupac reminded us that he is more than a lyricist with a dope beat and a hook or a ladies man. He desired to use his platform to bring about change in the status quo that was being represented in the hood.
So when I heard that a film was being produced to tell the life story of Tupac I became overly excited. After many days of asking, “When is the movie coming out?” (Read an interview with the film’s director Benny Boom here to learn why it took so long .) The time has finally arrived and now I shall give my review of the untold story of Tupac Amaru Shakur being represented in the film ALL EYEZ ON ME.
Movie Review/Revelation
First off, let me give a special shout-out to Demetrius Shipp Jr, for portraying the role of this hip-hop legend. This young actor completely encompassed a man that is unforgettable and easily recognizable. For me to zone out of reality and visualize him as the actual Tupac we all have grown to love, is beyond belief. There is one unique gesture Demetrius got right that always made me laugh when I saw it. And that is, no one on earth can hold a cigarette like Tupac. This nuance is special to me and oh so right. The music alone will have you wanting to literally jump out of your seat and create a dance floor too.
After watching the Tupac film biopic, ALL EYEZ ON ME I now realize that Tupac Amaru Shakur is officially resting in peace. It’s profound how this revelation came to me. As a woman that loves poetry and all things poetic, listening to Pac recite Shakespeare with his mother awakened my sense of his true identity.
When you take a moment to stop and reflect on his journey, Tupac became a natural born leader the day he was formed in Afeni Shakur’s womb. As a prominent leader of the Black Panther organization, Afeni laid the foundation for Tupac’s mindset and thought process.
During the film Afeni portrayed by actress Danai Gurira, gives Tupac a notebook for Christmas and reminds him that writing will push him further in life than a basketball. In case you are unaware, some parts of the African American culture deem entering the NBA or NFL as a right of passage or the only way out of the hood. Afeni challenged the status quo and recognized that her son would be greater than man’s small perception of life. Ironically, a notebook would travel with him throughout his life.
Tupac grew up to be a man wise beyond his years here on earth. He was truly an authentic giant with a big heart. Loyalty meant everything to him and if you proved yourself otherwise, “Now ya bout to feel the wrath of a menace.” -Hit Em Up
As a leader of his generation Tupac was reminded of the fact that a target was literally on his back. Every move he made determined if his outcome would lead to victory or become his downfall. Therefore some of the company or friends dressed as enemies that entered his life created havoc and caused him to appear in the media as a violent uncontrollable thug. Now we all know Tupac wasn’t a perfect Saint however, he understood how his actions hurt the people he loved and often sought forgiveness. Only a real man will recognize his faults and desire to change them.
Contrary to popular belief, I love how this film allowed the audience to see the brilliant facet of a man who could not be contained. He was destined for greatness and I now realize why he had to die. It is said that when a man has accomplished all that he is created to do on earth, that is the time for God to call them home to the after life.
The epic scene between Tupac and Afeni while he was in Prison spoke volumes to me. As they recited a piece from the Shakespeare play “Hamlet.”
The day Tupac and Suge Knight became business partners, was the beginning of the unfortunate end. Don’t get me wrong, Suge Knight had the money to bail him out of prison and helped his career soar even further however, it was a trap. A trap that would prevent him from leaving the clutch of Suge Knight’s money grip. Therefore not allowing him the opportunity to live out his mantra of being true to thine own self as he was created.
The defeated spirit I felt on that screen as Tupac glanced through the monetary records in Suge Knight’s notebook was heartbreaking. Isn’t it ironic how Tupac was no longer writing his own destiny? As he stared at the negative numbers and realized that his hopes and desires would forever be tied to this treacherous man, an epiphany appeared.
Tupac had to die because he could no longer be contained or confined to a man who was not his maker. As Tupac stood in court and told the judge after his sentencing, “I’m in God’s hands.” So it is true with the ending of his life. He is in God’s hands and the Lord above saw fit for him to be free. Free from not living out his true destiny.
On the day of his birthday I celebrate the man, the poet, the rapper, the genius who I now love even more after watching this film ALL EYEZ ON ME.
Once again, Demetrius Shipp Jr. is phenomenal and deeply moving as he embodies the spirit and essence of this legend. Thank you to Producers L.T. Hutton, David Robinson and James G. Robinson, Executive Producer Wayne Morris, Director Benny Boom, and the countless others who played a part in making this film. I know the journey was long, tumultuous, and downright challenging. Tupac’ story had to be told and thankfully it was done respectfully beautiful.
Love You PAC!
ALL EYEZ ON ME (CodeBlack Films)
Synopsis: ALL EYEZ ON ME tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world’s most recognized and influential voices before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur’s raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.
Website: http://www.alleyez.movie/
Social Media:
o Twitter: @alleyezmovie
o Facebook: /alleyezmovie
o Instagram: @alleyezmovie
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Houston ALL EYEZ ON ME Premiere Photos June 15, 2017
