Tupac Shakur

The Authorized Biography

By: Staci Robinson

Narrated by: Jamal Joseph, Staci Robinson

Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The authorized biography of the legendary artist, Tupac Shakur, a “touching, empathetic portrait” (The New York Times) of his life and powerful legacy, including mementos, handwritten poetry, musings, and more

Artist, poet, actor, revolutionary, legend

Tupac Shakur is one of the greatest and most controversial artists of all time. More than a quarter of a century after his tragic death in 1996 at the age of just twenty-five, he continues to be one of the most misunderstood, complicated, and influential figures in modern history. Drawing on exclusive access to Tupac’s private notebooks, letters, and uncensored conversations with those who loved and knew him best, this estate-authorized biography paints the fullest and most intimate picture to date of the young man who became a legend for generations to come.

In Tupac Shakur, author and screenwriter Staci Robinson—who knew Tupac from their shared circle of high school friends in Marin City, California, and who was entrusted by his mother, Afeni Shakur, to share his story—unravels the myths and unpacks the complexities that have shadowed Tupac’s existence. Decades in the making, this book pulls back the curtain to reveal a powerful story of a life defined by politics and art—a man driven by equal parts brilliance and impulsiveness, steeped in the rich intellectual tradition of Black empowerment, and unafraid to utter raw truths about race in America.

It is a story of a mother and son bound together by a love for each other and for their people, and the relationship that endured through their darkest times. It is a political story that begins in the whirlwind of the 1960s civil rights movement and unfolds through a young artist’s awakening to rage and purpose in the ’90s era of Rodney King. It is a story of dizzying success and its devastating consequences. And, of course, it is the story of Tupac’s music, his timeless, undying message as it continues to touch and inspire us today.

©2023 Staci Robinson (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A must-see for [Tupac] fans [with] loads of colorful details about his life . . . The author is at her best in her descriptions of Shakur’s ambitions, intense work ethic, and dislike of authority . . . as well as his family life. . . . This authorized biography of Shakur is intimate and personal.” —Kirkus Reivews

“[A] riveting account . . . Robinson [sets] out a faithful and detailed portrait of an artist dedicated to helping ‘others achieve freedom from oppression.’ Enriched by invaluable excerpts from the rapper’s notebooks and sketch pads, this will have hip-hop devotees enthralled.” —Publishers Weekly

“Tupac Shakur is a touching, empathetic portrait of a friend. Even familiar stories achieve new intimacy at closer range. And small moments help clarify longstanding narratives, coloring in the outlines of this well-known tale of the actor-rapper-activist who died at 25 . . . [I]t astutely chronicles his life as a microcosm of the ongoing Black American struggle . . . Robinson spends [the book’s] pages advocating not only for Tupac’s integrity, but for the spirit of Black resistance he embodied . . . At its best, the book feels like a plea to re-examine the world that made Tupac Shakur so angry.” —The New York Times

learned so much about him.

loved it all and thrilled I listened to this wonderful book. I then watched a documentary on this remarkable man. Thank you

Tupac I Miss U

Black men and this world isn’t the same without you, Tupac. Black women need you! ❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️ This authorized novel finally did him SOME justice. I miss you, 2PAC! Real niggas have since died and all that seems to be left are imitation brands that only think they’re authentic. This is the story of the last true Black Power! Rest easy, my angel.

The Biography we’ve been waiting for

Simply put, it was a great book. It celebrates his life instead of analyzing his death. You learn about the man , not just the celebrity. Definitely worth checking out.

Very well done!

I loved the history and activism woven through the story. Excellently told and narrated! Highly recommend!

Tupac Shakur

Interesting story. Tupac dealt with a lot, whole a lot, but never wavered. He remained determined to make a difference. Well written.

Phenomenal

I devoured this. As with anything or anyone… there are so many layers behind what the media portrays. This book shows the depth of an incredible individual and his family.

Authorized

Beautifully Written! You can tell that this book was written from a place of love and true admiration. It provides a lens into his life that we had not had before. So well done. It’s a must read for so many reasons. A required reading for educators, students, mothers and sons. Such good lessons to take away from the life of Tupac and the women who raised him.

Outstanding Read!!

This book does 2Pac’s legacy justice! If you’re a 2Pac fan then this book is a must!! Check it out!

Wow

Wow! Amazing detail. Story greatly told, narrated perfectly. The GOAT was done justice! 5 star!

The best Tupac book ever

Outstanding…The ending was so heartbreaking. If you’re a fan of Tupac, you NEED to hear this book!!!!