Tupac Shakur

The Authorized Biography

By: Staci Robinson

Narrated by: Jamal Joseph, Staci Robinson

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.

Very well done!

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

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.

Tupac Shakur

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

Best Tupac book

Would highly recommend if you are a Tupac fan. Good narration and easy to listen.

The best Tupac book ever

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

Tupac

He seemed so complicated and misunderstood. A guy who could go from zero to sixty in seconds but had a tremendous heart for the downtrodden and homeless since he knew how they felt. Outstanding!!

10/10

One of the best audibles I’ve heard so far,glad I bought,told me a lot I didn’t know about Tupac. Forever a legend

Enjoyed it

Been a big 2pac fan since the early 90s and was a big part of my childhood. His music got me through a lot of hard times growing up. I really enjoyed this book my only one grip was the reader of the book. Should have got someone who spoke more clearly and didn’t mumble.