I was about five years old when Tupac was basking in stardom and criticized by the media, but his music was real and I felt like I knew him. His lyrics turned into movies in my mind. I saw the people he was talking about in every story told. And I felt every emotion through his hard, but yet passionate voice. To date, no artist has made me cry in sadness, because of a true story told through song (Brenda’s got a Baby). If you’re emotionless during that record then my friend something is wrong with you. 

Tupac certainly had a calling to lead, but he had a lot of Jonah in him like many of us. He ran from himself like most twenty-somethings do subconsciously, not quite knowing how to direct their gifts. There is a scene in the film where Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur tells Tupac he’s a leader when they watch Vice President, Dan Quayle in 1992 criticize Tupac’s lyrics and try to connect his lyrics to a murder case. Tupac quickly denies that responsibility in that moment. 

Tupac’s foundation was revolutionary. Fighting for justice and understanding the “system” was in his DNA it was the mainstay throughout his life. It was what kept him moving—literally and figuratively. His mother was pregnant with him while in jail and the only father figure (in which we know of) was in prison. 

The release of All Eyez On Me is certainly timely, as we live in a world where we see no justice for Black men who have been murdered by police officers unjustly. Tupac was a victim of the justice system and to date, his murder remains unsolved.  

This film was less about Tupac’s music and more about black men in Amerikkka. Throughout the film, you see Tupac’s evolution. We first see Tupac as a young kid being a witness to police brutality to later transition into a talented teen attending a theater arts school in Baltimore, MD. Then we see Tupac grow into a young adult in Oakland, CA navigating his way through the music industry, but still, see him victimized by the police. Also, Demetrius Shipp Jr, who portrayed the late Tupac played each stage of Tupac's life flawlessly- the resemblance between Shipp and Tupac is chilling. Although there were scenes that may have been more significant in Tupac's life that played out to be rushed on the big screen, there was still a message to receive. 

Tupac accomplished so much in his short time on earth along with turmoil, like sentencing disparity—like many black men see today (Kalief Browder Story).

There will be many who may not see this film the way in which I did, but Tupac's story was the story of a “Black man's Amerikkka”. (I.e – a black man knows that he’s a king and becomes a threat. Therefore, systems are designed to hold him back, so he won’t get too far). The only difference was that Tupac was living his life story publicly 24/7 and blessed us with music that documented his experiences.

Tupac’s time and his poetic thoughts are legendary and will live on forever and for that Tupac is still alive.