Here's a brief summary of the books that I've read on Tupac Shakur

 

Armond White, Rebel for the Hell of it: The Life of Tupac Shakur

This book is well researched but the author is a generation removed from the subject. Armond White actually believes that Tupac was untalented and even goes as far to say that Dr. Dre is a better rapper than Pac! He makes some excellent observations and sheds some life on Pac's early years (Pac is from the Bronx like me!). It is a must read but PLEASE do not take everything as truth.

Cathy Scott, The Killing of Tupac Shakur

Cathy Scott was simply out to make a quick buck. She knows nothing about Hip-Hop . . . who the hell is Jermaine Dupree? She focuses on Pac's murder and the police investigation that follows. Be prepared for a third person view of Tupac's death. She sheds some insight but this book won't raise many brows.

Frank Alexander, Got Your Back

By far the most intimate account of Pac's last years with us. Frank Alexander was Pac's bodyguard for about the last 18 months of Pac's life and he reveals many untold stories about Pac that only an insider would know. Moreover, this book shows Pac in a human light, something the media would never want you to know. I enjoyed reading this book more than any of the others.

Kwame Alexander, tough love: he life and death of tupac shakur

Kwame Alexander gathered many essays about Tupac shortly after his death. These essays (positive and negative) will definitely make you think and sharpen your critical assessment on Tupac. If you are looking for soft reading, this is not the book for you.

Tupac Shakur, The Rose that Grew from Concrete

No words needed . . . the man was a genius.

Vibe Magazine, Tupac Shakur

This is Vibe Magazine's tribute to Tupac. It contains every article written about Pac by Vibe. There are many inerviews with Pac as well as critical analysis of his actions. It is fascinating to see how Vibe writers eventually warmed up to Pac after initially not giving him any credit. Kevin Powell's analysis is worth the price of the publication.