Thug Life Army

On this date ten years ago, September 13, 1996 the hip hop world was dealt a major blow and the landscape of hip hop and rap was changed forever with the passing of one of the most beloved rap artists to ever emerge in hip hop culture. Tupac Amaru Shakur (2Pac).

Seven days after being shot in Las Vegas, Tupac succumbed to his wounds and left this world behind. He fought like the true souljah he was but in the end it was his time to go and hip hop has never, and probably will never be the same or see another Tupac Shakur (2Pac).

With his charisma, he attracted fans world wide of every color and background. It is said hip hop recognizes ‘real’ and Tupac was definitely ‘real’ as ‘real’ gets. That ‘realism’ and connection with the people of hip hop culture is what has gained him Icon Status in hip hop culture.

Everyone knows how the events went the night Pac was shot and everyone has heard the theories of who did what and even the ‘alive’ theories.

Who shot the hip hop icon may never be solved. The ‘alive’ theories, at least keep his name in peoples mouth, but either way if Tupac wants to be dead – so be it and respect the man. If he had to leave us, we can rejoice in the fact that he is certainly in a better place; but it is hard to let go. People really don’t want to let him go and that is 10 years later. Tupac was a legendary figure, not only in hip hop or because of his rap flow but he was so well rounded as an artist. He wrote poetry, acted, could relate to the everyday struggle of the real streets and he never forgot how hard life really is for many. His roots ran deep and he never forgot his beginnings.

Within the last year I have been blessed to have the opportunity to become friends with Johnny “J”. Johnny “J” was Tupac’s business partner; they had a music production company called Non-Stop Productions. Also Johnny “J” produced many of the hip hop ‘classics’ that were recorded by Tupac.  Since Tupac’s passing nothing has been released thru this company, but it is still a company and something that Tupac and Johnny “J” still have, Johnny “J” now is CEO of Klock Work Entertainment. Johnny “J”s memories of Pac and his sharing of those memories, have made my affection for Tupac (2Pac) even stronger.

Johnny “J” will talk about those days openly and truthfully and enjoys sharing his thoughts and experiences. Tupac and Johnny “J” had a unique relationship. They worked together at the same pace and shared the same vision of where it all was going. Johnny “J” is truly devoted to Tupac and watches out for his homie even today.

When we think of Tupac’s passing, we as fans or journalist see one side and forget all those who were left behind to pick up the pieces of Tupac’s passing. The ones that was very close to, not just the hip hop icon Tupac (2Pac); but the man Tupac.

Johnny “J” and his Klock Work Entertainment have done many Tupac tributes. He has done tributes for Pac with hip hop and rap artists Bizzy Bone, Napoleon, T-Jay and Stepchild to name a few.

Tupac is mentioned on tracks by hip hop artists from Cali to New York. Many times it is just ‘ridin’ on Pac’s name but sometimes it is out of real love that Pac’s name is in these artists mouth.

The passing of Tupac Amaru Shakur has left an impression not only on the hip hop community but don’t forget all the friends and family that Tupac had to leave behind.

Thru Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, many great things have been done to honor and solidify Tupac’s legacy.

The past 10 years have produced many albums of great Tupac music, a Center for the Arts and the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF) among other things. Tupac has become the first hip hop / rap artist to be immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas and he has a bronze statue in the peace garden at the Arts Center in Stone Mountain Georgia.

Tupac has passed but his legacy and work carries on. Be it thru his mother, or his friends and business associates or others who were close to him his legacy is strong and is getting stronger every day.

It seems today everyone has so much love but there is a new Tupac album due for release in about a month and a half, and the haters will come out of the wood work like they always do.

Some fans will support the album no matter who is on it or how it is handled because it is Tupac but there will be those who will question the motives and judge those who are in charge. Tupac’s release will be put under the hip hop ‘microscope’ and dissected. The feature artist, the producers and even the songs chosen will be judged and scrutinized. Ever aspect will be inspected and questioned.

The last Tupac album (Loyal To The Game), I admit, did not live up to expectations but who are we to judge beyond our own taste. As fans all we can do is hope for the best and support what is done in the name of Tupac.

There are many things going on today for Tupac. BET television will be loaded with Tupac. Rap City, 106 and Park and The Chop Up will all have Tupac featured on them. Check your local listings for times. (Also see - http://www.thuglifearmy.com/news/?id=3004)

Our newly debuted network radio www.TLARadio.com will have a Tupac feature running thru out the day today, playing every other hour on the hour. Check it out.

Johnny “J” also is sponsoring and providing a give away on www.ThugLifeArmy.com for the fans of Tupac Shakur and himself. Johnny “J” is giving copies of the new book Tupac Legacy away and also copies of a very rare photo of himself and Tupac that was taken by Johnny “J”s wife Capucine Jackson during the recording of ‘All Eyez on Me’ album. Also he will be giving away autographed pics of himself in the Klock Work Entertainment studio. (You can see the photo of Pac and Johnny “J” and register for the fan give away there).

The new Tupac album will be dropping in late November and news on it is slowly becoming official, so as we get official news on the album we will make sure to pass it along. There are so many rumors on the album now that we don’t want to feed into the rumors and we will wait till things are official before we post on it – that is responsible reporting. The ‘rumor’ sites are good at starting and spreading just that – rumors for hits and headlines. Some sites even headline their articles RUMORS.

Today remember the man Tupac Shakur not only for what he did for hip hop but for the man he was; the man who shed light on the real problems in society and spoke and wrote on them. Listen to some Pac, watch some Pac or read some Pac – spend the day with Pac.

It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since his passing, but we know he is still with us everyday.

Rest in Peace young warrior – you are truly missed and loved by many. Your Legacy will roll on forever. Thanks for touching us in the way only you could have. Much Luv Pac.