Overview of Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, a global icon, is the son of William Garland and Afeni Shakur—who were Black Panthers—and the stepson of the revolutionary Mutulu Shakur. Tupac was an intelligent, outspoken, passionate individual who is described as a “born leader”, “brilliant”, “charismatic”, “philosopher”, and a “political visionary." Tupac had many talents as an actor, poet, and rapper. He was born in 1971 in East Harlem, New York, but moved to Baltimore Maryland where he attended Baltimore School for the Arts. While there, he began writing poetry, raps, and performed in Shakespearian plays.
In 1988, he and his family moved to Marion City California where he attended Tamalpais High School. At this school, Tupac found Leila Steinberg—his former manager—and joined the Ensemble Theater Company (ETC) in order “to pursue a career in entertainment." His career in music began in 1991, and his catalogue of music includes Dear Mama, Brenda’s Got a Baby, Changes, Keep Ya Head Up and so much more.
Sadly, he was murdered at the age of 25; the pain of his death impacting people nationally — and globally.
On September 7, 1996, Tupac arrived in Las Vegas to celebrate his business partner Tracy Danielle Robinson's birthday, and attend the Bruce Weldon vs. Mike Tyson boxing match at the MGM Grand. The fight lasted for 1 minute and 49 seconds. After the fight, Tupac, Suge Knight, and individuals from the "Death Row" entourage were involved in a physical altercation with Orlando Anderson in the lobby of the MGM Grand Hotel.
Later that night, Tupac and Suge Knight were traveling East to go to Club 662 in a black BMW. They were stopped at a red light at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Koval Lane when a white Cadillac pulled up to the BMW and fired 12 shots. Four of those shots hit Tupac: twice in his chest, once in the arm, and once in his thigh. Suge Knight’s head was grazed but he was able to make a U-turn and drive to the intersection of Harmon and Las Vegas Boulevard. Officer Chris Carroll was the first responder to reach Tupac and Suge Knight. After paramedics arrived, they were rushed to the University Medical Center where Tupac received emergency surgery. This was the first surgery out of three. His right lung was removed, and he remained in critical condition, was on life support, and was connected to a respirator. His family, friends, and fans were all hoping he would recover.
Devastatingly, Tupac did not; he died on the 13th of September in 1996 at UMC.
Tupac is missed by many, and his legacy is one that touches several individuals’ lives till this day. The main suspect of his case has been deceased for years.
It has been 26 years and Tupac’s killer has not been brought to justice. You can help change that. Tupac’s case is still being investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; so, if you know anything about his murder, please contact the LVMPD at (702) 828-3521 or Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 to submit an anonymous tip.