September 7th, 1996. It was the night of a Tyson fight in Las Vegas. The streets were busy with traffic, and the night life was just beginning. A cool breeze lay over the Vegas Strip.
At around 11:15 p.m, thirteen shots could be heard ringing through the crevices of the busy streets. These shots would change the course of hip hop music (and general thugness) forever. The intended target of this brutal assault was none other than Tupac Amaru Shakur, better known as 2Pac. While leaving the Mike Tyson fight, 2Pac was driving in a Mercedes along the Vegas Strip with Suge Knight (Founder of Death Row Records). Another vehicle pulled up along the right side of the car and promptly fired thirteen shots directly at the car.
Some viewed 2Pac as a menace to society, a low life gang banger, who lacked intellect and reason. Former Vice President Dan Quayle even said, “2Pac has no place in our society.” It would seem fitting that someone who represented such violence would lose his own life in such a similar fashion.
Although 2Pac’s lyrical content was often disturbing and graphic, he truly spoke with his heart. In doing so, 2pac unveiled the terrible living conditions present in society. Despite many critics, 2Pac was looked up to by many as a community leader. He represented the struggle of someone in the bottom of society. 2Pac was a true thug.
After struggling for 6 days in the hospital, Tupac was pronounced dead. The bullets heard in Las Vegas would come to be responsible for the death of one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. Tupac Shakur was dead at the age of 25, and his killers were nowhere to be found. Today, the question still remains: Who killed 2Pac?
Many people speculate that 2Pac’s rival, Biggie Smalls (Notorious B.I.G.), was the true conspirator behind the murder. 2Pac and Biggie had been apart of a bitter feud between the East and West coast. The two famed rap artists had thrown menacing diss tracks at one another. Also, 2Pac had accused Biggie of “setting him up” in an earlier confrontation, in which 2Pac was shot 5 times. Unrevealed sources place Notorious B.I.G. as the true mastermind behind the attack. After 2Pac’s death, however, Biggie clearly stated his innocence in the case, claiming that he was in a recording studio in New York the night of the assault. One theory is that Christopher Wallace (Biggie) hired the street gang, The Crips, to carry out the murder. However, no official sources have come out attesting the legitimacy of the claim.
Another theory regarding 2Pacs murder is that Suge Knight set up his death. It seems unlikely that Suge Knight, the founder of Death Row Records, would want his star artist killed, especially while he rode next to him. However, Suge’s lack of cooperation with investigators, and the fact that 2Pac was due to leave Death Row Records, makes the theory all too possible. Suge Knight was truly a thug himself. He was a member of the Bloods gang and was known for his violent tactics when dealing with clients. By why kill 2Pac? 2Pac had just released his most successful album to date All Eyez On Me, on the Death Row Record label. However, it was believed that Pac was planning on leaving Death Row after fulfilling his agreement to record three albums*. With 2Pac planning to leave Death Row, he would immediately become a competitor with Suge. The details of the murder itself also bring forth questions about Suges innocence. All of the shots were fired from 2Pac’s side of the vehicle, directly at him. Suge Knight himself was only hit once, his injuries were only minor. He later claimed to have a bullet lodged in his head, but medical records show this to be a false statement. Knight’s refusal to work with investigators also sparks controversy. Today, little is known about Suge Knights involvement with the murder, however, his name remains on the suspect list.
The murder of 2Pac may never be solved. Many theories have arisen since 1996, but none have been proven to be accurate thusfar. Curiously, the Notorious B.I.G. was murdered in similar fashion about a year later. A proper conviction has yet to be made in either case. Whoever did kill 2Pac was unsuccessful in killing his legacy. Today, he is still a well known artist, and his impact is felt all across the world.
Tupac Shakur is a true thug, and even bullets can’t silence him.