TUPAC RESSURECTION 2003
A film about the life and death of rapper Tupac Shakur. The film, directed by Lauren Lazin and released by Paramount Pictures, is narrated by Shakur himself. The film was in theaters from November 16, 2003 to December 21, 2003. As of July 1, 2008 it had earned over $7.8 million, making it the 21st-highest-grossing documentary film in the United States - (in nominal dollars, from 1982 to the present). The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 77th Academy Awards.
Tupac details his childhood, from growing up with a crackhead mother to being taken care of by drug dealers on the streets, as well as the type of jobs he had to do to get money. He also talks about his love for poetry, his friendship with Jada, what his lyrics mean, and about the negative resentment the media has had on him. This documentary then details his shooting, his reaction to getting shot, his paranoia after getting shot, and ultimately his death. The documentary ends with Tupac coming to terms with his life and his past, understanding the wrongs that he has done, as well as giving a monologue about stereotypes of Black men, telling Blacks to not give in to stereotypes and to control themselves, and it also shows the impact Tupac has had on the entire world.
TUPAC VS. 2004
In Tupac Vs., director Ken Peters has assembled a compelling portrait of controversial hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, featuring never-before-seen interviews, rare footage and on-screen commentaries from biographer Michael Eric Dyson. Also highlighted are testimonials from the slain rapper's former manager, Leila Steinberg, and instructor Arvand Elihu, plus rare footage and still photos from Tupac's life and career. The initial release of the film was 2002.
THUG IMMORTAL 1997
From his early appearances on record with Digital Underground to his popular and influential solo albums, Tupac Shakur was a rap phenomenon, and one of the pioneers of gangsta rap. Though often attacked by the media (and Dan Quayle) for his "thug" lifestyle, Tupac's life and art were filled with complexities that his detractors either did not see or just ignored in order to have a villain or a more sensational story. Thug Immortal is an intimate look at Tupac's life told through never-before-seen footage and interviews with his close friends, revealing an artist who grew up a thug, but one who soon tired of that lifestyle and its trappings, revealing a Tupac far different from the one most of America knows. A timely profile of the perilous life and mysterious death of gangsta rapper and nascent actor Shakur, including interviews with showbiz colleagues and exclusive personal footage of the star.
WORDS NEVER DIE 1997
Shockingly explicit, WORDS NEVER DIE gives a raw portrayal of Tupac's life, from his early years living in homeless shelters to an acting career in his teens, culminating in his meteoric rise to Hip-Hop legend. Hosted by the Baka Boyz, No 1 rather Hip-Hop D.J.s in the U.S.A., this sizzling documentary examines Tupac's rise to the top of the music industry from the group DIGITAL UNDERGROUND to his peak with DEATH ROW RECORDS. Love him or hate him, this tell...see... and...hear all DVD pulls no punches!
BEFORE I WAKE 2001
This film directed by Sean Long details Tupacs encounters with the law; an examination of the chaotic events surrounding his death, including the reaction from Death Row Records president "Suge" Knight; an interview with homicide detective Brent Becker of the LVPD; commentary from Rev. Jesse Jackson, Eric "Eazy-E" Wright and Russell Simmons. Also included are a foreword and interview with Prof. Michael Eric Dyson (author of Holla If You Hear Me: Why Tupac Shakur Matters), original interviews with Tupac himself, and footage of the recording sessions for the posthumous album Until the End of Time. This is Tupac up close and personal as you have never seen him before and may never see him again.
SO MANY YEARS, SO MANY TEARS 2006
His mother always thought hed be the prince that would save the Black Nation. He tried, and in the process, became a legend, an icon, and a martyr. This is the untold story of what happens when revolutionary meets gangsta. He was a gifted poet and a militant revolutionary, a loving son and a volatile gangsta, but most importantly, he was a man that never failed to stand up for what he believed in. See how this ghetto boy beat the odds and became Americas Most Wanted. From New York to Baltimore to California, from the hood to art school, from jail to the billboard charts, from the hospital to the studio...follow the wild rollercoaster ride that was the life of Tupac Shakur.
DOCUMENTARIES
THUG ANGEL - LIFE OF AN OUTLAW 2002
Critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker Peter Spirer who is known for releasing the likes of Rhyme & Reason and other such hip-hop related titles has gone all in on this on one and produced an amazing window into the life of Tupac Shakur.
This is an essential watch for any fan of the legend Shakur himself as director Spirer manages to seamlessly stitch together rare footage and interviews with those who were close to Shakur and fellow rappers including the likes of Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight, all in a manner that really resurrects the essence of ‘Pac in a profound and meaningful way. We are also privy to some never before seen footage of Tupac Shakur sharing his thoughts on the injustice seen on the streets of Oakland.
BIGGIE & TUPAC 2002
Biggie & Tupac is a 2002 feature-length documentary film about the murdered American rappers Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace and Tupac Shakur by Nick Broomfield. The film alleges that Suge Knight had Tupac killed before he could part ways with Knight's Death Row Records label and conspired to kill Biggie Smalls to divert attention from himself in the Tupac murder. Broomfield's documentary is based on the theory and interviews of ex-detective Russell Poole. Poole claimed that the L.A.P.D. conspired to cover up Knight's conspiracy to kill both Tupac and Biggie. Ex-detective Russell Poole suspected ex-cop David Mack, and Amir Muhammed to have worked with Suge Knight to kill Biggie. Poole also alleged that he was forced out of the department when he brought information to his superiors incriminating fellow officers who had worked side jobs as bodyguards for Knight and his record label. Broomfield's documentary is described by the New York Times as a "largely speculative" and "circumstantial" account relying on flimsy evidence, failing to "present counter-evidence" or "question sources."
2PAC 4 EVER 2003
Narrated By KRS One, this in-depth profile features behind the scenes footage and one-on-one Interviews with Tupac Shakur. You'll see rare studio and backstage footage, interviews in his trailer and shots of Tupac freestyle rapping at the Clinton Correctional Facility where he was an inmate.
You'll also see live performance clips by Tupac at House of Blues, LA, in 1996 and during the "Hit 'em up" Video Shoot - LA 1996. Among the most significant cultural icons of our time, Tupac Shakur influenced many who remember him here, including: Mike Tyson, Lisa "Lefteye" Lopes, Too Short, Watani Tyehimba, Jon B., Bizzy Bone, B Legit, Ray Luv, Big Syke, Eddi Amin, THA OUTLAWZ, more.
TUPAC: HIP HOP GENIUS 2004
Directed by Charlotte Lewin. With Luke Brinkers, Michael Eric Dyson, Scott Gutierrez, Money-B. Upon his brutal murder in 1996, Tupac Sakur became the unlikely martyr of gansta rap, and a tragic symbol of the toll its lifestyle exacted on urban black America. This documentary goes behind the scenes and and reveals the truth behind the most controversial figure of rap music, a critically acclaimed actor and poet of the streets. Often contentious, yet never dull, welcome to the story of Tupac Shakur. A must for any fans collection.
WELCOME TO DEATH ROW 2001
From the makers of Thug Immortal comes this "Rapumentary" chronicling the rise and fall of Death Row records. The brain-child of Suge Knight, Death Row blasted onto the music scene, virtually out of nowhere, offering up Compton-based gangsta rap from a stable of artists that included Tupac Shakur, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Using interviews with artists, critics, and Knight himself, Welcome to Death Row attempts to sort out the story behind the controversial company, addressing rumors of violent business tactics, criticism from political groups, and alleged involvement in the drug trade. Released in 2001, the presentation runs 104 minutes.
THA WESTSIDE 2002
West Coast Rap has become the dominant form of music in America. It has grown from the mean streets of Compton, South Central, and Long Beach to the main streets of middle America.
"Tha Westside" details West Coast Rap's notorious past, present, and future, through never-before-seen footage and interviews with the West Coast's most influential music pioneers. With rare looks into the lives of Tupac and Snoop Dogg, leaders of the West Coast Rap scene, this is an important chronicle in the history of music. The documentary was directed by Todd Williams.