If 2Pac Were Alive Today

Where Would He Be ?

letter #5

Now you know I'd get major props from my daughter (16)who is crazy about TuPac, she cried copiously when I called her at home and told her of his demise. I remember that day here at hte examiner so clearly, they wrer trying to find all the file photos of TuPac and get the connection going between him abnd Geronimo, and then their connection to the Panthners too. I stayed, mum, I don't trust certain editors and I rarely give up information asbout my people, e3spcially if I suspect it will be used against them. Anyway, to this day my daughter still sheds tears for him. I no longer cry for him but I do wish he could have lived a long and fruitful life, I can remember a light in his eyes that I only see in few young people these days.

This is where I think TuPac would be had he not been murdered. Having met and taken pictures with him before he "blew up" I saw his performance at a Geronimo Pratt Ralley I helped organize down in LA in 1992, the Fall of that year. He was on point from the time he hit the stage. Back then all my kids were still at home in school and stuff and they were impressed that he was so down to earth, approachable and cute too. He mesmerized the small gathereing that showed up.

I told Geronimo when I visited him that his Godson was on the way to wealth and sucess. We spoke about how TuPac is the Hip Hop generations messiah. His lyrical versatility was God given, it's like people who can sing or play an instrument without having practised at all. His gift was the gift of gab, he could talk a girl out her draws, charm the meanest mom/dad and drop knowledge all at the same time. I have yet to enjoy a rapper as skilled as he was. If he were here still I'd hope he galvanize the youth into becoming more politically active and aware of issues that directly affect thier lives (Prop 21 etc.). I think he'd have married someone and had a few children by now, maybe even have started his own recording lable like Master P is doing so well at now.

Since he was very much aware that as the son of a Panther, espcially one who was hunted down by the pigs like his mom, he knew his every act and deed was being watched and/or monitored by "big brother" he would have continued to fight against them and gain the respect due him and his family. I know he would have put the police on front street in his lyrics and possibly raised the consciousness of the Hip Hop community to a point that direct action takes place. To me that's when a rapper know his stuff, when he can get you up after listening to his words and cause you to make some changes occur. I can see TuPac going to Sacremento and getting in Wilson's face about Prop 21 and showing that man how adversely it will affect young people. In my heart he'll live always.

Cici

[San Francisco