Recently, Suge Knight started a new podcast called Collect Call With Suge Knight. Though the show has only had two episodes, Suge clearly has a lot to comment on and both episodes have come with tons of compelling revelations. He’s already refuted Warren G’s comments about his own role in getting Tupac free from jail. In fact, Suge went as far as to say Pac and Warren never liked each other in the first place.
Suge Knight also claimed that Deion Sanders was once secretly part of Death Row Records. The revelation comes at a time when a massive amount of news has followed Sanders for months following his hiring to coach the University of Colorado football team. He also recently revealed the role he played in Snoop Dogg’s notorious murder trial. He claimed to take a behind-the-scenes approach to helping free the rap legend. Suge even went as far as to claim that without him Snoop would have faced life in prison. Check out the newest episode of his podcast below.
In the newest episode, Suge Knight discusses a woman who played a key role in reaching out to him to free Tupac from prison. “Only person [who] made it happen, to let me know to get ’Pac out of prison was a girl named Keisha. That is the baddest b*tch in the world. If it weren’t for Keisha, you guys wouldn’t have heard All Eyez On Me or all the other hits he did,” Suge explains.
He details Keisha calling his office almost every day trying to get the label exec’s help freeing Tupac. Eventually he caved and talked to her, which ultimately led to him visiting Tupac and beginning their legendary journey together. “Keisha made that happen,” Suge concluded at the end of the segment. What do you think of Suge Knight revealing information on the woman who helped free Tupac? Let us know in the comment section below.
Snoop Dogg’s life might have taken a drastically different turn 24 years ago had he not been acquitted of murder charges. And Suge Knight is taking credit for the win. In the latest episode of “Collect Call With Suge Knight,” which aired on Thursday, November 9th, Suge Knight reflected on his role in the Snoop Dogg murder trial. The former Death Row Records mogul pulled back the curtain on a pivotal moment in hip-hop history. Moreover, during the episode, he unveiled the strategic moves that allegedly spared the “Gin & Juice” hitmaker from a potential life sentence.
According to Knight, he Snoop would be in jail if it weren’t for him. “If it weren’t for me, [Snoop would] still be in prison doing life,” he said. Suge Knight then proceeded to discuss how he played a crucial part in ensuring Snoop Dogg’s freedom. However, he says this was after the rapper and his former bodyguard, Malik, faced first and second-degree murder charges in connection to the 1993 death of Philip “Little Smooth” Woldemariam in Los Angeles. Suge detailed the legal intricacies that ultimately led to the acquittal of the defendants. He explained, “The lawyer said: ‘Well, the bodyguard has a 9mm. So we can’t say he protected Snoop and shot the guy. Snoop had a .380.’”
Suge Knight Reveals Snoop Would Be In Jail If It Weren’t For Him
However, Knight continued, revealing his intervention strategy. “I said: ‘We’ll be f***ked if the bodyguard had a .380 and Snoop had a 9mm., and he got shot with a .380, right? He got shot with a 9mm.’ But since Snoop had the .380 and the bodyguard had a 9mm, and he got shot with a .380, all the bodyguard gotta say is he was using .380 bullets in his 9mm.”
Furthermore, the narrative took an even more intriguing turn. When Knight disclosed spending a staggering $6 million to cover up loose ends. This involved settling with an individual from Snoop’s crew who was allegedly blackmailing the rapper. Knight claimed to have met with a private investigator and spilled the truth on record. Only for the tape to be destroyed after his intervention. Ultimately, Snoop Dogg and Malik were acquitted on all charges. They cited self-defense claims and negligence on the part of the Los Angeles Police Department. As Suge Knight revisits this pivotal chapter, the revelations provide a rare glimpse into the behind the scenes that shaped the outcome. Moreover, this was a big trial that could have forever altered the course of hip-hop history.
Snoop Dogg’s life might have taken a drastically different turn 24 years ago had he not been acquitted of murder charges. And Suge Knight is taking credit for the win. In the latest episode of “Collect Call With Suge Knight,” which aired on Thursday, November 9th, Suge Knight reflected on his role in the Snoop Dogg murder trial. The former Death Row Records mogul pulled back the curtain on a pivotal moment in hip-hop history. Moreover, during the episode, he unveiled the strategic moves that allegedly spared the “Gin & Juice” hitmaker from a potential life sentence.
According to Knight, he Snoop would be in jail if it weren’t for him. “If it weren’t for me, [Snoop would] still be in prison doing life,” he said. Suge Knight then proceeded to discuss how he played a crucial part in ensuring Snoop Dogg’s freedom. However, he says this was after the rapper and his former bodyguard, Malik, faced first and second-degree murder charges in connection to the 1993 death of Philip “Little Smooth” Woldemariam in Los Angeles. Suge detailed the legal intricacies that ultimately led to the acquittal of the defendants. He explained, “The lawyer said: ‘Well, the bodyguard has a 9mm. So we can’t say he protected Snoop and shot the guy. Snoop had a .380.’”
Suge Knight Reveals Snoop Would Be In Jail If It Weren’t For Him
However, Knight continued, revealing his intervention strategy. “I said: ‘We’ll be f***ked if the bodyguard had a .380 and Snoop had a 9mm., and he got shot with a .380, right? He got shot with a 9mm.’ But since Snoop had the .380 and the bodyguard had a 9mm, and he got shot with a .380, all the bodyguard gotta say is he was using .380 bullets in his 9mm.”
Furthermore, the narrative took an even more intriguing turn. When Knight disclosed spending a staggering $6 million to cover up loose ends. This involved settling with an individual from Snoop’s crew who was allegedly blackmailing the rapper. Knight claimed to have met with a private investigator and spilled the truth on record. Only for the tape to be destroyed after his intervention. Ultimately, Snoop Dogg and Malik were acquitted on all charges. They cited self-defense claims and negligence on the part of the Los Angeles Police Department. As Suge Knight revisits this pivotal chapter, the revelations provide a rare glimpse into the behind the scenes that shaped the outcome. Moreover, this was a big trial that could have forever altered the course of hip-hop history.
Tupac Shakur, one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop history, left an indelible mark on the music industry beyond his lifetime. Hip-hop heads and music fans celebrate his catalog for its artistic depth. However, one in particular stands out as his best-selling album: All Eyez On Me. Released in 1996, All Eyez On Me was a double album that catapulted Tupac’s career to new heights. With over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone, it stands as his best-selling album. This landmark release showcased Tupac’s incredible storytelling abilities, raw emotion, and the duality of his artistry.
Rapper Tupac Shakur (Lesane Parish Crooks, name later changed to Tupac Amaru Shakur) poses for photos backstage after his performance at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois in March 1994. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
When it comes to sales, All Eyez On Me is a true heavyweight in Tupac’s catalog. It became certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying the album’s enduring popularity and commercial success. The fusion of hardcore gangsta rap and introspective, socially conscious tracks lent itself to the album’s widespread appeal. Tupac’s magnetic charisma and lyrical prowess were on full display throughout the album, drawing in a broad spectrum of listeners.
Singles And Hits
The album featured several iconic singles, including “California Love,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” and “How Do U Want It.” “California Love” featuring Dr. Dre, with its infectious melody and memorable music video, became a hip-hop anthem and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He and Snoop Dogg teamed up on “2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted. This single solidified Tupac’s status and further cementing Death Row Records’ presence. These singles not only showcased his musical prowess but also contributed significantly to the album’s commercial success.
Tupac’s discography includes numerous critically acclaimed albums, but All Eyez On Me reigns supreme in terms of sales and cultural impact. His earlier albums, like Me Against The World and 2Pacalypse Now are highly regarded for their raw and socially conscious content, but they did not achieve the same commercial success. Similarly, his posthumous releases like The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory and R U Still Down? (Remember Me) received positive reviews but couldn’t match the sales figures of “All Eyez on Me.”
In conclusion, All Eyez On Me remains Tupac Shakur’s best-selling album, with over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone. It is a testament to Tupac’s artistic brilliance, his ability to straddle the line between hardcore gangsta rap and introspective social commentary, and his magnetic presence in the world of hip-hop. While his other albums have earned critical acclaim, All Eyez On Me stands as a commercial juggernaut that solidified Tupac’s place in the pantheon of rap legends. This album will forever be remembered as a game-changer in hip-hop, and its cultural impact endures to this day.
On this date in 1996, Tupac Amaru Shakur posthumously released the final album of his illustrious career.
26 years ago today, just two months after the untimely murder of Tupac on the Las Vegas strip alongside Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight, the fifth and final album, Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, was released. Recognized as ‘Pac’s most influential body of work, the Killuminati album was not only his most controversial, but its concept still has many of his fans believing that ‘Pac is still alive. Besides his beef with Nas, Jay-Z, B.I.G., and almost any relevant New York rapper you can think of, the album hinges on the life of Makaveli, a play on the name of Italian writer and philosopher Nicollo Machiavelli, who is believed to have staged his own death.
The album was originally set to be dropped in March of 1997, but after Shakur was killed, Death Row boss Suge Knight released the album four months later. Ironically, Brooklyn rap rival Notorious B.I.G. was shot down in Los Angeles, California on March 9, 1997.
The album, recorded in 12 days in August 1996, hosted a list of timeless, classic singles including “Hail Mary”, “Me And My Girlfriend” and “Against All Odds”; all of which were remade by premiere artists after Shakur’s death. The 5X platinum album has been listed as one of the top-selling Hip Hop albums of all time.
Suge Knight claims that Deion Sanders was originally part of Death Row Records. “Deion Sanders — when Prime wanted to be a rapper, he said: ‘I want to be a rapper. I spent over half a million dollars of my own money. I put guys in the studio, I paid Dallas Austin, I did all these songs — did everything. Then one day he came to me and said, ‘Well, y’know, Prime deal with Nike and Death Row is a Black-owned company, and we don’t really want to deal with a Black-owned company. Even though you paid for everything and we signed to you, put us on the Interscope brand’,” Suge told The Daily Cannon.
Sanders put out two albums – 1994’s Prime Time and 2005’s The Encore Remix. Prime Time even charted, reaching #70 on the Billboard Hip Hop chart and #14 on the US Heatseekers chart. However, it’s definitely brand-new information that the album could have originally come out under Suge’s iconic brand.
Back in the present day, Sanders is seeking justice for his players at Colorado. Sanders publicly demanded that the NCAA or UCLA directly compensate his players after the Colorado Buffaloes were reportedly the victims of a robbery during a recent road game. “Our kids got robbed during the game last week. I think that’s a travesty. I would expect the NCAA to do something about that. This is the Rose Bowl. They said the granddaddy of ’em all, right? I’m sure granddaddy had some money. Grandpa should have some money to give these kids,” Sanders told reporters during a press conference this week. “I’m going to have a list made out from these young men, and I know they’re going to be truthful about what they lost, so we can try and get it back for them. They may not be able to get the items back, but they should be able to reimburse them. That was unbelievable,” he continued.
Furthermore, Sanders squarely put the burden of responsibility on the NCAA. “It don’t make no sense when you’re out there ballin’ and playing your heart out and you get robbed at the same [time]. I hope we can do something about that, NCAA. You do something about everything else. Do something about that,” Sanders noted. UCLA officials confirmed that a police report had been filed with the Pasadena PD. The Rose Bowl, which serves as the Bruins’ home stadium, is about 26 miles from the main UCLA campus. The robbery reportedly occurred during UCLA’s 28-16 win over the Buffs last weekend.
Two authentic Death ROw Records pendants from the collection of Death Row’s head of security, Reggie Wright Jr., are now going up for auction. Both pendants, created for then Death Row CEO Suge Knight, were reated for Death ROw artists like Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. According to reports, the “iced out” diamond encrusted pendant could sell for up to $1 million.
The 14KT pendant, could yield anywhere from $200K to $500K in the auction. The auction house suggests that the pendants are distinguished by the level of the artist on the Death Row roster, with ‘Pac often donning a 3.0 CTW medallion.
With the arrest of Duane “Keefe D” Davis for the murder of Tupac Shakur 27 years ago, these medallions are expected to garner upward of the suggested price in the auction. Also, rare mug shots and concert footage directly linked to Shakur will be up for auction as well.
Snoop Dogg is going to be the star of an upcoming film helmed by director Allen Hughes. The biopic on Snoop’s life is set to be the first project under Death Row Pictures, and Snoop is also credited as one of the executive producers of the movie. The film follows Snoop’s recent acquirement of Death Row Records in 2022. In a recent conversation on the Rap Radar Podcast, Hughes explains how he has a distinctive insight into Snoop Dogg’s connection with Tupac. He claimed that Snoop Dogg, even though he was one of the prominent figures in hip-hop during his time at Death Row Records, willingly let his labelmate Tupac shine.
“You got a guy that was the rockstar of that era,” Hughes said in the interview. “And in the same era, he’s on trial for murder … and thank God, [he] beats the case. And then you got all that little window where Snoop dimmed his light for Tupac.” “I never understood that back then,” he continued. “I remember Snoop just dimming his light and letting Tupac shine when Snoop was the guy, ya know?”
Allen Hughes, who’s known for his other films Menace II Society and The Book of Eli, is no stranger to making films for the big screen. His previous credits include telling the stories of other hip-hop moguls, including Tupac. In fact, earlier this year he released the docuseries Dear Mama, which received tons of praise for telling the story of Tupac and his mother Afeni. The docuseries, which premiered on FX and Hulu, earned a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The unscripted series showcased the relationship between Tupac and his mom, but also took a deep dive into Afeni’s profound history as a Black Panther.
Now, Snoop Dogg’s story is one step closer to landing on the big screen. The project is still untitled and in the works, and it’s in collaboration with Death Row Pictures and Universal Pictures. “I waited a long time to put this project together because I wanted to choose the right director, the perfect writer, and the greatest movie company I could partner with that could understand the legacy that I’m trying to portray on screen, and the memory I’m trying to leave behind,” said Snoop Dogg in a previous statement. “It was the perfect marriage. It was holy matrimony, not holy macaroni.” Stay tuned to HNHH for more updates on the biopic.
On the fateful evening of September 13, 1996, the world lost an artist and a poet of the streets. The ringing of Tupac Amaru Shakur’s untimely demise reverberated across continents, touching hearts and minds that had been invigorated by his activism and musical talents.
While Las Vegas streets bore witness to the tragic drive-by shooting that claimed his life at just 25, they also became the epicenter of countless conspiracy theories. Some whispered about rivalries as others hinted at a larger setup. However, among the speculations, one fact remained unwavering—Tupac’s influence was far more significant than the life he lived. To truly understand the man behind the legend, we must venture beyond that tragic evening, back into the roots. We’re revisiting his celebrated life and career 27 years after his passing.
From Panther Roots To Hip-Hop Royalty: The Genesis Of Tupac
American rapper Tupac Shakur (1971 – 1996), Oakland, California, January 7, 1992. (Photo by Gary Reyes/Oakland Tribune Staff Archives/MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images)
Beneath Tupac’s multifaceted public image was a history rich with activism and a legacy of challenging the established order. Born in East Harlem in 1971, Tupac’s formative years were intertwined with the ideals of the Black Panther movement. His mother, Afeni Shakur, was more than a guiding light in his life. She was a formidable member of the Panthers and a fervent activist. Her 1969 arrest and her subsequent acquittal in 1971 highlighted a period marked by racial tensions and intense political engagement. These surroundings heavily influenced Tupac’s growing hunger for change.
Moving from Baltimore to the West Coast, Tupac experienced firsthand the stark contrasts of racial disparities. This backdrop nurtured his artistry, enabling him to give voice to the unheard stories of those around him in his lyrics. To the broader audience, Tupac was purely a significant figure in Hip Hop. However, he had an undeniable depth, sharpened by diverse readings from Shakespeare to contemporary Black American authors. Yet, the enduring spirit of his mother, tales of Black resistance, and the profound influence of the Panthers truly shaped Tupac’s ethos. This foundation not only permeated his music but also fueled the energy behind his activism.
Gangsta Beats To Heartfelt Feats: The Sonic Journey
Rising from the underbelly of Hip Hop’s Golden Era, Tupac’s music was an authentic reflection of his experiences. His rhymes were molded by the cultural and socio-political milieu of his times. Tracks like “Brenda’s Got A Baby” and “Keep Ya Head Up” were not mere songs—they were poignant tales of the struggles Black Americans faced daily. It revealed an artist deeply empathetic to the societal ills surrounding him. Shakur used his platform to shed light on the often-ignored stories of Black American women grappling with hardships.
Tracks like “Changes” underscored Tupac’s sharp socio-political consciousness. Tackling issues from racism to police brutality, it was a clarion call for change and introspection. His lyrical brilliance was apparent, and his relevance undying. Even today, amid waves of civil rights movements, the song’s message stands as pertinent as ever.
Balancing Revolutionary Rhymes & Gangsta Rap
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 19: A Tupac Shakur Two-Page handwritten & signed letter from prison. To the Deputy Warden of Rikers Island Prison for auction at Gotta Have It! store. On July 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)
With such a background, it was no surprise that Shakur’s artistry was interwoven with pointed social and political commentary. Yet, his activism wasn’t restricted to his music. Tupac was known for his candid, often fiery interviews where he didn’t shy away from addressing injustices, institutional racism, and the importance of empowering Black American youth.
One might argue that this alignment of art and activism was a tightrope walk, especially in the mainstream music industry. The magnetism of commercial allure is seductive. Album sales, roaring fans, global tours, and the shimmer of accolades paint an irresistible portrait. For Tupac, these trappings were merely vehicles that transported his deeper message to a global stage. He consistently dodged the trend of diluting content for broader appeal. Instead, he chose to layer his artistry with intricate narratives, pushing forth a duality of street sagas alongside passionate calls for change.
This was the fine line Tupac Shakur perpetually walked upon, each step weighed against the gold standard of chart-topping success and the moral imperative to speak truth to power. However, Tupac managed this balance with finesse. He emphasized that his gangsta rap persona and his activist inclinations were not contradictory. Instead, they were reflective of the dual realities that many Black Americans, especially successful professionals, continue to balance.
More Than A Legend
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 07: Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur attends the ceremony honoring Tupac Shakur. With a posthumous Star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. On June 07, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
The sparkle of Tupac Shakur isn’t confined merely to the beats that punctuated his music or the lyrics that have been staples in Hip Hop culture. It lies in the undying reverberations that continue to reach the corners of both the music industry and larger expanse of activism. Moreover, Tupac’s influence is palpable. Turn on the radio, and you’ll find young artists echoing his passion. Their reverence for Tupac is unmistakable, recognizing in him a pioneer who carved a space for authenticity in arenas that often seemed consumed by superficiality.
Additionally, more than an artist, Tupac was a beacon for change. It wasn’t merely about identifying problems—it was about galvanizing change and urging collective action. Today, as we remember Tupac on the anniversary of his death, it’s evident that his physical departure from this world has done little to dim his legacy. Young activists, armed with microphones or placards, champion the causes the Rap icon shed light on.
In a life punctuated by both fame and tragedy, Tupac managed to transcend the traditional confines of celebrity. He became more than just a rapper or an actor. He emerged as a symbol, representing hope. As we reflect on his life, we’re reminded that Tupac’s legacy remains immortal.
Cultural icon Tupac Shakur was then taken to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada hospital after being shot several times in a drive-by on a Las Vegas strip on September 7, 1996, and was under a medically induced coma for six days before dying from internal bleeding on September 13, 1996.
After several failed attempts by doctors to revive 2Pac, his mother Afeni Shakur requested for his life support machine to be turned off. What were the events that transpired the days before the September 7th shooting that caused his early demise and why has the mystery of his death never been solved? These are the questions that remain 19 years later. Chris Carroll, a retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sergeant, told Vegas Seven Magazine in an interview last year that we may never know;
“Shakur’s murder is still considered an unsolved homicide and an unsolved homicide case is technically never closed. But nothing more is ever going to happen with it.“
After all the documentaries that have been put out pertaining to Pac’s death, most fans attempt to put the clues together and create their own hypothesis yet without hard evidence it’s still just an educated guess as to what really happened the night of September 7, 1996.
The only real evidence police have are the witness accounts from Outlaw member E.D.I Mean, who claimed to have seen all four men in the vehicle and Yaki Kadafi, who was involved in a scuffle with officers two days following the shooting after they pulled over a driver he was with and he protested. Officers did not try to locate Kadafi, who was later gunned down in Irving, NJ two months after the shooting.
Compton investigators assembled mug shots of several gang members, which included Orlando Anderson, the Crip that Tupac attacked in the MGM Grand lobby hours before the shooting. Anderson is the suspect said to have fired the fatal shots that killed Pac. Las Vegas police later discounted Anderson as a suspect and interviewed him only once. He was later killed in an unrelated gang shooting.
‘Pac’s killer has yet to be found or even suspected, but the fight to bring his killer(s) to justice icontinual and highly publicized, which will hopefully bring the truth about his untimely death to light.
