Watch Tupac: The Lost Prison Tapes

Tupac: The Lost Prison Tapes is a documentary film that chronicles the life and death of the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. Directed by Rick Boss, the film is based on the exclusive footage shot during Tupac's incarceration in 1995. The film takes the viewers on a journey through the troubled life of Tupac, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. It begins with his early years, including his birth in New York City in 1971, his move to Baltimore as a young boy, and his eventual relocation to Oakland, California. It then moves on to highlight his music career, which started in the late 1980s when he joined Digital Underground as a backup dancer.

The film offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of Tupac, exploring the relationship he had with his mother and his stepfather. It also sheds light on his involvement in various illegal activities, including drug dealing and gang violence, which landed him in jail in 1995.

Tupac: The Lost Prison Tapes primarily focuses on the interviews that Tupac gave during his time in prison. The interviews, which were recorded by filmmaker Gobi M. Rahimi, reveal a side of Tupac that was rarely seen by the public. They showcase his vulnerability, his intelligence, and his passion for music and social justice.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are privy to the conversations that Tupac had with his lawyers, family members, and friends. These conversations offer a unique perspective on the rapper's life, including his views on his role in society and his hopes for the future. They also provide an insight into the events that led up to his imprisonment, including his involvement in the East Coast-West Coast rap feud of the 1990s.

The film also features commentary from a number of the people who knew Tupac personally or worked with him professionally, including Suge Knight, his former manager, and Jada Pinkett Smith, his childhood friend. Through their insights, the film offers a greater understanding of Tupac's motivations and struggles.

One of the most powerful aspects of the documentary is the way it explores Tupac's fascination with the African American experience. The interviews provide a platform for Tupac to explore the issues that were most important to him, including racism, police brutality, and the impact of poverty on black communities. The film pays particular attention to his famous poem "The Rose That Grew From Concrete," which reflects his belief that even those who face the most difficult circumstances can still thrive.

Overall, Tupac: The Lost Prison Tapes is a thought-provoking and emotional documentary that offers an intimate portrait of one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century. It is a must-see for fans of Tupac, as well as anyone who is interested in the intersection of music, politics, and society.