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Brownbeauty123
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 804
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 12:17 am: | 
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Anyone watch the movie/documentary about his life on VH1?
What are your thoughts on him? |
Lil_ze
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Lil_ze
Post Number: 331
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 01:11 am: |
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tupac was a heavy dude. i really can't put my finger on it, but he clearly had something special. yes he was a very talented rapper and actor. and yes he was a very good looking guy. but there is more to tupac than just those things. there are very few humans that have entered "legend" status. elvis, bob marley, john lennon, jimi hendrix are all legends in our culture. tupac has entered this realm. its kind of amazing to see how tupacs' image lives on in everyday culture. there is not a day that goes by that i don't see atleast on person wearing a tupac shirt. people in all countries and cultures recognize tupac and his legacy. like him or not, agree with him or not, it cannot be denied that tupac was a very powerful presense. he lives on in the hearts and minds of the people he touched. i was not the biggest tupac fan, but i respect him and his talents. it sad that he had to be killed in order fo his talent to be acknowledged worldwide. tupac had alot to say about very relevant issues. tupac is a true legend. he will always be. |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 323
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 04:29 am: |
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Tupac Shakur Reinterpreted
13th September will mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Tupac Shakur - the controversial, multi-platinum selling rap artist, poet and actor. Aged just 25 Tupac was killed in an, as yet unsolved, drive-by shooting. This month the NFT presents a thirteen-day season of screenings and events to assess the impact of his talent on the rap music scene and mainstream media culture, and how his legacy continues to affect generations of future fans.
Tupac Amaru Shakurs mother and stepfather were both members of the Black Panther Party. At a time of political questioning Tupac was raised in a politically astute environment and this was reflected in the young rapper's music. He established his career in music during the early 90s, selling millions of albums, and by 1992 he made the successful crossover into acting, establishing himself as a benchmark for rap culture and rappers intent on breaking into Hollywood.
This season provides the opportunity to view Tupacs finest screen performances; featuring his critically acclaimed debut in Juice (1992), which examines gun-culture and how it is often a product of poverty and low self-worth (also starring Samuel L. Jackson), and the dark comedy Gridlock'd (1997). The latter confirmed his undeniable on-screen charisma and cast him alongside Tim Roth as they play a couple of drug addicts trying to kick their habit.
Since his death there has been much speculation and conspiracy theories that cast the opinion that his murder was part of the escalating rivalry between east and west coast gangs. Many people believe that he was part of a violent conflict, which also claimed the life of Biggie Smalls (AKA Notorious B.I.G) in a retaliation killing, six months later.
Nick Broomfields highly praised and controversial documentary Biggie & Tupac (2002) investigates the deaths of rap music's premiere 90s talents, including an interview with Suge Knight, the incarcerated head of Death Row Records (Tupac's label when he was murdered). Tupac Resurrenction (2004), released by Amaru Entertainment - part of the foundation created by his mother, Afeni Shakur - uses archive visuals and audio interview allow Tupac to tell his own life story in his own words. Also screening is the hugely popular documentary Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel (2002), directed by Academy Award nominee Peter Spirer. The film offers an intimate insight of Tupac, including footage of the artist as a 17 year old on the brink of success (previously unseen until the film's release) and interviews with close friends and collaborators.
To accompany the films the NFT is bringing together a host of international speakers to discuss Tupac's cultural impact and political legacy. All Eyez on Me: Representing Tupac will examine what Tupac represents as a cultural phenomenon; Ghetto Gospel: Tupac's Politics will explore how Tupac captured the developing political consciousness of urban youth. We are also delighted to announce that Leila Steinberg, Tupac's first manager, will participate in an exclusive, on-stage debate, hosted by 1 Extra's Jacqueline Springer (the season programmer) about the significance of Tupacs legacy entitled: Tupac - The First Icon of Hip Hop.
Presented in association with Contemporary Black Music Culture
Film Listings
Juice
Sat 16 Sept 6.10 NFT3; Thu 28 Sept 8.50 NFT3
Tupac delivered in his debut role as Bishop - the livewire member of a group of impressionable teens - a benchmark performance for rap culture and rappers intent on breaking into Hollywood. Mesmerising and vicious, Bishop goes from James Cagney fan to being enthralled by the power that gun-ownership affords him. Tupac's Bishop reflected then, and today, the extreme mind-state of those who embrace feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, but who harness their own salvation, and ultimately doom, to the battle to obtain respect through violence.
USA 1992 | Dir Ernest Dickerson | With Omar Epps, Khalil Kain,
Samuel L Jackson | 91 mins | J-Cert 15.
Tupac Resurrection
Mon 18 Sept 8.45 NFT3; Thu 21 Sept 6.10 NFT3
With this documentary, released by Amaru Entertainment - part of the foundation created by his mother, Afeni Shakur - Tupac attained something he'd failed to secure while alive: an
Academy Award nomination (for Best Documentary). Keenly executed, using archive visuals and audio interviews, it allows Tupac Shakur to tell his own life story in his own words, narrating his artistic and emotional experiences and journey.
USA 2004 | Dir Lauren Lazin | 110 mins | J-Cert 15.
Gridlocked
Tue 19 Sept 8.30 NFT3; Sat 23 Sept 8.40 NFT2
Out of character and therefore in step with Hollywood expectations, Tupac teamed up with Tim Roth to play a pair of drug addicts keen to kick their habit but hampered by the bureaucracy of government self-help programmes, and finding police and drug dealers not far behind them. This dark comedy illustrates Tupac's growing versatility, and hinted at the direction of future projects and on-screen collaborations.
USA 1997 | Dir Vondie Curtis Hall | With Thandie Newton | 91 mins.
Biggie and Tupac
Wed 20 Sept 8.30 NFT3
Controversial from the off - owing to its makers' self-confessed lack of knowledge of the music of its subjects - Biggie and Tupac became a talking point about the fractured nature of a friendship skewed by the industry, rumour, emotions and the media. Nick Broomfield's attempt to investigate the deaths of rap music's premiere 90s talents provided him access to both emcees' inner sanctums and, infamously, an interview with Suge Knight, the then imprisoned head of Death Row Records, Tupac's record label at the time of his murder.
UK-USA 2002 | Dir Nick Broomfield | 108 mins | J-Cert 15.
Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel
Wed 27 Sept 8.30 NFT3
Like a rap mix-tape, Thug Angel became wildly popular with rap fans because of the largely unseen footage it contained: Tupac as a high-topped teenager, jokily critiquing his school curriculum, then on his 'on the cusp of fame' journey. All the while, though, Thug Angel addresses Tupac's seemingly inexhaustible work ethic; the encroaching conflict with authority and government; and his relentless dismay at the inequality of the American Dream.
USA 2002 | Dir Peter Spirer | 92 mins.
Events Listings
Leila Steinberg in Conversation
Fri 15 Sept 6.10 NFT3
With over 35 million album sales to date, Tupac is the only rapper to rank in the top 20 most successful solo artists of all time; he's unarguably one of the most successful rap artists. Ever. However, his lyricism attracted the wrath of a Vice President and Civil Rights groups, for its profanity, gun-culture references and misogyny. Leila Steinberg helped fan the flame that ignited Tupac's early career, via her own open-mic poetry workshops. Leila and Tupac's appreciation of literature would play a significant role in his songwriting. We're delighted to welcome Leila Steinberg to the NFT stage to discuss Tupac's creative process and commercial success.
Debate: Tupac -The First Icon of Hip-Hop
Sat 16 Sep 3.10 NFT3
This interactive debate will chart a visual history of Tupac Shakur, who by the time of his death, aged 25, had amassed a striking portfolio. From David LaChapelle's celebrated shot of Tupac in a tub bathed in gold jewellery, to Danny Clinch's 'Rolling Stone' cover that clearly illustrates Tupac's domineering 'Thug Life' tattoo and healed bullet wounds, Tupac's body became as much of a brand as his music material. Leila Steinberg, Tupac's first manager, will chart his pre-fame career and discuss how important these visual elements were to Tupac, listeners and cinemagoers in grasping an understanding of him, his work and talent. Tupac's critically acclaimed movie debut, in 1992's Juice, set a precedent for rappers in movies. Critic, lecturer and broadcaster Jacqueline Springer will look at his legacy and chart the journey that has since seen five rappers nominated for Academy Awards.
Tickets £3.00, no concs.
Tell us in one sentence why you think Tupac is an icon at www.myspace.com/londontupacretrospective.
Contributions will form part of the Tupac retrospective Digital Wallpaperand feature in the above debate.
All Eyez on Me: Representing Tupac
Wed 20 Sept 6.15 NFT3
Since his death Tupac's image has been constructed and reconstructed, especially on the internet where he has been discursively reborn as both hero and villain. The panel will examine Tupac as an icon constructed in collective memory; how his image since his death fits with his contradictory and fragmented image whilst alive; and, fundamentally, what Tupac represents as a cultural phenomenon, for whom and why.
Tickets £3.00, no concs.
Ghetto Gospel: Tupac's Politics
Wed 27 Sept 6.10 NFT3
Tupac was raised within a politically astute environment - his mother was a member of the Black Panther Party - but how did his politics refract 70s black protest culture? Speakers will explore how Tupac captured the developing political consciousness of urban youth; how, a decade after his death, this consciousness continues to excite attention; and what he represents as a political figure within the context of the UK's urban culture.
Tickets £3.00, no concs
Vote for Tupac as your screen icon on the bfi's 100 Black Screen Icons website launching in September. Details: www.bfi.org.uk.
Booking information
The NFT is open to all. NFT members are automatically members of the British Film Institute and entitled to a discount on all tickets.
NFT Box Office tel: 020 7928 3232. Unless otherwise stated tickets are £8.60, concs. £6.25. Members pay £1 less on any ticket. Website www.bfi.org.uk/nft.
Related links:
www.bfi.org.uk/tupac
www.myspace.com/londontupacretrospective
www.bfi.org.uk/nft
Ken Peters Director of Tupac Vs DVD Interview
Contact Us Link To Us Privacy Policy About Us Advertise With Us Copyright © 2001-2006. I Like Music. All rights reserved.
http://www.ilikemusic.com/hiphop/Tupac_Shakur_Reinterpreted-2792 |
Schakspir
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Schakspir
Post Number: 521
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 01:11 pm: |
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Just because he was a legend doesn't make him great. He's the most overrated man in Black American history. |
Lil_ze
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Lil_ze
Post Number: 334
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 04:13 pm: |
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i probably agree with your statement schakspir. tupac was a talented guy, but he is a very overrated man. his accomplishments don't match the amount of acclaim he has recieved. |
Brownbeauty123
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 806
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 08:32 pm: |
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From watching the documentary Tupac did a lot of talking--but that's it. Maybe if he lived longer he would have made actual accomplishments besides from just being outspoken. |
Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 1163
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 10:10 pm: |
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Whenever I think of him, I can't help but to think of Suge Knight. He must have had either a terrible personality/morality or terrible judgment. It says a lot about you and/or your friends when you're murdered and your "best bud" not only doesn't care if the murderer will be caught, but is willing to say so on camera. |
Brownbeauty123
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 808
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 10:24 pm: |
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Tupac would have most likely lived longer than he did if he would have finished his sentence in prison instead of letting Suge bail him out of jail. Not sure how long though---cause he did have a lot of enemies. People were just constantly after him. I wonder what he was *really* like because the media has built him up to be this great icon--yet he had soo many people who loathed him, and wanted him dead. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 6028
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 07:34 am: |
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I'm not going to argue whether or how great Tupac was. That's really too subjective. But show me another popular media figure who accomplished as much as he did in only 5 years (during which he were critically wounded and incarcerated). |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 2567
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 11:21 am: |
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He had great potential. Overlooked is his grounding and education in the so called classical arts--he attended a prestigious high school in Baltimore for the Performing Arts--skills he put to good use creating the persona of Tupac Shakur.
He was a good performer, actor and dancer. A so so rapper.
He was confused. He got his role confused with his real life.
I saw this video the other day and it confirmed what I had suspected--when you see a guy 25 years old playing the thug and gangsta this is somebody who did not do that when he was 14-18 years old--the time when a street kid or criminal is most wild and violent. 25 year old criminals, having done their bits (juvenile time, city jail time, county jail time, penitentiary time) having been beat up and shot up by cops and rival gangsters are trying to play it cool.
He was confused. Didn't know whether he was in show biz, or a militant or a gangsta. Whoever shot him showed him,though.
It may have been because he was a Gemini. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 6063
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 11:31 am: |
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Chris,
Tupac was a actor (and rapper and dancer) that Will Smith, who's arguably Hollywood's biggest movie star. It's sad to think of what he might have accomplished had he survived this turbulent 20's.
It's amazing to think of all the ground he covered in his brief adult life. Tupac at some point dwelled in almost every strata of African American life of the late 20th Century.
And it seems his life & death has sort of doomed hip-hop as a cultural phenomenon. |
Brownbeauty123
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 823
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 12:41 pm: |
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Tupac could not dance very well--if at all. If you watch clips of him from Digital Underground, he only did a few silly moves and that was it.
Tupac later went to the streets at a later age, around 17 or so. His mom started doing drugs (crack), and he began to wander the neighborhoods making friends with pimps, prostitutes and drug dealers. He even started selling drugs for a brief period of time. So he didn't just wake up one day and was 25 years old "playing" a gangsta, this is a lifestyle that he had long already been living previously before his death.
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