The first Estate-authorised biography of Tupac Shakur is due for release later this year

The first and only Estate-authorised biography of Tupac Shakur is to be published by Century- an imprint of Penguin Random House UK. October 24th is the date the biography is due to be released, and will be available in print, digital and audiobook in the UK and Commonwealth markets, in global coordination with Crown, Penguin Random House US.

Entrusted by his mother, Afeni Shakur to write the biography, screenwriter and author Staci Robinson has taken on the monumental task, with the writer having known Tupac as a young man. Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography explores the late rapper’s life, and the legacy he left behind, including photos, mementos, handwritten poetry, musings, and more.

As one of history’s greatest and most controversial artists, Shakur was not only a rapper, but a poet, actor and revolutionary. He continues to be one of the most misunderstood figures of the 20th century, more than a quarter of a century on from his tragic death at the age of 25 in 1996. His unapologetic lyrics led him to be villainised by many over the course of his career. Nonetheless, his outrage for a people who were told that their lives did not matter has continued to inspire fans all around the world to this day.

In his biography, Staci Robinson delves into the complexities and myths that have shadowed the legendary rapper. Having exclusive access to Shakur’s private notebooks, letters, unpublished lyrics and uncensored conversations with those who knew him best, Robinson has been able to produce a powerful story of a person defined by politics, art and propelled by his sheer brilliance and impulsiveness in equal measures.

Staci Robinson has managed to create a story that conveys the bond of love between a mother and her son, unveils the political awakening that drove the rapper to purpose, and remembers the timeless music that he created which continues to resonate with past, present and future generations.

Speaking on his upcoming publication, Robinson has said, “My hope is that this book offers a new lens through which to explore Tupac’s complicated yet beautiful legacy. I wanted to help readers understand him and view him not just as a rap artist and actor and entertainer, but as a human being—a man with a passionate message, a son who listened to his mother, and a loving brother. Most importantly, this book is to help readers understand how he has become a global icon, one who will never be forgotten.”

Publishing Director of Century, Ben Brusey has added, “We are honoured to be publishing this ground-breaking biography of Tupac Shakur, which sheds new light on one of popular culture’s most important and enduring figures, who remains as influential today as he was during his short but meteoric career. Based on a treasure trove of exclusive unpublished material, and layered with the kind of insight that only someone who knew Tupac can share, Staci Robinson has written the definitive book on Tupac, one which makes us re-evaluate his extraordinary contribution, both as an artist and as a human being.”

Staci Robinson’s previous projects include Tupac Remembered, Bearing Witness to a Life and Legacy; the novel Interceptions; the film The Bounce Back; and the forthcoming FX documentary Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur.

Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography is set for release October 24th 2023.