Full History Of Tupac Shakur In Timeline From 1971

1971: Tupac Shakur's Birth Year

1971 marks the birth year of Tupac Amaru Shakur.

1990: Befriending Treach on Public Enemy's Tour

In 1990, Tupac Shakur befriended Treach when they were both roadies on Public Enemy's tour. This marked the beginning of their long-lasting friendship.

October 17, 1991: Shakur Stopped by Police and Files Lawsuit

On October 17, 1991, Shakur was stopped by Oakland Police Department officers for jaywalking, leading to a $10 million lawsuit for police brutality, which was later settled for about $43,000. The incident also marked the onset of his alopecia.

1991: Release of 2Pacalypse Now

In 1991, Shakur released his debut album 2Pacalypse Now, showcasing his socially conscious perspective and addressing social injustice, poverty, and police brutality.

1991: First Film Appearance in "Nothing but Trouble"

In 1991, Tupac Shakur made his first film appearance in "Nothing but Trouble", a cameo by the Digital Underground. This marked his entry into the world of acting.

August 22, 1992: Incident at Marin City Festival

On August 22, 1992, at a festival in Marin City, Shakur allegedly dropped a legally carried Colt Mustang during a conflict after signing autographs.

1992: Cameo in Naughty by Nature's Music Video

In 1992, Tupac Shakur made a cameo in Naughty by Nature's music video "Uptown Anthem". This appearance showcased his support for his friend Treach and his involvement in the hip-hop scene.

1992: Starring Role in "Juice"

In 1992, Tupac Shakur starred in the film "Juice", where he played the role of Roland Bishop. His performance was praised, marking a significant role in his acting career.

April 5, 1993: Shakur Charged with Assault at Michigan State University

On April 5, 1993, Shakur was charged with felonious assault for allegedly attacking rapper Chauncey Wynn at a concert at Michigan State University.

October 31, 1993: Shakur Arrested for Shooting Police Officers in Atlanta

On October 31, 1993, Shakur was arrested in Atlanta for shooting two off-duty police officers, with conflicting accounts of the incident, including claims of self-defense and racial slurs.

November 1993: Charged with Sodomy and Firearm Possession

In November 1993, Tupac Shakur and two other men were charged in New York with sodomizing a woman in Shakur's hotel room. Shakur was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm as two guns were found in the hotel room.

1993: Replaced in "Menace II Society" After Assaulting Director

In 1993, Director Allen Hughes replaced Tupac Shakur as Sharif in the film Menace II Society once Shakur assaulted him on set due to a discrepancy with the script. The film was ultimately made without Shakur's involvement.

1993: Prior Conviction for Carrying Concealed Firearm

In 1993, Shakur had a prior conviction in Los Angeles for carrying a concealed firearm.

1993: Shakur Replaced in Menace II Society

In 1993, Shakur was replaced by actor Vonte Sweet in the film Menace II Society after allegedly assaulting director Allen Hughes.

1993: Meeting Jasmine Guy on "A Different World"

In 1993, Tupac Shakur met Jasmine Guy during his guest appearance on the sitcom A Different World. This meeting marked the beginning of their friendship.

1993: Tupac in "Poetic Justice"

In 1993, Tupac Shakur played a character named “Lucky” in the film titled "Poetic Justice" alongside Janet Jackson. Maya Angelou, wrote the poems used in the 1993 film.

1993: Starring alongside Janet Jackson in "Poetic Justice"

In 1993, Tupac Shakur starred alongside Janet Jackson in John Singleton's romance film, "Poetic Justice". This collaboration marked a significant role in his acting career.

1993: Collaboration with Jada Pinkett

In 1993, Tupac helped Pinkett land her first movie role in Menace II Society and she secured him a guest role on A Different World. They collaborated on music videos and various other projects, showcasing their strong friendship and professional relationship.

1993: Police Raid and Confiscation of Videotape

In 1993, during a police raid of Tupac Shakur's room at New York City's Parker Meridian Hotel, a videotape was confiscated which showed Shakur having sex with his then-girlfriend Desiree Smith. This incident was part of the legal challenges he faced.

1993: Criticism of Quincy Jones' Interracial Marriage

In a 1993 interview published in The Source, Tupac Shakur criticized record producer Quincy Jones for his interracial marriage to actress Peggy Lipton. This led to a public response and subsequent apology.

September 14, 1994: Shakur Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Assault

On September 14, 1994, Shakur pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from the April 5, 1993 incident and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

November 1994: Shakur Accuses Combs, Henchman, and Notorious B.I.G. of Involvement in Shooting

In November 1994, Shakur accused Sean Combs, Jimmy Henchman, and the Notorious B.I.G. of setting up or being involved in the robbery and shooting at Quad Studios.

November 30, 1994: Shakur Robbed and Shot at Quad Studios

On November 30, 1994, Shakur was robbed and shot at gunpoint in the lobby of Quad Studios in Times Square after being offered $7,000 to record a verse for Little Shawn.

December 1, 1994: Conviction of Sexual Abuse

On December 1, 1994, Tupac Shakur was acquitted of three counts of sodomy and the associated gun charges, but convicted of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. He was sentenced and his bail was set at $3 million.

December 1994: Conviction Pending

In December 1994, Tupac Shakur had a conviction pending. This legal issue affected his career and personal life.

December 23, 1994: Shakur Surrenders to Authorities

On December 23, 1994, unable to post the $3 million bond, Shakur surrendered himself to authorities at the Bellevue Hospital Jail Ward in New York City while recovering from injuries sustained in the Quad Studios shooting.

1994: Recuperation at Jasmine Guy's Home

In 1994, After being shot, Tupac Shakur recuperated at Jasmine Guy's home. Their friendship grew stronger during this time.

1994: Relationship with Madonna

In 1994, Madonna later revealed that she and Tupac had dated. This revelation shed light on their personal relationship.

1994: Shakur Arrested in Los Angeles for Firearm Possession

In 1994, Shakur was arrested in Los Angeles for possessing a semiautomatic pistol, a felony due to a prior conviction.

1994: Forming a Bond with Mickey Rourke

In 1994, Tupac Shakur and Mickey Rourke formed a bond while filming the movie Bullet. Rourke recalled that Shakur "was there for me during some very hard times."

1994: Role in "Above the Rim"

In 1994, Tupac Shakur played a gangster called Birdie in the film "Above the Rim." The character was reportedly modeled after former New York drug dealer Jacques "Haitian Jack" Agnant.

1994: Shakur Theorized Agnant Set Him Up

In 1994, after Shakur's sexual abuse conviction, he theorized that Jacques Agnant had set him up with the case, suspecting Agnant's connection to his accuser and James "Henchman" Rosemond, whom he blamed for the Quad Studios shooting.

1994: Ambush and Shooting Investigation

In 1994, an investigation into the ambush and shooting took place.

1994: Shakur Serves Jail Time for Assault

In early 1994, Shakur served 15 days in jail after being found guilty of assaulting Allen Hughes, the director of Menace II Society.

January 1995: Shakur Moved to Rikers Island

In January 1995, Shakur was moved to the North Infirmary Command (NIC) on Rikers Island in the Bronx.

February 7, 1995: Shakur Sentenced to Prison

On February 7, 1995, Shakur was sentenced to 18 months to 4 1/2 years in prison for sexual abuse.

March 1995: Shakur Transferred to Clinton Correctional Facility

In March 1995, Shakur was transferred to Clinton Correctional Facility, where he began reading philosophy and military strategy. Also he got married.

April 29, 1995: Marriage to Keisha Morris

On April 29, 1995, Tupac Shakur married his girlfriend Keisha Morris, a pre-law student. The marriage was annulled ten months later.

October 1995: Shakur Bonds Out of Prison Pending Appeal

In October 1995, Shakur was incarcerated but bonded out of Dannemora Clinton Correctional Facility while appealing his conviction, after Suge Knight arranged for his $1.4 million bond.

October 1995: Suge Knight Visits Tupac in Prison and Posts Bail

In October 1995, while Tupac Shakur was imprisoned, Suge Knight visited him in prison and posted $1.4 million bond. Shakur then returned to Los Angeles and joined Death Row Records.

1995: Pinkett Contributes to Bail and Rejects Marriage Proposal

In 1995, Jada Pinkett contributed $100,000 towards Tupac's bail. She also turned down his marriage proposal while he was incarcerated at Rikers Island in 1995.

1995: Fired from "Higher Learning"

In 1995, John Singleton fired Tupac Shakur from the film "Higher Learning" because the studio would not finance the film following his arrest. This led to a setback in his acting career.

1995: Dear Mama Release Showcases Vocal Stacking

In 1995, Shakur released "Dear Mama" from his album Me Against the World showcasing his technique of stacking or layering vocals.

1995: Release of Me Against the World

In 1995, Shakur's album Me Against the World was released, showcasing contrasting themes of social inequality, injustice, compassion, playfulness, and hope.

1995: East-West Coast Rivalry Escalates

In 1995, the East-West Coast rivalry in hip-hop escalated after the November 1994 shooting and Shakur accused rivals.

1995: Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Shakur

In 1995, the mother of Qa'id Walker-Teal, who was fatally shot in 1992, filed a wrongful death suit against Shakur, which was later settled for $300,000 to $500,000.

1995: Mention of Supporters in Prison Interview

In his 1995 interview with Vibe magazine, Shakur listed Jada Pinkett, Jasmine Guy, Treach and Mickey Rourke among the people who were looking out for him while he was in prison.

February 13, 1996: Release of "All Eyez on Me"

On February 13, 1996, Tupac Shakur's fourth album, "All Eyez on Me", was released. It was rap's first double album, fulfilling two of the three albums due in his contract with Death Row Records and bearing five singles.

April 4, 1996: Shakur Sentenced to Jail for Release Violation

On April 4, 1996, Shakur was sentenced to 120 days in jail for violating his release terms and failing to appear for a road cleanup job, but was allowed to remain free awaiting appeal.

April 1996: Plans to Open a Restaurant

In April 1996, Tupac Shakur said that he, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg, and Suge Knight were planning to open a restaurant together. This venture never came to fruition due to his untimely death.

July 4, 1996: Tupac's Final Live Performance

On July 4, 1996, Tupac Shakur had his final recorded live performance at the House of Blues, later released on DVD in 2005.

1996: Tupac Shakur's Death Year

1996 marks the death year of Tupac Amaru Shakur.

1996: Release of All Eyez on Me

In 1996, Shakur released All Eyez on Me, which was hailed as a classic by critics and achieved commercial success.

1996: Release of "Bullet"

In 1996, Soon after Tupac Shakur's death, the film Bullet starring him was released.

1996: Phantom Menace Script Begins

In 1996, The Phantom Menace script had begun being written in 1996.

1996: Treach Speaks at Memorial Service

In 1996, Treach was a speaker at a public memorial service for Tupac Shakur, honoring his friend and collaborator.

1996: Dating Kidada Jones

In 1996, Tupac Shakur began dating Kidada Jones after apologizing for criticizing her father's marriage. They attended Men's Fashion Week in Milan and walked the runway together for a Versace fashion show. Jones was at their hotel in Las Vegas when Shakur was shot.

1996: Recording and Release of "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory"

In 1996, Tupac Shakur recorded and released his fifth solo album, "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory", under the stage name Makaveli. The lyrics were written and recorded in three days, and mixing took another four days.

1996: Won best rap album at the Soul Train Music Awards

In 1996, Tupac Shakur won best rap album at the Soul Train Music Awards. This marked a high point in his career and recognized his musical achievements.

1997: Releases of "Gridlock'd" and "Gang Related"

In 1997, Soon after Tupac Shakur's death, the films Gridlock'd and Gang Related starring him were released.

1997: Wins Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist at the American Music Awards

In 1997, Tupac Shakur won Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist at the American Music Awards. This recognized his influence and popularity in the rap and hip-hop music scene.

1997: Founding of the Shakur Family Foundation

In 1997, Tupac's mother founded the Shakur Family Foundation, later renamed the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF), with the mission to support students in enhancing their creative talents.

1997: UC Berkeley Course on Tupac Shakur

In 1997, the University of California, Berkeley, offered a student-led course titled "History 98: Poetry and History of Tupac Shakur", marking academic interest in his work.

June 1998: "All Eyez on Me" Certified 9x Multi-Platinum

In June 1998, the album "All Eyez on Me" was certified 9x Multi-Platinum. This demonstrated the commercial success and widespread popularity of the album.

1998: Release of Greatest Hits Album

In 1998, Tupac's Greatest Hits album was released and continued to have an impact in subsequent years.

1998: Default Judgment Entered Against Shakur's Estate

In 1998, a $2 million lawsuit filed by Scott Whitwell against Shakur resulted in a default judgment entered against the rapper's estate.

1998: Release of Posthumous Track "Changes"

In 1998, the posthumous track "Changes" was released, eventually being added to the Vatican playlist in 2009.

June 15, 1999: "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" Certified 4x Multi-Platinum

On June 15, 1999, "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" was certified 4x Multi-Platinum. This certification marked the album's commercial success and popularity.

1999: Rumors of Tupac Considered for Mace Windu Role in Star Wars Prequels

In 1999, It was rumored that Tupac Shakur was being considered by George Lucas to portray Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel films (1999–2005).

1999: Phantom Menace Release

In 1999, The Phantom Menace film seeing release in 1999.

2000: Greatest Hits Album Returns to Billboard Chart

In 2000, the Greatest Hits album, originally released in 1998, returned to the Billboard 200 chart, reaching No. 129.

2001: Original Consideration for Lead Role in "Baby Boy"

In 2001, John Singleton originally had Tupac Shakur in mind for the lead role in the film "Baby Boy". Ultimately, the role went to Tyrese Gibson, but the set design includes a Shakur mural.

2002: Chuck Philips Reports Anderson as Shooter

In 2002, Chuck Philips reported that Anderson, attacked by Suge and Shakur's entourage, fired the fatal gunshots after the boxing match but police interviewed him briefly.

2002: Nas Praises Tupac Beyond Shakespeare

In 2002, Nas said: "I put Tupac beyond Shakespeare."

2002: Induction into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame

In 2002, Tupac Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the genre.

April 2003: Harvard Symposium on Tupac Shakur

In April 2003, Harvard University cosponsored the symposium "All Eyez on Me: Tupac Shakur and the Search for the Modern Folk Hero", analyzing Shakur's influence as an artist and activist.

November 2003: Release of Tupac: Resurrection Documentary

In November 2003, the documentary film "Tupac: Resurrection" was released, exploring Tupac's life and legacy.

2004: Jasmine Guy Writes Afeni Shakur's Biography

In 2004, Jasmine Guy wrote Afeni Shakur's biography, titled "Afeni Shakur: Evolution of a Revolutionary". This contribution highlighted the deep connection between Guy and the Shakur family.

2004: Honoree at the First Hip Hop Honors

In 2004, Tupac Shakur was among the honorees at the first Hip Hop Honors, celebrating his lasting impact.

June 2005: Opening of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts

In June 2005, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF) opened the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts (TASCA) in Stone Mountain, Georgia, to further its mission of supporting creative talents.

2005: Academy Award Nomination for Tupac: Resurrection

In 2005, "Tupac: Resurrection" was nominated for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards, highlighting the film's impact.

2005: Release of Tupac: Live at the House of Blues DVD

In 2005, Death Row released the DVD "Tupac: Live at the House of Blues", featuring his final recorded live performance on July 4, 1996.

2005: Rumors of Tupac Considered for Mace Windu Role in Star Wars Prequels

In 2005, It was rumored that Tupac Shakur was being considered by George Lucas to portray Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel films (1999–2005).

2005: "The 7 Day Theory" Ranked Among Hip-Hop's Greatest Albums by MTV

In 2005, MTV.com ranked "The 7 Day Theory" at No. 9 among hip-hop's greatest albums ever, solidifying its status and influence in the genre.

August 2006: Publication of "Tupac Shakur Legacy"

In August 2006, Jamal Joseph's "Tupac Shakur Legacy," an interactive biography, was released, featuring unpublished family photos and handwritten lyrics.

2006: "The 7 Day Theory" Considered a Classic Album

By 2006, "The 7 Day Theory" was considered a classic album. This recognition highlighted its lasting impact and cultural significance.

2006: Jada Pinkett Smith's Donation to Baltimore School for the Arts

In 2006, Jada Pinkett Smith donated $1 million to the Baltimore School for the Arts and named the new theater in Tupac's honor.

2006: Tupac's Ashes Laid to Rest in Soweto

In 2006, on the 10th anniversary of Tupac Shakur's death, his ashes were laid to rest in Soweto, with a memorial service conducted by his mother Afeni in the "birthplace of his ancestors".

2007: AllHipHop Roundtable on Tupac's Impact

In 2007, AllHipHop held a roundtable where Cormega stated that while B.I.G. ran New York, Tupac ran America, highlighting Tupac's broad influence.

March 2008: Los Angeles Times Reports on 1994 Ambush and Shooting

In March 2008, the Los Angeles Times reported on the 1994 ambush and shooting, but the article was later retracted due to reliance on forged FBI documents.

2008: Tupac's Estate Earnings

In 2008, Tupac's estate made approximately $15 million, indicating his continued popularity and financial impact after his death.

2009: "Changes" Added to Vatican Playlist

In 2009, the Vatican added "Changes", a 1998 posthumous track, to its online playlist, drawing praise and signifying the song's impact.

June 23, 2010: "Dear Mama" Added to National Recording Registry

On June 23, 2010, the Library of Congress added "Dear Mama" to the National Recording Registry, marking it as the third rap song to receive this honor.

2010: 50 Cent's Appraisal of Tupac in Rolling Stone

In 2010, 50 Cent wrote Rolling Stone magazine's entry on Shakur, appraising him as one of the "100 greatest artists", reflecting Tupac's significant artistic impact.

June 2011: Dexter Isaac Confesses to Shooting Shakur

In June 2011, convicted murderer Dexter Isaac confessed to being one of the gunmen who robbed and shot Shakur in 1994 on Henchman's order.

2011: Sex Tape Sold to Private Collector

In 2011, a sex tape featuring Tupac Shakur receiving oral sex from a groupie while rapping and dancing along to one of his own unreleased songs was sold to a private collector. The video, filmed in 1993, also featured rapper Money B from Digital Underground.

2011: FBI Releases Documents on Extortion Scheme

In 2011, the FBI released documents describing an extortion scheme by the Jewish Defense League that included death threats against Shakur.

April 15, 2012: Tupac "Hologram" Performance at Coachella

On April 15, 2012, a Tupac "hologram" (actually a projection) performed with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at the Coachella Music Festival, performing "Hail Mary" and "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted."

2012: University of Oslo Course on Tupac

In 2012, the Norwegian University of Oslo organized the course "Tupac, hiphop og kulturhistorie (Tupac, hip-hop and cultural history)", highlighting his cultural impact.

2013: Allen Hughes Appraises Shakur's Potential Impact on "Menace II Society"

In 2013, Allen Hughes stated that Tupac Shakur would have outshone the other actors in "Menace II Society" because he was bigger than the movie. This retrospectively acknowledged Shakur's potential impact on the film.

2013: "All Eyez on Me" Biopic in Development

In 2013, the Shakur biopic, All Eyez on Me was in development.

July 2014: "All Eyez on Me" Certified 10x Multi-Platinum

In July 2014, the album "All Eyez on Me" was certified 10x Multi-Platinum. This milestone underscores the album's enduring appeal and impact over the years.

2014: BET on Tupac's Lasting Influence

In 2014, BET highlighted Tupac's profound influence on rap, noting how his multifaceted persona has shaped the perception of rappers and influenced numerous artists.

2014: Broadway Play "Holler If Ya Hear Me"

In 2014, the play "Holler If Ya Hear Me", based on Shakur's lyrics, premiered on Broadway but had a short run.

December 2015: Filming Begins for "All Eyez on Me" Biopic

In December 2015, filming began in Atlanta for the Tupac biopic "All Eyez on Me", which had been in development since 2013.

2015: Grammy Museum Exhibition Dedicated to Tupac

In 2015, the Grammy Museum opened an exhibition dedicated to Tupac Shakur, highlighting his musical legacy and impact.

2015: Closure of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts

In 2015, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts (TASCA) in Stone Mountain, Georgia, which was opened in 2005, closed its doors.

April 7, 2017: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On April 7, 2017, Tupac Shakur was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, solidifying his legendary status.

June 16, 2017: Release of "All Eyez on Me" Biopic

On June 16, 2017, Tupac's 46th birthday, the biopic "All Eyez on Me" was released, although it received generally negative reviews.

2017: Snoop Dogg calls Tupac "the greatest rapper of all time"

In 2017, Snoop Dogg called Tupac “the greatest rapper of all time” during his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute, emphasizing Tupac's lasting influence and impact on the rap industry.

August 2019: Announcement of "Outlaw: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur"

In August 2019, a docuseries directed by Allen Hughes, "Outlaw: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur", was announced, focusing on Tupac and his mother.

2020: Kamala Harris calls Tupac "best rapper alive"

In 2020, Kamala Harris called Tupac the "best rapper alive", explaining it as a sentiment among West Coast girls, underscoring his enduring legacy and cultural impact.

2021: Jada Pinkett Smith Honors Tupac's 50th Birthday

In 2021, Jada Pinkett Smith honored what would have been Tupac Shakur's 50th birthday by releasing a never-before-seen poem she had received from him.

2021: Saweetie calls Tupac "the greatest rapper that ever lived"

In 2021, Saweetie told Complex that Tupac was “the greatest rapper that ever lived”, showing the lasting impact and high regard in which Tupac is held in the music industry.

January 2022: Opening of "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free" Exhibition

In January 2022, the exhibition "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free" opened at The Canvas at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, showcasing his life and work.

April 2022: Handwritten Poems Up for Sale

In April 2022, handwritten poems written by Tupac when he was 11 years old were up for sale for US$300,000 but only sold for $90,000. The poems were for Jamal Joseph and three other Black Panther Party members while they were incarcerated at Leavenworth Prison.

2022: Smith Insists She Was Not Underage

In 2022, Desiree Smith insisted she was neither underage nor intoxicated at the time of her tryst with Shakur in 1993. This clarification came years after the initial incident.

May 16, 2023: Oakland Street Named "Tupac Shakur Way"

On May 16, 2023, the Oakland City Council voted to name a section of MacArthur Boulevard "Tupac Shakur Way", honoring his legacy in the city.

June 7, 2023: Tupac Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On June 7, 2023, Tupac Shakur received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with his half-sister Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur accepting the award in his honor.