This Thug's Life

by Mopreme Shakur

The first-ever insider account of the Shakur family, the iconic hip hop group THUG LIFE, and the life and death Tupac Shakur – written by Mopreme Shakur, the legendary rapper’s big brother and eldest son of Black liberation activist Mutulu Shakur.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Caise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I listen to Thug Life at least once a month, so reading this book felt almost inevitable.

I actually had the chance to experience it as an audiobook, which made it even more special. Hearing the story in the voice of Tupac’s stepbrother, simply his brother, as he calls himself, added an extra layer of intimacy and authenticity. It felt personal, raw, and incredibly close to the source.

The audiobook was both emotional and deeply nostalgic. It offered meaningful insight into Tupac not only as an artist, but as a person. His struggles, his passion, and the values that drove his career and activism. Learning more about the context behind his work made me appreciate his music and message even more.

His words still resonate, and his legacy is very much alive, not just in music, but in the hearts of those who continue to feel inspired by his voice, his courage, and his unapologetic truth.

[Jess Svajgert · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: February 24, 2026

Growing up in the 90’s, media coverage of hip hop was pretty one dimensional. Over the last decade, I’ve read many books/memoirs/biographies detailing the era from those who were actually there to get a better picture of what was really happening day to day behind the scenes to make the music we were raised on. This in depth memoir from Mopreme Shakur does just that, and while it’s fascinating to learn another side of Tupac along the way, this immerses you into his life—family dynamics and history, social/political justice and activism, and the hip hop industry/scene as a whole. I’m glad these words were put to paper.

[Savannah McFadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I love Tupac and it was really enlightening and comforting to read about his life and Mopreme’s life from his perspective. Of course I knew how it would end but there were a lot of stories in the book that I hadn’t known. As a person who works closely with people in marginalized communities, this whole thing just made me want to continue to help them empower themselves the way Pac and Mopreme were empowered to speak out and make a difference. And of course, to continue to keep Pac alive by continuing to listen to his music, really listen to it.

My favorite stare-at-the-wall-and-say-wow lines were:

“Maurice, you think they care about you? They will kill you.” We weren’t human to them. We weren’t worthy of their concern. But how could you be charged with looking over a neighborhood if you don’t give a fuck about the people who live in it? In that way, their lack of empathy wasn’t just a lack of interest but seemed openly hostile to me. Because, in my mind, if you don’t care about the people you’re supposed to be there for, then why are you there? To watch us? To find an opportunity to punish us? That apathy was malicious.

I felt relief that he, at least, lived so he could sue their asses. As much as things has changed from our parents generation to ours, some shit stays the same. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the start of what would become the Tupac Shakur legend. He did sue the police and won, and lived to tell about it.

Police brutality is not a glitch in the system, it’s actually a feature in the systems functionality.

There is no amount of respectability for black folks that convinces the system to allow us in.

I can see plainly how, to people elected to position as a power, our type of music – music that makes people think about how they’re being neglected and how they want to be represented – would scare them. That’s the infectious power of music: people are going to listen to a song they like hundreds of times, and the message is going to soak in.

[Tupac was in jail with the Menendez brothers and Rick James at the same time]

We fully understood that cops don’t protect the children of people like my parents.

All great black men go to jail.

The mid twenties are a vulnerable age. I don’t know how honest we are as a society about that. Sure, we’re adults in our twenties, but we’re just figuring out who we are. Or at least trying to.

Those leaders who truly want the people to be empowered become targets.

[Jazisunray Skillern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mopreme Shakur’s autobiography is a gripping, heartfelt, and honest account of a life lived at the crossroads of music, activism, family, and history. From the opening pages, Mopreme—known by many names but always true to himself—invites us into his world with a candidness that is both disarming and deeply moving.

Raised in the revolutionary spirit of his father, Mutulu, Mopreme’s story is one of survival and solidarity, of learning what it means to stand for something greater than yourself. The bond between Mopreme and his legendary brother Tupac is at the memoir’s emotional core, portrayed not just in their musical collaborations but in their unbreakable love and shared journey through triumph and tragedy.

Mopreme’s reflections on fame, loss, and the ongoing fight for Black liberation are both timely and timeless. His narrative is unapologetically authentic, bursting with insight into the challenges and joys of growing up Shakur. The memoir balances intimate family moments with a broader social and political context, offering readers a rare look behind the scenes of hip hop’s golden age and the realities of activism in America.

This book is more than a memoir—it’s an essential chronicle of resilience, creativity, and Black brotherhood. Mopreme’s voice is powerful, wise, and genuine. Anyone who wants to understand the story behind the music, the movement, and the man will find this autobiography unforgettable.

Thank you, Mopreme Shakur, Talia C. Rodriguez-Shakur, NetGalley, and RBMedia for this ARC.

[Sara Demler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed hearing about not only Mopreme's life stories, but also the family dynamics and the connection he had with his brother Tupac.

It's clear they had a brotherly bond and it was heartwarming to hear the stories where they had fights, but ultimately had deep love and loyalty to each other. While they were often separated throughout their childhood, Mopreme worked closely with Tupac during his acting and music career. Both supporting each other's dreams. It was interesting and revealing to hear the behind the scenes from his brother and give us glimpses of what the public might not be aware of.

Mopreme has so much love for the people who have had a strong impact on his life. Not only from his biological family, but those outside of his bloodline. They are all family to him, and it's special he made it a point to call them by name and share stories of how they were connected to these glimpses of his life.

He also mentions the injustices the Black community has and still faces. Especially surrounding the lack of care from the police during many moments throughout his life, but also highlighting that the Las Vegas police neglected to look into Tupac's murder. He's not giving up on seeking justice and he's worked closely with those who have made documentaries and showcased his life's work.

Thank you to Netgalley for an arc copy, all opinions are my own.

[Candace Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ALC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I never know how to rate memoirs because who am I to judge how someone has lived their life?

However, this is chock full of cultural knowledge and love, so I felt a high rating is due. I learned a lot about Black home culture and different styles of parenting and family. Mopreme does a wonderful job narrating his own stories and experiences, and I was blessed to be along for the ride. Tupac was taken far too early from us, and Mo makes it clear he suspects what happens but doesn’t outright call it out. I didn’t realize Pac didn’t die immediately from the gunshot, and I’m thankful his family got to spend just a little time with him before he passed.

If you have any interest in Tupac or even just the culture of Black men growing up in NYC, check this out. It was a solid listen and entertaining. 4.5⭐️

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Thug’s Life by Mopreme Shakur is a powerful memoir that offers an inside look at the Shakur family, hip-hop culture, and the life of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. Mopreme shares stories from his childhood growing up in a politically active family and his experiences navigating fame, music, and activism alongside his younger brother. The book blends personal memories with reflections on the social and cultural forces that shaped their lives and careers.

What makes the memoir especially compelling is its honesty and emotional depth. Mopreme doesn’t just focus on fame—he also explores the challenges, tragedies, and complicated relationships that came with it. Through his storytelling, readers gain a more personal understanding of Tupac and the environment that influenced both brothers, making the book a meaningful tribute to family, resilience, and legacy.

[Kayla Sullinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved 2Pac. I was 4 when he died but have been listening to his music my whole life. I did not know much about Mopreme. Obviously 2Pac is part of his story but this is focused on Mopreme. It tells us about Mopreme's childhood all way until his adulthood. He grew up so differently than 2Pac but they still had some of the same struggles. Mutulu was a big influence of both of them. I love that Mopreme goes into basically saying we don't have to agree on anything but this is how it went. He talks about Mutulu and the Black Panthers, him growing up with his father on the run, and finally when he is into his adulthood making music with his brother. I learned things I didn't know about 2Pac too. It is all from the point of view of his brother. They spent a lot of time together coming up in the industry. It was a good read. for sure.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Synopsis: The autobiography of Mopreme Shakur, step brother of Tupac Shakur and founding member of THUGLIFE, tells his story growing up and being the right hand man to one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Thoughts: Very interesting read. I was 16 when Tupac was murdered and a fan of his music. This book gives so much more backstory to their lives, upbringing and early days trying to make it big.


Thank you to Mopreme Shakur, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced e-book.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic memoir with some impeccable writing and an incredible style to it. it works really effectively and is quite interesting in telling us about Tupac Shakur, but also about racial justice and society. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

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[Kyndra Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!!! I learned so much about Mopreme, along with him clearing up any misconceptions about Pac. I haven't read a good book in a long time, and I was glad that to have read this. Even him speaking about his family, and the part they played. Along with his vulnerability in other areas. I would HIGHLY suggest you all pick this book up. There is so much great knowledge that I don't want anyone to miss. Buy two books if you can. It's that good!

[Sugar Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible and captivating read! Once you start reading it, it is very difficult to put it down! I have been a 2Pac fan since the beginning of his career and I learned a lot about Mopreme that I didn't know until now and learned things about Pac that I hadn't ever heard about until now. It is truly is remarkable how the two of them were separately carving their creative paths into music. There is a lot of knowledge in this book. I have read it twice and will read it again. Do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy of this book!

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will be a powerful read for a lot of its intended target audience.
I found the family history part or be the most interesting because it does help with the context of the person the book is about.
The story is interlaced with a lot of social commentary that is revealing.
Thanks Kensington Publishing for the advance copy.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir written by Maurice Mopreme Shakur, the older brother of Tupac Shakur is frank and honest. It describes the extended family relationships of the brothers and the involvement of close family members with the music careers of the two brothers. It also describes the tension between cultural and political approaches used to promote their music.

[Michele Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love biographies, especially audiobook versions narrated by the author. I loved this look into one of Tupac Shakur's brother's life. We so often hear about celebrities lives, but not often do we get a look into their families, too. I loved hearing Mo describe how he grew up and where, about his parents, other siblings, cousins and other extended family. This was a great read!

[Bonne Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendous and amazing work!! What an incredible life and indomitable spirit!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and being vulnerable with us! I wish everyone in the world would read this and glean all the truth and wisdom that you share within the pages.