Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur

by Jeff Pearlman

New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman turns his sharp eye and meticulous storytelling to one of pop culture’s most enduring and enigmatic figures—Tupac Shakur—presenting the definitive retelling of his life, complete with explosive new details. 

Scrutinized in life, mythologized in death, Tupac Shakur remains a subject of immense cultural significance and speculation nearly thirty years after his murder. Despite a multitude of books, documentaries, and even a feature film, much about Tupac’s story remains shrouded and misunderstood. Like many icons who died tragically young, Tupac the man has long been obscured—his edges sanded down, his complexity numbed—by the competing agendas that surround his legacy.

In Only God Can Judge Me, accomplished biographer and cultural historian Jeff Pearlman tackles his most nuanced subject, telling the definitive story of Tupac Shakur in unprecedented depth. In this authoritative look at Tupac’s life, Pearlman skillfully recreates West Coast hip hop in all its glory, going inside Death Row Records and on the sets of movies like Juice and Poetic Justice to offer the most clear-eyed rendering to date of the man who still casts a shadow over modern hip hop. But more than just a biography of a complicated figure, Only God Can Judge Me also captures the time and place in which Tupac rose, a singular moment in music history when West Coast hip hop became a phenomenon and transformed popular music.

Featuring nearly seven hundred original interviews and never-before-published details from every corner of Tupac’s life, the result offers a truly singular portrait of one of modern pop culture’s most towering figures.  Guided by the voices of those who knew and lived life alongside him, Only God Can Judge Me captures the layers of a man who, even thirty years after his death, remains as elusive as ever. 

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, History, Biography Memoir, Hip Hop

1 pages, Audio CD

First published October 21, 2025

About the author

Jeff Pearlman is an American sportswriter. He has written nine books that have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list: four about football, three on baseball and two about basketball. He authored the 1999 John Rocker interview in Sports Illustrated.

Reviews

[Eddie S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was twelve years old when Tupac died. I’m about to turn forty-two, and somehow we’re still talking about him — and after reading Jeff Pearlman’s Only God Can Judge Me, I understand why.

Pearlman doesn’t write this like a gossip book. He writes it like a psychological study of a man who built a myth so powerful it swallowed him whole. Tupac wasn’t just living life — he was performing identity. You see him constantly shifting — around Suge Knight, he’s one person; when Suge leaves, another. It’s not schizophrenia, it’s survival. He built the “Thug Life” persona as both armor and advertisement, a brand that sold records and protected him, but also boxed him in.

What I love is how Pearlman doesn’t sanitize it. He shows the side that most people ignore — the impulsive, self-destructive side that kept putting him in danger. And here’s where I push back a bit: the author says Tupac wasn’t a thug, but if you’ve grown up seeing people crash out, throw their lives away over ego or impulse, you know that is thug behavior — not because they’re evil, but because they’re lost and reacting to environments that reward hardness over vulnerability.

This book made me feel like I was finally reading about the real Tupac — not the legend, not the mural, but the man. The contradictions, the genius, the emotional hunger, the need for love that fame could never satisfy. It’s haunting, it’s human, and it’s one of the best biographies I’ve ever read.

[Sierra| HooksxBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, Only God Can Judge Me.

This has to be the most detailed and best biography I've ever listened to. Pearlman, went deep in the trenches to dig up the truth about Tupac's true upbringing - the good, the bad and the (real) ugly. I was 6 years old when Tupac died, I remember watching the people around me grieve, and I mean GREIVE this man. I remember dancing to his music, watching him on tv in movies that I shouldn't have been watching back then. I knew who he was, but his impact became what it was AFTER death.

Listening to this biography, and learning about who he really was, how he grew up and what his life was like. It gave me a perspective of Tupac that was different than what he portrayed himself to be. There were so many moments in Only God Can Judge Me where my jaw dropped, Learning more about Afeni and her drug habit. Tupac growing up without his father. Tupac and his sister having a strained relationship. The backstory to the Biggie and Tupac beef - tidbits I've never heard before.

Only God Can Judge Me truly showed Tupac as he was. Even down to the violence, his unstable mental health, the charges due to SA towards women and the strain with his family and friends. He carried a lot of weight on his shoulders and lashed out in ways that carried major consequences.

Kudos to Jeff Pearlman. You truly put the work in to find all of the right people to bring this biography to life. They brought the realness and the rawness that was needed for this to be the 5 star listen that it was. I enjoyed the narrator, James Shippy and his ability to code switch. He was able to narrate and give professionalism for the "essay like" portions and have the proper cadence and flow when it came to the lyrics, the AAVE, the lingo. It was enjoyable.

I plan on purchasing a hard copy of this book for my home. This is a coffee table book for sure.

I received a copy of this audio ARC from NetGalley.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

tone-deaf writing at times but I did learn a lot about Tupac Amaru Shakur.

[Brandys_bookography · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to sit on this one for a few. I was one of those teenagers that grieved when Tupac was murdered. I was devastated by the prospect of him not being there anymore to use his lyrics to open your eyes to things that you may have not noticed or known about. Yes, not all of his songs were prophetic but there were a lot that was.

This book both written and audio was one of the best biographies that I know of telling Tupac's story. There were so many moments in his youth that really showcased how he because the man that he was. His life was not easy but he had skills and an unwavering belief in himself. Sure, he did not always make the right choice and was hot headed but you can understand his pain through memories of his classmates and the other people that was close to him throughout his too short life.

You get a real and deeply moving story of his childhood, where he lived and the unique tastes in books and music that he had. As someone who loved Tupac, there was a lit that I didn’t know. Some of it was troubling and some was just moments that you know even with all the poverty and trouble in his life that he lived for those moments. From performing in plays to reading a new Shakespeare book. Tupac had depth to him that makes you understand some of the stories he told through his lyrics.

James Shippy did a great job on the narration of this book. He was able to bring some of the emotion to statements made in this story. I cannot recommend this book enough. I will absolute have to get my own print copy of this because it just deserves to be mixed in with some of my other favorite reads.

Thank you NetGalley, Mariner Books, and HarperAudio Adult for allowing me to read and listen to this story early. All of my opinions are my own.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a well-researched gift I have in my hands. I was lucky enough to win an ARC from the publishers and feel good about this being shared with the world. I am a longtime fan of Tupac; his music, his poetry, his films. You know, when people die, we like to turn them into Gods. This book shows the very human side to the man who left us too soon. He was talented, beautiful, and wise beyond his years. He was also flawed, with a dark side, and made some stupid decisions. I would recommend this book to any Tupac fan, but I would also recommend this to anyone who appreciates realness - good and bad. You don't have to know or be a fan of Tupac's work to appreciate his story, though it helps to connect, I think, on a more emotional level. I most certainly cried at the end. I will leave a quote from Pac's sister, Set Shakur, which really got me 😭

"My brother died feeling alone. He died with the world on his shoulders, unable to ever take a break. He couldn't rest because there were no saviors for him. There was no protection for him. There was no big cousin to guide him. There was no best friends. There were no safe harbors. He was so popular, but so alone."

thank you so much to Goodreads and @mariner @harpercollins for this ARC
I give this 5 full 🌟 stars to Jeff Pearlman's hard work.

[Nikki Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎤 narrator - James Shippy
🕦 16 hrs 48 min

Wow! Jeff Pearman really did his research on this one! He must have dug through the trenches for all of these details. Bravo Mr. Pearlman!

You must be from another planet if you haven’t heard of Tupac. Seriously. I’ll be honest here and admit there was so much information that I did not know.

We get a good look at Tupac’s adolescent years, his start to fame, his controversial rap.e accusations, his love for women, family and friends, and, ultimately, his death.

I learned so much from this biography! He could be known as a hot head, especially when it came to his image and friends. He loved women so much that he didn’t even go without while being in prison. They were brought to him. His mother was a part of the black panthers. Pac also accidentally shot himself in the balls. He had a sexual relationship with Madonna. Yep! Brenda’s Got A Baby is based on a real baby.

Tupac was murdered on September 13, 1996 hours after he beat down a South Side Compton Crip. He was 25 years old. I was only 19. I will never forget that moment.

The narration by James Shippy was great. As always with memoirs and biographies, it’s easiest to follow along via audiobook. Everything was crisp and clear and I never felt bored.

If you’re a fan of biographies and memoirs…. Especially the controversial ones that leave your jaw on the ground…..Give this a read/ listen!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sabrina Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I have seen many documentaries and read countless articles on Tupac, yet in this book I still found myself learning a great deal about his life. Jeff Pearlman had me sucked in from the beginning with his conversational tone and writing style. We walked alongside Tupac as his life was written out before us from beginning to end. Every chapter had a significant amount of quotes and interviews from people who recounted their experiences and past with Tupac. It painted a greater picture of who he was and how he came to be. He was a complicated boy and man who had a lifetime of struggle. He was more complex than many know him to be outside of his rap career. Pearlman accomplished what I can assume to be as close to a complete picture of Tupac as anyone could by deep diving into his early life, personal life, and career. This book was well researched and was created from years of dedication. Thanks to Pearlman, I feel this is the closest I’ve ever come to understanding one of America’s most notoriously known rappers in history. If you are a fan or even remotely curious of Tupac Shakur, I highly recommend you give this a read.

[Gabriel Frieberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a ferociously investigated biography. Like anyone/everyone else, I thought to myself, “Jeff Pearlman…writing a Pac bio?” But Pearlman’s journalistic bona fides and his distance from the subject and the hip hop world makes him uniquely, gratefully objective.

That means we get Tupac, warts and all, and holy shit are there a lot of warts. I think Tupac is the most mythologized rapper ever, and Pearlman painstakingly presents a tortured young man, full of contradictions.

As in Jonathan Eig’s incredible MLK biography from a couple years back, we learn Tupac felt equally fated to die young — so best to burn bright.

What this reminded me most of was Ezra Edelman’s OJ Made in America. You go in to that knowing OJ to an extent, you exit understanding America, race, celebrity, and of course the subject that much more.

Also reminded me of what Ezra said about his Prince docuseries, shelved by Netflix for being too unsparing about Prince’s less savory side — Ezra said, seeing the ugly side of a star reminds us they’re fallible and human just like us, which in turn makes us admire and respect their accomplishments even more. That’s how I feel about Tupac after reading this. Time to solely listen to his music for rest of year.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's always interesting to read a biography about a celebrity through another perspective. This one was a good example of that. The detail, depth and research put into this book was impressive and I enjoyed the storytelling aspect of it. I grew up being intrigued by Tupac because he had a noise piercing and because he rapped with such passion that you couldn't not listen to his songs. I knew most of his career highlights through my husband (Big Tupac fan) and biopics I watched but this book focused heavily on what lead to his existence.

It was enlightening to learn about his mother and her background for the first third of the book and then transitioning to his childhood, his time at BSA for theater, ballet and arts, and then finally getting into the rap game. The details tied in to famous moments and events was what kept me fascinated with this one and told Tupac's story with an emotion we will always be curious about for the truth. By the end, I felt a new appreciation for Tupac or perhaps new empathy for a young life gone too soon.

I know nothing about Jeff Pearlman but I did appreciate the immense research he went after for this book. The amount of people he interviewed and the digging that was done to articulate this story was clear in the delivery of this biography. Kudos to the narrator James Shippy because it was eloquently narrated, whether it was switching to verse or slang, he did it seamlessly without taking away the story's focus.

Special thanks to Harper Audio and Mariner Books for providing an ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.

[JSinghD · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author said on a podcast that Tupac couldn’t fight or shoot a gun, that makes me question what angle the white author was playing, and what is actually factual in this book.

Napoleon from the Outlawz, Tupac’s aunt, rapper Shock G, and Snoop Dogg all said he could shoot. We have videos of him at a gun range. There was literally a trial about him shooting cops. K Solo and Kurupt talked about Tupac fighting,

Tupac grew up around Black Panther Party members. A man raised around revolutionary violence who had a sensitive and poetic side, but also involved in gangster rap.

Staci Robinson, who met Tupac when they were young, released a biography on Tupac last year that his estate gave permission to, not sure why this was needed.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My overall takeaway - what a sad, hard life. I wonder if he ever had real peace? It doesn’t sound like it. We know now that trauma in childhood changes the brain, changes people and impacts their lives so deeply - that is glaringly obvious here. The idea that Pearlman interviewed over 700 people for this book is crazy! And yet comes through in his writing. For such a short life, Pearlman covers all of it. Tupac is such a figure in our cultural zeitgeist - he’s been dead for 20+ years but STILL present in rap/hiphop. It makes you wonder how he would have continued the game if he’d lived.

I don’t think Biggie had anything to do with it.

[Aaron Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

After decades of posthumous music, documentaries, literature, and accounts of his life, what more is there to say regarding the biggest rapper of all time?

A LOT!

This book follows the regular biography structure starting with birth, adolescence, and progresses all the way to Tupac’s adult years, death, and the life after it. But this offers new perspective through hundreds of interviews with classmates, family, and more!

What I really like about this book is how Pearlman does not shy away from the more controversial aspects of Pac’s life. Jeff finds the balance of admiration and condemnation, both praising the rapper and his influence while not ignoring his faults/weaknesses.

Pearlman took on the test of writing a fresh, dense 2pac book in 2025 and passed easily.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Pearlman’s Only God Can Judge Me is a stunning, deeply human portrait of Tupac Shakur. Not just the legend, but the man behind the myth. With his trademark blend of fearless reporting and compassion, Pearlman delivers a biography that feels alive, honest, and impossible to put down.

This isn’t just another retelling of Tupac’s rise and fall. It’s an exploration of art, anger, genius, and contradiction. Pearlman captures Tupac’s brilliance and flaws with such nuance that you walk away feeling like you’ve truly met him. The research is impeccable, the pacing electric, and the storytelling cinematic.

Every page pulses with emotion and truth. From Tupac’s early days of hope to the chaos of fame and the tragedy that followed. Pearlman honors his subject without mythologizing him, offering a raw, empathetic look at a man who changed culture forever.

🔥 Verdict: 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A masterpiece of biography and cultural journalism. Only God Can Judge Me isn’t just about Tupac. It’s about America, art, and the enduring struggle to be seen and understood. Absolutely unmissable.

[Jack Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads for the advanced copy I won in their giveaway. Jeff Pearlman is the greatest nonfiction writer of this era in my opinion, no one attacks the story harder than Jeff. What an amazing read and captivating that explored everything about Tupac. Everytime I read an underwhelming book or am in a reading rut, I look for a Jeff Pearlman book. Not many non fiction authors are hilarious, detail-oriented, and eccentric as Jeff. The man puts in 100’s of interviews per book. I’ve yet to read a mid book by Jeff and I believe he fully exceeded my expectations in his shift in genre and his first non sports book!

[JaMir Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tupac is the definition of two sides of the same coin. He was raised by an unstable drug addict mother that was a Black Panther. The complexity of his life started from day one. A natural showman, he was born for the stage and the camera. A true theatre kid his life began to bloom in Baltimore at art school as a teenager. Sad to see he couldn’t fully develop there, moving to Northern California where things started to pickup as an artist but the chaos followed. Once he reached popularity the end of his life was on a countdown clock. He lived a reckless and fearless life and was destined for a quick finale. The decision making he made had me outwardly questioning what was going on in his brain. Terrible community around him, his responsibility to pay for everyone in his circle and an access to countless vices. Paired with Suge Knight who enabled and advocated for his behavior, the Death Row era of his life proved fatal. Listening to his music you can see the constant contradictions he lived. Uplifting music to some of the most degrading I’ve heard. At the end of the day his life was a sad case of an unmonitored child that became a troubled young adult with the world in his hands. An absolute legend and an absolute menace.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

As a person born in the mid 80s, I was a huge Tupac fan as a kid and I remember the news coverage of his death vividly. However, this book showed me how little I really knew about the life Tupac lived before he died at 25.

Pearlman doesn't shy away from the unsavory and negative aspects of Tupac's life instead of giving a sanitized account. Learning more of how Tupac treated women was tough to swallow, but Pearlman did mention the dichotomy at play between the songs he wrote to empower women and his behavior behind closed doors. There is a fair amount of misogyny and discussion of sexual assault, so be aware before jumping in. 

The mini deep dive on Suge Knights early life was not expected, but I think it did shed a lot of light on how it helped explain who Suge became when he gained power through Death Row. 

This book was obviously well researched and Pearlman obviously respects Tupac Shakur. I'm not sure if him mentioning he might believe Tupac isn't really dead was truly needed though. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 

[Anniee Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review – Only God Can Judge Me by Jeff Pearlman
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early.

Only God Can Judge Me offers a detailed, well-researched look into Tupac Shakur’s life—from his rise in music and acting to the chaos surrounding Death Row and his untimely death. Jeff Pearlman clearly put in the work, and it shows in the depth of interviews and insight.

While I appreciated the thoroughness, the book didn’t fully pull me in. It felt more like a report than a story at times, and I found myself wanting more emotional connection or narrative flow. Still, for fans of Tupac or hip-hop history, there’s value here.

[Tara Bawdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only God Can Judge Me was an excellent depiction of the life of Tupac Shakur. Kept me intrigued with more details, especially on his younger childhood, than I had heard before. Appreciate the realness of the information as opposed to glorifying his life. Gave a very informative depiction of not only his life but some more of the gritty details of his mother and upbringing.

The book was well paced, well informed and well written. Audio was performed perfectly and clear.

[Matthew Picchietti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a fan nor a hater of Tupac. I like California Love but couldn't name another song. I grew up in the 90's so of course I am aware of who he was as much as I was aware of any celebrity at the time

I am a huge fan of Pearlman's writing though, and I was not disappointed.

If you like good journalism, regardless of topic, then you will like this. Also, someone gets shot in the balls. That in itself is worth reading.

Tip of my cap to Pearlman for venturing outside of his wheelhouse on this one.

[Baylee Ready · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS. READ THIS. READ THIS.

[Brian Seadorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, the bombast. The music. But, it's such a sad story. Pearlman wrote a great bio.

[John Kerth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I've read several of Jeff Pearlman's previous books and, as his first non-sports biography, this was right up there with the best of them. Pearlman covered Tupac Shakur without rose-tinted glasses, painting a vivid picture of a brilliant yet troubled artist. Look past the headlines and sensationalist stories and you find a talented but flawed man who just didn't seem to know who he was.

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS:”TUPAC WAS NOT A THUG… AND WASN’T MANY OTHER THINGS HE PROFESSED TO BE… AND THE RESEARCH IN THIS BOOK… SADLY MAKES THE POINT CLEAR AS DAY.”

REAL NAME: PARISH LESANE CROOKS
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“YOU THINK YOU KNOW MY BROTHER? YOU THINK YOU UNDERSTAND HIM? REALLY! MY BROTHER DIDN’T DIE HAPPY. HE DIED ALONE. (SET SHAKUR 3/14/24, NEW ORLEANS)
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During the last quarter-of-a-century… I have read innumerable books on famed rapper… actor… poet… sexual-deviant-rapist… Tupac Shakur… but about five years ago I stopped. For the very reason that I had always made the following comments to my friends… family… and to the audience that faithfully follows my book reviews over the past decades… when I used to always say that… it seems like every other week there’s a new book released on Abraham Lincoln… or Muhammad Ali… and as far as I can tell… neither of them have done anything new in a whole lot of years!

So… why would I buy this book and invest my time… as well as my money on another Tupac book after previously disowning any interest in doing such a thing? Because when I saw that the author Jeff Pearlman was releasing a book on Pac… I stopped in my tracks… and said WHOAAAA! Jeff Pearlman is one of my favorite living sports biographers. I’ve read countless Pearlman biographical classics… including… but not limited to… Walter Payton… Bo Jackson… Brett Favre… Roger Clemens… The Showtime Lakers… Dallas Cowboys… and others. In addition to Jeff’s natural writing style… what really stood out in all those books… that put him head and shoulders… above untold amounts of writers… were two main dogged traits… first his interviewing style… both no-holds-barred-questioning… that would make Sherlock Holmes… seem like a mere malingerer… and Lieutenant Columbo… seem like a meager school girl afraid to ask a question. Additionally… one paragraph might lift his subject to the top of Mount Olympus… standing shoulder to should with holy G-ds… while the next paragraph… might rip the aforementioned subject to shreds… and the scalding truth may be so demeaningly perverse… the reader will want to wash their hands both physically… and emotionally… to disown any previous admiration for the subject.

That is why I took a stab at anther Tupac book… and it was definitely the right decision. Tupac… though an industry changing lyricist… and entertainer… was also a charlatan to himself and others. All the people close to him… from his agent… to his family… to his “supposed” friends… all were shocked… when he got *THUG LIFE* tattooed on his stomach… simply put… he was as far from being a Thug as is humanly possible!

“TUPAC MARVELED AT THE REAL THUGS (GANGBANGERS, DRUG DEALERS) WHILE KNOWING HE WASN’T OF THEIR ILK. REAL THUGS DIDN’T LISTEN TO KATE BUSH.”
“HE WAS ALWAYS TRYING SO HARD TO SOUND LIKE HE WAS FROM CALI, ACTING LIKE A GANGBANGER. BRO, YOU’RE NO GANGBANGER. YOU WENT TO ART SCHOOL. AND HE HAD TWENTY THUMBS AND TWO LEFT FEET WHEN IT CAME TO SPORTS. THIS WAS A BASKETBALL MOVIE (REBOUND). TUPAC SHOOTING A BASKETBALL… HE WOULDN’T EVEN DO THAT SHIT TWICE WITH US BECAUSE HE JUST LOOKED TOO CORNY.”


Throughout Pac’s life he made one bad decision after another… without ever thinking anything through… even the decision that led to his murder.

This is not a book for young readers… nor a book for people who don’t want to read about detailed stories about illegal deviant sexual behavior. Pac was a rapist… and among many contradictions to his outward persona… regarding songs like *KEEP YA HEAD UP”… he treated women with disdain… calling them “bitches” initiating and participating in gang bangs. The hypocrisy of the song *DEAR MAMA”… is spewed from cover to cover… she was never there when he really needed her… she was addicted to crack… LSD… weed… cigarettes… he was constantly embarrassed by her… and lack of care for his sister… as well as himself…

“HE SAID HE DREAMED OF HIS MOTHER SUFFERING A DEEP, INTENSE PAIN, AND THAT THE PREVIOUS NIGHT HE PUNCHED HIS BEDROOM WALL UNTIL HIS HANDS WERE NUMB. I INTEND TO GIVE HER THE COLDEST SHOULDER SHE’S EVER SEEN AND MAKE HER LIFE AS MISERABLE AS SHE’S MADE MINE.”

He’d almost always carry around a notebook and be writing down lyrics… and over the years became the most prolific recorder anyone has ever seen… as he became an actor… with some good reviews… behind the scenes he brought nothing but havoc… disarray to every movie’s set… by never being on time… being drunk and or out of control high… or both. And his deserved reputation became so bad no one wanted to hire him. While filming Poetic Justice with Janet Jackson… Janet called in one of the producers… Steve Nicolaides (Steve was one of my best friends in Junior High and High School… and a baseball teammate,) … Janet was supposed to film a romantic scene with Pac… but told Nicolaides… “AND I DON’T WANT TO SWAP SALIVA WITH HIM UNTIL I’M REALLY SURE HE’S HEALTHY AND CLEAN.” Steve went to Pac and said… “I’LL JUST SPIT THIS OUT TO YOU, MAN, JANET WANTS YOU TO HAVE AN AIDS TEST BEFORE YOU KISS HER.” “HELL NO TUPAC REPLIED”.

Though Pac truly had a sad… lonely… “poet’s… heart… buried deep within his diminutive heart… along with many effeminate features that are discussed by many interviewed in this book… and though… he so ached… for a real close loving family… and unfortunately… he went to his grave… without ever truly getting to experience… what so many people in this world take for granted.

Almost thirty-years later… all the people still living who were associated with Shakur that were interviewed for this book… unanimously echoed that Pac’s main... negative character trait was that he made decisions without thinking them through… and again… he was no veritable thug…

And on September 7, 1996 a few hours before the Mike Tyson – Bruce Seldon WBC Heavyweight Championship fight… Shakur… and perhaps his worst influence Suge Knight… did a very public… punching and kicking beat down on a REAL GANGBANGER… ORLANDO ANDERSON… A SOUTH SIDE COMPTON CRIP… AND A FEW HOURS LATER… TUPAC SHAKUR WAS SHOT AND MURDERED…

AND DIED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 1996… PAC WAS TWENTY-FIVE-YEARS OLD…

And here’s how Pac’s friends and acquaintances described Pac’s decision: (if you can call a thoughtless action a decision!)

“SO STUPID.” – YAASMYN FULA

“TOTALLY UNNECESSARY.”- LEILA STEINBERG

“RIDICULOUSLY DUMB.” – MONEY-B

“WITHOUT A SECOND OF WISDOM” – PRIME MINISTER PETE NICE

“F**** INSANE” – CHOPMASTER J

“OUT OF HIS ELEMENT” – JAMES ANDERSON

“INSANE” – ROB MARRIOTT

“HEARTBREAKING” –KENNY LESANE

“THE MOST MORONIC THING EVER.” – KENDRICK WELLS

“SO, SO, SO STUPID – AVRA WARSOVSKY

“NO JUDGEMENT TO SPEAK OF.” – BARBARA JEAN POWERS

“UNWISE TO THE EXTREME.” – WOOD HARRIS

“DUMBER THAN DUMB.” – LELA ROCHON

“THE WORST MOVE EVER.” – ERNEST DICKERSON

“STAGGERINGLY IDIOTIC.” – RYAN D

“UNCALLED FOR.” – BRIAN TIMES

[Honestly Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride. Tupac remains a towering figure not only in rap and hip hop, but also in 90s pop culture. When I came across this book, my inner child demanded I read it—and I’m so glad I did.

What makes Tupac so endlessly fascinating is his complexity. He was an enigma: a poet, the son of a Black Panther, an art student, and a West Coast gangsta rapper. Only God Can Judge Me thoughtfully unpacks those layers, offering a glimpse into the many sides of Tupac. Still, I’m not sure we’ll ever truly know who he was at his core.

From a young age, Tupac had to master the art of survival, which meant knowing who to be and when. That adaptability was part of his brilliance, but it may also have contributed to his downfall. This book, however, captures his humanity, allowing us to see the “baby” behind Brenda’s Got a Baby—a song that, heartbreakingly, remains as relevant in 2025 as it was in the 90s (Google Na’Ziyah Harris for proof).

And that’s Tupac’s enduring brilliance: his ability to spotlight the issues that continue to plague our country, particularly communities of color. Sadly, so much of what he rapped about hasn’t changed—but that’s also why his voice and message still carry so much weight today.

A fascinating, engaging, and deeply moving read. Without a doubt, one of the best books I’ve picked up this year.


Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

[Fadeless Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for the ALC!

Jeff Pearlman, a great writer usually known for biographies of sports stars, uses his determined, fact finding style to tackle one of music's most complex figures in Only God Can Judge Me. This isn't just another repeat of Tupac Shakur's story; it's a deeply researched look that shows all sides of him, built from almost seven hundred new interviews. Its goal is to clear away the old stories and confusion that have made the real man hard to see.

Pearlman successfully explains the major differences in Tupac's personality: the sensitive, drama school poet who loved Shakespeare, and the angry, wild person who acted the part of the tough street rapper. The book skillfully traces his life from his family's connection to the Black Panthers through his fast and unpredictable rise at Death Row Records. It shares small, new facts from every part of his short, exciting life.

By treating Shakur's story with the serious reporting standards usually kept for historical figures, Pearlman gives us the clearest and most complete biography yet. He is honest about the artist's mistakes (the violence, the distrust, and the sexual assault conviction) but uses these to paint a picture of a complicated human who was rushed by the feeling that he had to finish his work before it was too late. For big fans and new readers, this book is an important, thorough, and direct story of a genius whose influence is still huge today.

The main strength of Pearlman's work is how many people he talked to. By interviewing hundreds of people from family members and friends to record executives and police officers he creates a truly complete picture. The book is not just about Tupac's fame, but about his deep impact on race, class, and the history of hip hop. It proves that even after all this time, there is still much to learn about this unforgettable artist.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five out of five stars.

I would like to start out by letting you know that I personally knew very little about Tupac Shakur prior to reading, Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur by Jeff Pearlman. I will say I could name a few song titles, sing along to a couple choruses and knew what he visually looked like, but that’s about it. After completing this beautifully researched and written book I’m proud to say I know a lot more.

I found that, Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur by Jeff Pearlman left me with a much deeper appreciation for Tupac and his life story. The book spans Tupac’s life from his meager beginnings to his untimely passing. I found that the pace of this book felt perfect. I never felt like a section of Tupac’s life was rushed through.

Jeff Pearlman has done an amazing job of portraying every complex side of Tupac in this book. Tupac lived through many hardships; moving frequently, growing up poor, living with an addict, and navigating rough neighborhoods. After all of that and against all odds he somehow ended up being someone who should be remembered.

Whether or not you enjoy rap, this book is worth reading. Tupac’s life was fascinating, and I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy this title when I started it. Even though I personally grew up in very different situations than Tupac; his life still had glimmers of relatability. I think that anyone who chooses to read, Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur by Jeff Pearlman will finish the book feeling like they made a good choice by picking it up.

I am truly thankful for being given the opportunity by NetGalley, author Jeff Pearlman, and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Robin LaShanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨ “Only God Can Judge Me” by Jeff Pearlman
As a lifelong Tupac fan, I was excited for this biography, and it definitely delivered in a lot of ways and disappointed as well.

This book is deeply researched. Pearlman’s background as a sports journalist really shows; he interviews countless people and paints a detailed, unfiltered picture of Tupac’s life (sometimes more detail than I expected or wanted). The audiobook is over 17 hours, and while the narration is great, some parts felt a little stretched out.
The story begins with Afeni Shakur, her work with the Black Panthers, Tupac’s birth, and her later struggles with addiction. I do wish the author had gone deeper into the role of racism and government systems that shaped so much of her life and the era. Specifically, making a point of mentioning the government program, Cointelpro, which brought drugs into our country with a purpose to bring down the Black Panthers. I digress.

From there, we follow Tupac from beginning to end:
a sensitive kid crying over a dog in the street,
a theater student,
an actor,
a gifted rapper,
a friend, son, fiancé…
and also a man who harmed others and went to prison for sexual assault.

And his much debated death.

Pearlman doesn’t shy away from any part of who Tupac was, the brilliance and the darkness.

My biggest critique? I often felt the author didn’t fully grasp the culture, the music, or the societal backdrop that shaped Tupac and so many growing up in the 80s and 90s. Co-writing this book with someone closer to the industry and culture could have brought more authenticity to the book.

Still, if you’re a Tupac fan, there’s a lot here. Just be ready. It’s hard to hold on to our heroes once we see what was behind closed doors.

Version: 🎧
Spice: It’s a biography about Tupac. You already know
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy.

[On_a_sandbar (Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎵 Saturday Spotlight Review 🎤
Only God Can Judge Me
The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur
@jeff_pearlman

Thank you @mariner @wmmorrow @harpercollins #morrowpartner 🙏🏻

Do you ever think you know about a singer or actor or celebrity and then you take a deep dive into their personal history and it’s eye opening?
This book does that!
Not just his highly publicized part in the evolution of the West Coast Hip Hop scene, but beginning in his early years growing up. Reading about the poverty and struggles of his life were heartbreaking, in the Bronx, him being picked on and called names - scrawny and smelly, kids can be so cruel. But what comes through is hopeful strength and determination. I enjoyed reading about his high school years at Baltimore School for the Arts, where his limited clothing choices were accepted, and artistry was rightfully recognized.
Who would think of Tupac Shakur as a theater kid?!

The latter years in the rap industry aren’t as easy to read about. His influence on it is undeniable, but the path was sometimes disturbing, ultimately leading to his murder.
His musical tastes were eclectic, along with his vast knowledge and talent.
“Tupac’s musical tastes ran the gamut, from Kate Bush and Don McClean to Sinéad O’Connor and the Indigo Girls. Shortly before his death, he had planned on mixing his songs with Frank Sinatra classics.”

His ashes were rumored to be let go into the Pacific Ocean. The truth is a symbolic amount were, the rest buried, marked by a headstone, in a former family home, but what is now a vacant lot in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Another tragedy in the music industry.
The book is sad to read, and the review is sad to write.
But - this is an excellent biography and an absolute 5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Full post with featured book photos on Instagram @on_a_sandbar

[Matt Lowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Jeff Pearlman masterpiece! The disciplined research and the hundreds of interviews with those who really knew Mr. Shakur at various points in his life leave you wanting more. For all those who did talk, some key figures didn’t, which would undoubtedly impact the reader’s conclusions post-read. Like the author’s sports-focused books, there are plenty of things to look up to experience stamps in time from The Arsenio Hall Show appearances to his SNL musical guest gig to several early 1990s movies in which he starred. All of these serve as a lens into who Tupac was. I was just starting my Sophomore year of High School when he was killed, so some things I knew, but admittingly at a very broad level. The book takes you deep into the 25 years of his short life and where maturity should have occurred but ultimately it didn’t.

The lack of a father figure and the worldly importance of one really ring throughout the book. The book also leaves no doubt that the icon did indeed die in September 1996, against the long-standing Urban Legend, as I cannot imagine what his life would be like without the limelight he seemed to flock to and really needed to survive. In terms of walking away with the impression that Tupac was an admirable person, it will really be up to the reader. For someone who actively believes women when they call foul, a man convicted of sexual assault sure should not have that moniker. There was this romantic side to him, however, that seemed to really believe in love. I even reached out to one of his former flings, who is now a CamGirl, to get some insight into whether he was a monster or misunderstood, and I still can’t come up with a definitive opinion.

One opinion is for sure, though: you will not regret immersing yourself in the world of Tupac during the time you spend finishing the book, and I couldn’t recommend it more!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Famously infamous figures are the hardest to hear about. Tupac has been dead for nearly 30 years. He is remembered as almost a mythical being. Jeff Pearlman successfully takes on the task of dissecting Tupac's life from the beginning. Even super fans might not know much of the information Pearlman includes. As mentioned in the acknowledgements, he interviewed close to 700 people for the book. The result is a narrative with well-backed evidence. The reader learns that Tupac was a much more complicated individual than his public persona let on. Tupac was a genius poet, actor, lyricist, and creator. However, how he truly lived from the beginning to end of his life is covered only in this book. The story is beautiful and heartbreaking. It doesn't matter if you weren't alive for the events of the book; you feel every moment. You can visualize the apartments and houses Tupac grew up in. You can hear the sounds of the cities he lived in. You can feel the weight of his choices. You finish reading with a mental dichotomy of Tupac. On one side, he's the smart, sensitive actor just trying to be seen, heard, and loved. On the other, he commands nonstop attention, makes detrimental choices, and acts like he's playing the part of a thug. It's heartbreaking to think what he could have become, but this book demonstrates that Tupac was a multifaceted being in ways not yet known by the public. Pearlman's commitment to research shines through this book. Though much of it is quotes, it flows like a story more than a biography. In piecing together the collective memory of Tupac, Pearlman ultimately creates a masterpiece.