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Got Your Back: Protecting Tupac in the World of Gangsta Rap
On September 13, 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas. Millions of fans wept, while many critics claimed it was the inevitable result of a thugged-out lifestyle. The mystery surrounding the shooting-a suspect has yet to be named-has increased, and rumors of gang wars, disloyalty, and government conspiracies continue to linger. Only Frank Alexander, Tupac's bodyguard druing the last year of his life, knows the real story.
Got Your Back details the exploits of one of the most famous rappers of all time. The drugs, the women, the violence, the money-all provided fuel to the fire that was Tupac's life. As his platinum-selling, posthumously released albums prove, Tupac lives on through his music. Complete with exclusive new interview material with Tupac's mother, Afeni, Got Your Back provides an insider's view of a life gone awry.
Got Your Back details the exploits of one of the most famous rappers of all time. The drugs, the women, the violence, the money-all provided fuel to the fire that was Tupac's life. As his platinum-selling, posthumously released albums prove, Tupac lives on through his music. Complete with exclusive new interview material with Tupac's mother, Afeni, Got Your Back provides an insider's view of a life gone awry.
- GenresMusicNonfictionBiography
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1998
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864 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 23, 2020
I've watched a lot of documentaries trying to find out what actually happened on the night of Tupac's assassination. I figured the best person/author to look for would be Tupac's bodyguard. It would give me clear insight to the strange events that would occur on that night.
Frank Alexander explains his background and what led him to work for Death Row Records as security. He gives you the ins and outs of the business i.e the corruption and how Tupac was being played a fool financially.
If you want to know Tupac's lifestyle and what type of person he was one to one,Frank gives you his journey of the time he spent with him. From reading the book Tupac seems very genuine and trusting of Frank. They had quite a good relationship.
It is definitely worth the read and gives you in depth detail of what led Tupac to his death and all conspiracies that are still thought of today.
Frank Alexander explains his background and what led him to work for Death Row Records as security. He gives you the ins and outs of the business i.e the corruption and how Tupac was being played a fool financially.
If you want to know Tupac's lifestyle and what type of person he was one to one,Frank gives you his journey of the time he spent with him. From reading the book Tupac seems very genuine and trusting of Frank. They had quite a good relationship.
It is definitely worth the read and gives you in depth detail of what led Tupac to his death and all conspiracies that are still thought of today.
March 22, 2018
Tupac was the fifth child of nine kids and he grew up in a bad place were people die from getting shot but he got out of it when he entered the military half of his other friends died from living there and his good friend got out but he went to jail.The book was great i loved it i didn't really hate the book at all but one thing i didn't like was when kash had to leave the country.
June 25, 2024
TUPAC’S MAIN BODYGUARD TELLS THE STORY
Frank Alexander wrote in the Introduction to this 1998 book, “In 1995, I began working as a bodyguard for the artists of Death Row Records. In 1996, I became Tupac Shakur’s main bodyguard and was on duty the night he was shot in Los Vegas. Ever since I began working on this book project, the first words out of a lot of people’s mouths are, ‘Aren’t you afraid?’ The fear they’re imagining I should have, if fear of retaliation for telling the story or Tupac’s last year, his relationship with Suge Knight, and my relationship with them. The fact is, I’m telling a much bigger story than that. I’m telling the story of what it’s like to grow up in America’s ghettos, the tricks it plays on your heart and how you become a man. Why should I be scared to tell this story? This book is all about the truth, which means it’s not about good guys and bad guys, it’s about people, surviving. You decide who the villains are. Tupac used to say, ‘My only fear of death is reincarnation.’ He sleeps with angels now, while we’re still here on earth.”
He explains, “No one from Death Row talks, so most of the reports you read are filled with speculation and secondhand information, sometimes accurate, sometimes not, but never telling the full story… On certain levels, Suge’s a very intelligent businessman, and to be honest, I enjoyed working for him…. Suge appreciated the value of a bodyguard, and treated security with respect. To get the job… it didn’t take a certain individual… It took a badge… His first specification was all members of security had to be retired of off-duty policemen, period… Suge wanted the guards to be able to keep them out of trouble and to neutralize situations. It was always instilled in us that we were there to be credible witnesses when they f____d up. That was the main reason they needed off-duty police officers.” (Pg. 29)
He recounts how Biggie told a deejay, “‘I can’t believe New York is allowing Snoop, Tupac, and Tha Dogg Pound to shoot a video in Times Square. What kind of s__t is this?’ Biggie started dissing the fact the city was allowing Death Row artists on its turf… This is when I knew for the first time that this s__t was real, this East Coast and West s__t. Needless to say, security had a meeting, reminding all of us to stay really tight, and to keep our eyes open and watch what was going on around us.” (Pg. 38)
He notes that once Tupac told him, “‘F__k Dre… Dre didn’t support his homeboy [Snoop], and he’s supposed to be part of Death Row, and he’s not even down.’ After that, I continued to hear Pac bad-mouthing Dre… I listened to him and Suge on the topic once… I heard Pac tell Suge if he ever saw Dre he was gonna f__k him up. There was a whole lotta bad blood and bad feelings... it didn’t add up to me, that they would turn their backs on Dre because he didn’t go to Snoop’s trial… it don’t add up, because he’s a dope-_ss producer… My guess is, something deep went down between Dre and Suge that caused the split and the rumors were sent out to publicize the rift, in a way Suge was comfortable with… I watched interviews with Dre and ne never said anything about the problems with Death Row… Here’s a fact, though, which most people don’t know. Dre was given a choice, and the choice was this: Leave Death Row either walking out, or get dragged out. When it comes to business, Suge didn’t f__k around… Dr. Dre made Death Row a lot of money, and he still didn’t want to be in a situation with Suge. My guess is Dre had outgrown the gangsta thug lifestyle Death Row was living.” (Pg. 49-50)
He observes, “We used to joke in the studio all the time about how if you took away the alcohol and you took away the weed, these [rappers] wouldn’t be able to rap. Tha Dogg Pound joked about it, too. I remember them messing around one day, saying without wed, half the s__t they do would probably sound wack.” (Pg. 76)
He points out, “Tupac Shakur needed to fight the way a junkie needs a fix. The only difference it, he was in control over it. But he still liked it. He still needed it. He needed to know he was so controversial he could get into fights and still have people talking about it. He’s not as soft as some people might think.” (Pg. 125)
He records, “The ironic thing about Pac was he was at peace with. Himself. He wasn’t at peace necessarily with everything going down in the world around him, he couldn’t find peace there. He didn’t see black people coming together and being one nation. He didn’t see them stopping the robbing and the shooting and the things going on among themselves. He couldn’t find a way to bring peace to that. He ignored Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and all the other political leaders. He didn’t see anything he could do in this lifetime, and even though he felt there would probably be other activists coming up in their footsteps, he didn’t see any changes. Pac felt like only God could change the direction of the world, and God wasn’t going to step in anytime soon.” (Pg. 134)
He adds, “Maybe [Tupac] wasn’t Jesus Christ on this earth, but he was someone who needed protection in this world. The trouble is, no one could protect him from himself.” (Pg. 140)
He recounts an interview the police detectives after Tupac’s death: “I had to explain… why I didn’t go after the Cadillac. I wasn’t about to go chasing the Cadillac with an empty gas tank. Besides, my only concern was for Suge and Pac at that point. I didn’t know if they were alive or dead; when the car sped away I realized Suge was alive… I thought someone would have the sense to follow the car… The police continuously asked me, ‘Are you sure you didn’t have a gun? Are you sure you didn’t fire a gun?’…” (Pg. 180-181)
He goes on, “The word circulating around now is the shooting was supposed to have been some planned, orchestrated act. Suge had something to do with it. I personally don’t believe Suge put the hit on Pac. Although plenty of s__t was off that day, from the lack of security to the lack of preparations---I couldn’t carry a gun; I didn’t have a phone; it was Suge’s homeboy who got Pac into the fight at the MGM… I still find it too hard to believe… Also, I saw [Suge] with my own two eyes after the shooting and Shug was grieving… no matter how I look at it, I don’t see Shug setting the whole thing up… The bullets came into the car in a straight line… on the side Tupac was on. I know they knew who they were shooting at… Whether they cared if they were gonna hit Suge or not, I don’t know.” (Pg. 181-182)
He laments, “Nevertheless. I felt like it was me against the world. I went from being a hero in New York to being ‘the brotha who let Tupac get shot.’ I was the fall guy.” (Pg. 182)
He summarizes, “Although I don’t believe Death Row began as a gang, it certainly evolved into something similar to one. When Dre and Suge hooked up to create Death Row Records, the objective was to create music. It went from being a musical entity to a ‘gang.’” (Pg. 192)
This book will be of great interest to those concerned with Tupac, Death Row, or ‘gangsta rap’ in general.
Frank Alexander wrote in the Introduction to this 1998 book, “In 1995, I began working as a bodyguard for the artists of Death Row Records. In 1996, I became Tupac Shakur’s main bodyguard and was on duty the night he was shot in Los Vegas. Ever since I began working on this book project, the first words out of a lot of people’s mouths are, ‘Aren’t you afraid?’ The fear they’re imagining I should have, if fear of retaliation for telling the story or Tupac’s last year, his relationship with Suge Knight, and my relationship with them. The fact is, I’m telling a much bigger story than that. I’m telling the story of what it’s like to grow up in America’s ghettos, the tricks it plays on your heart and how you become a man. Why should I be scared to tell this story? This book is all about the truth, which means it’s not about good guys and bad guys, it’s about people, surviving. You decide who the villains are. Tupac used to say, ‘My only fear of death is reincarnation.’ He sleeps with angels now, while we’re still here on earth.”
He explains, “No one from Death Row talks, so most of the reports you read are filled with speculation and secondhand information, sometimes accurate, sometimes not, but never telling the full story… On certain levels, Suge’s a very intelligent businessman, and to be honest, I enjoyed working for him…. Suge appreciated the value of a bodyguard, and treated security with respect. To get the job… it didn’t take a certain individual… It took a badge… His first specification was all members of security had to be retired of off-duty policemen, period… Suge wanted the guards to be able to keep them out of trouble and to neutralize situations. It was always instilled in us that we were there to be credible witnesses when they f____d up. That was the main reason they needed off-duty police officers.” (Pg. 29)
He recounts how Biggie told a deejay, “‘I can’t believe New York is allowing Snoop, Tupac, and Tha Dogg Pound to shoot a video in Times Square. What kind of s__t is this?’ Biggie started dissing the fact the city was allowing Death Row artists on its turf… This is when I knew for the first time that this s__t was real, this East Coast and West s__t. Needless to say, security had a meeting, reminding all of us to stay really tight, and to keep our eyes open and watch what was going on around us.” (Pg. 38)
He notes that once Tupac told him, “‘F__k Dre… Dre didn’t support his homeboy [Snoop], and he’s supposed to be part of Death Row, and he’s not even down.’ After that, I continued to hear Pac bad-mouthing Dre… I listened to him and Suge on the topic once… I heard Pac tell Suge if he ever saw Dre he was gonna f__k him up. There was a whole lotta bad blood and bad feelings... it didn’t add up to me, that they would turn their backs on Dre because he didn’t go to Snoop’s trial… it don’t add up, because he’s a dope-_ss producer… My guess is, something deep went down between Dre and Suge that caused the split and the rumors were sent out to publicize the rift, in a way Suge was comfortable with… I watched interviews with Dre and ne never said anything about the problems with Death Row… Here’s a fact, though, which most people don’t know. Dre was given a choice, and the choice was this: Leave Death Row either walking out, or get dragged out. When it comes to business, Suge didn’t f__k around… Dr. Dre made Death Row a lot of money, and he still didn’t want to be in a situation with Suge. My guess is Dre had outgrown the gangsta thug lifestyle Death Row was living.” (Pg. 49-50)
He observes, “We used to joke in the studio all the time about how if you took away the alcohol and you took away the weed, these [rappers] wouldn’t be able to rap. Tha Dogg Pound joked about it, too. I remember them messing around one day, saying without wed, half the s__t they do would probably sound wack.” (Pg. 76)
He points out, “Tupac Shakur needed to fight the way a junkie needs a fix. The only difference it, he was in control over it. But he still liked it. He still needed it. He needed to know he was so controversial he could get into fights and still have people talking about it. He’s not as soft as some people might think.” (Pg. 125)
He records, “The ironic thing about Pac was he was at peace with. Himself. He wasn’t at peace necessarily with everything going down in the world around him, he couldn’t find peace there. He didn’t see black people coming together and being one nation. He didn’t see them stopping the robbing and the shooting and the things going on among themselves. He couldn’t find a way to bring peace to that. He ignored Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and all the other political leaders. He didn’t see anything he could do in this lifetime, and even though he felt there would probably be other activists coming up in their footsteps, he didn’t see any changes. Pac felt like only God could change the direction of the world, and God wasn’t going to step in anytime soon.” (Pg. 134)
He adds, “Maybe [Tupac] wasn’t Jesus Christ on this earth, but he was someone who needed protection in this world. The trouble is, no one could protect him from himself.” (Pg. 140)
He recounts an interview the police detectives after Tupac’s death: “I had to explain… why I didn’t go after the Cadillac. I wasn’t about to go chasing the Cadillac with an empty gas tank. Besides, my only concern was for Suge and Pac at that point. I didn’t know if they were alive or dead; when the car sped away I realized Suge was alive… I thought someone would have the sense to follow the car… The police continuously asked me, ‘Are you sure you didn’t have a gun? Are you sure you didn’t fire a gun?’…” (Pg. 180-181)
He goes on, “The word circulating around now is the shooting was supposed to have been some planned, orchestrated act. Suge had something to do with it. I personally don’t believe Suge put the hit on Pac. Although plenty of s__t was off that day, from the lack of security to the lack of preparations---I couldn’t carry a gun; I didn’t have a phone; it was Suge’s homeboy who got Pac into the fight at the MGM… I still find it too hard to believe… Also, I saw [Suge] with my own two eyes after the shooting and Shug was grieving… no matter how I look at it, I don’t see Shug setting the whole thing up… The bullets came into the car in a straight line… on the side Tupac was on. I know they knew who they were shooting at… Whether they cared if they were gonna hit Suge or not, I don’t know.” (Pg. 181-182)
He laments, “Nevertheless. I felt like it was me against the world. I went from being a hero in New York to being ‘the brotha who let Tupac get shot.’ I was the fall guy.” (Pg. 182)
He summarizes, “Although I don’t believe Death Row began as a gang, it certainly evolved into something similar to one. When Dre and Suge hooked up to create Death Row Records, the objective was to create music. It went from being a musical entity to a ‘gang.’” (Pg. 192)
This book will be of great interest to those concerned with Tupac, Death Row, or ‘gangsta rap’ in general.
September 9, 2012
This book was alright. I wanted to know more about 2pac but this reads more like a the memoirs of the bodyguard. His life is interesting but I wanted to read about Pac's life, not his. If you're a hardcore Pac fan then this book is worth a read, but don't expect anything spectacular.
March 17, 2017
The greatest rapper to ever live Tupac Shakur, was killed on September 13, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tupac’s bodyguard Frank Alexander, knows the real story of his death. Got Your Back is a book that gives great details of one of the most famous rappers of all time. What I liked most about the book was that it was written from a person who knew Tupac on a personal level. I would recommend this book to anyone of all ages who listens to rap/hip-hop.
February 11, 2021
Thoroughly entertaining and captivating.
October 21, 2022
Having seen this recommended elsewhere, I thought this book would be a gritty insight into the dangers faced by rappers and the difficulty in protecting them from those who wish to inflict harm upon them.
Instead, this is mainly a frequently saccharine account of a year spent working for someone very famous who was able to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Alexander mentions the good and bad sides of Tupac's personality and is rather indulgent of his excesses.
The final chapters concerning the events around the murder of Tupac are the most gripping. This book was written in the immediate years after Tupac's death and Alexander swirls between guilt, shame and acceptance, stating that Tupac was looking to better himself while also preparing himself for an early death. It's a contradictory picture and it is here where it is so unfortunate that this book doesn't have a better co-writer, who could parse these contrasts. Likewise, the disconnect between "keeping it real" and having a house entirely inspired by watching too many gangsters films, as Suge Knight apparently did.
As shocking as they were at the time, Tupac and Biggie's deaths are not anomalies and rappers remain a target for the violently envious. This book could have provided some exploration as to why, but it is a little too in love with the subject and they life they lived to be truly insightful.
Instead, this is mainly a frequently saccharine account of a year spent working for someone very famous who was able to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Alexander mentions the good and bad sides of Tupac's personality and is rather indulgent of his excesses.
The final chapters concerning the events around the murder of Tupac are the most gripping. This book was written in the immediate years after Tupac's death and Alexander swirls between guilt, shame and acceptance, stating that Tupac was looking to better himself while also preparing himself for an early death. It's a contradictory picture and it is here where it is so unfortunate that this book doesn't have a better co-writer, who could parse these contrasts. Likewise, the disconnect between "keeping it real" and having a house entirely inspired by watching too many gangsters films, as Suge Knight apparently did.
As shocking as they were at the time, Tupac and Biggie's deaths are not anomalies and rappers remain a target for the violently envious. This book could have provided some exploration as to why, but it is a little too in love with the subject and they life they lived to be truly insightful.
February 10, 2022
I've spent a lot of time reading up on Tupac and his life/artistry, and it can be difficult to find new intriguing information that isn't straight up bs or stories you've heard a thousand times. I think this is partly due to his infamy, and partly to do with his untimely demise.
I approached this book with trepidation but for the most part, I was pleasantly surprised. Frank provides an interesting perspective to Pac's life and offers some very candid insights. Numerous tales or little facts here and there were completely new to me which was much appreciated.
I would recommend to any Tupac fan. Just take it all with a pinch of salt as some things come across as highly glorified on Frank's part, but this I have come to expect when reading anything on Pac.
I approached this book with trepidation but for the most part, I was pleasantly surprised. Frank provides an interesting perspective to Pac's life and offers some very candid insights. Numerous tales or little facts here and there were completely new to me which was much appreciated.
I would recommend to any Tupac fan. Just take it all with a pinch of salt as some things come across as highly glorified on Frank's part, but this I have come to expect when reading anything on Pac.
November 27, 2020
Very genuine and personal account of Frank's last year with Pac. I enjoyed reading about Frank's background story and it gave me a better idea of the circumstances in which gangster rap evolved in. As a fan of Tupac, it was very fulfilling to read this book, as it allowed the reader to dive into personal memories or snapshots of his life and truly showed his ambivalent, passionate, generous, and talented character. Be prepared to laugh a few times on the way. This book is a must-read, if I could give it ten stars I would. Rest in peace to Tupac and Frank, I'm sure they're having fun up there!
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December 5, 2024MR. FRANK ALEXANDER, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR IS & HAS BEEN DEAD UPON BEING SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES 28 YEARS AGO. THEREFORE, YOU APPEARED TO HAD FAILED AT YOUR JOB OF PROTECTING TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR AS HIS "BODYGUARD"!
AS A FAN OF TUPAC SHAKUR, I SINCERELY HAVE TO REQUEST THAT YOU REFRAIN FROM TRYING TO MAKE A DOLLAR OFF OF THE ONE PERSON YOU WERE HIRED TO ACTUALLY PROTECT! PAC'S FAMILY & INDEED HIS FANS HAVE SUFFERED ENOUGH WITH PAC NOT BEING AMONG THE LIVING HAVING BEEN KILLED NEARLY THREE DECADES AGO!
AS A FAN OF TUPAC SHAKUR, I SINCERELY HAVE TO REQUEST THAT YOU REFRAIN FROM TRYING TO MAKE A DOLLAR OFF OF THE ONE PERSON YOU WERE HIRED TO ACTUALLY PROTECT! PAC'S FAMILY & INDEED HIS FANS HAVE SUFFERED ENOUGH WITH PAC NOT BEING AMONG THE LIVING HAVING BEEN KILLED NEARLY THREE DECADES AGO!
April 1, 2020
Since I'm a fan of 2Pac I decided to pick up this book because I wanted to know more not just about Pac himself but about his main bodyguard. I was treated to not only an amazing backstory from Frank Alexander but to some awesome stories that involved 2Pac, Snoop, Tha Dogg Pound, Suge, etc. I would highly recommend that any fan of gangster rap, West Coast rap, and especially fans of 2Pac would check out this amazing book!
February 12, 2018
Fascinating! Extraordinary! Informative! A MUST READ!
I literally could not put this book down until the very end! My questions have been put to rest! So glad my desire was extremely passionate to read and I yielded! I recommend this book to all! Tupac fan or not! Rest easy, Tupac and Fred!!! Two legends in their own right!!
I literally could not put this book down until the very end! My questions have been put to rest! So glad my desire was extremely passionate to read and I yielded! I recommend this book to all! Tupac fan or not! Rest easy, Tupac and Fred!!! Two legends in their own right!!
February 21, 2025
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It made me a little teary eyed in parts, especially with Frank being gone now as well. He did well in telling things from his point of view and I could feel his pain towards the end. Hindsight is 20/20 and it is interesting his take on things at the end of the book and the way his own life transitioned. May God Bless The Dead.
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December 9, 2019Very informational and was a nice look at another side of 2Pac's story/legacy. I would've never heard of it if it wasn't for a website that had talked about it. This book should definitely be read by all fans of 2Pac and 90's Hip-Hop.
April 29, 2018
Badly written, self-aggrandising and frequently self-contradictory - though it's still interesting for its insight into Tupac's career.
August 26, 2021
Good read
Was a good read, author made you understand how he felt and why things happened from his view point, not trying to make anything seem bigger than it was
Was a good read, author made you understand how he felt and why things happened from his view point, not trying to make anything seem bigger than it was
April 27, 2015
This is certainly one of the better books I've read about Tupac's short life. Frank did an excellent job of making Tupac real and human. Thanks for sharing your intimate portrait of this wonderful, sometimes controversial man with the world.
January 27, 2010
A fantastic insight into a man shrouded with mystique. Frank gives quite a vivid image of Tupac as he was, and if you're a fan this is sure not to miss.
June 28, 2012
Such a fascinating insight into Tupac's life.
Great read!
Great read!
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September 30, 2012it could help you also us it did!
October 25, 2012
How do u get to read it? :S
September 26, 2013
I like it cant wait to read it
December 7, 2013
Do I get to read it?
May 12, 2016
Great Read Luv Tupac
Great story about my favorite rap icon by the guy that knew him best the last year of Pacs life. Best Tupac book around.
Great story about my favorite rap icon by the guy that knew him best the last year of Pacs life. Best Tupac book around.
May 27, 2024
Beat book I read about Tupac. MUST read.
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November 4, 2013It was a good book, i recomended to anyone who wants to learn about tupac life.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews