The FBI War on Tupac Shakur: State Repression of Black Leaders from the Civil Rights Era to the 1990s

by John L. Potash

Since the first day after the tragedy was announced, controversy has surrounded the death of rap and cultural icon Tupac Shakur. In this work, preeminent researcher on the topic, John Potash, puts forward his own theories of the events leading up to and following the murder in this meticulously researched and exhaustive account of the story. Never before has there been such a detailed and shocking analysis of the untimely death of one of the greatest musicians of the modern era. The FBI War on Tupac Shakur contains a wealth of names, dates, and events detailing the use of unscrupulous tactics by the Federal Bureau of Investigation against a generation of leftist political leaders and musicians. Based on twelve years of research and including extensive footnotes, sources include over 100 interviews, FOIA-released CIA and FBI documents, court transcripts, and mainstream media outlets. Beginning with the birth of the Civil Rights Movement in America, Potash illustrates the ways in which the FBI and the United States government conspired to take down and dismantle the various burgeoning activist and revolutionary groups forming at the time. From Martin Luther King Jr. to Malcolm X to Fred Hampton, the methods used to thwart their progress can be seen repeated again and again in the 80s and 90s against later revolutionary groups, musicians, and, most notably, Tupac Shakur. Buckle in for this winding, shocking, and unbelievable tale as John Potash reveals the dark underbelly of our government and their treatment of some of our most beloved black icons.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Music, The United States Of America, Race, African American

284 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2021

Reviews

[Sickoklaas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book right after I read Revolutinary Suicide by Huey and I think it is a great follow up book. First, I think having the more detailed insights from Huey‘s book helped me understand the dynamics between the government and the discussed black leaders in this book a lot. As I am a fan of rap in general I was quite interested into the political story of Tupac and that made him and his music even more impactful now for me. Secondly this book explains the story of the Malcolm X and MLK and their legacy with the FBI quite in detail and still interesting. I read this book in 1 day as it was fascinating me a lot.
5/5 would recommend highly

[Brionna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The FBI War on Tupac Shakur: The State Repression of Black Leaders from the Civil Rights Era to the 1990" was a very informative read! John Potash details Tupac's ties to the Black Panther Party through his mother, Afeni Shakur, and how he became one of the FBI's targets. 25 years later, people still talk about the mystery of Tupac's death and what led to his demise. In 36 chapters, Potash explores the FBI's tactics to divide and silence Black figures, from its role in the East coast/West coast beef to the assassinations of sociopolitical leaders.

The FBI was known to unjustly target Black artists and civil rights leaders like Billie Holiday, NWA, Jimi Hendrix, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Wu-Tang Clan, MLK, Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, Huey P. Newton, Assata and Afeni Shakur, etc. If you are familiar with any of these peoples' stories, you will notice similarities in the tactics used to slow down (and even halt) their social influence.

Despite his stage persona, I don't think Tupac was a gangster. I think he understood his platform and wanted to use it to resonate with the youth and bring light to what was going on. The information in this book is eye-opening and one of my favorite reads this year!

[Zachary Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it last year but it was so good i had to read it again. the book compares the FBI tactics used against Malcom X, MLK, Fred Hampton, Geronimo Pratt, and other Black Panther leaders to the FBI tactics used against Tupac Shakur. the book convincingly argues that the FBI orchestrated and covered up the assassinations of Tupac AND Biggie. the 90s East/West coast rivalry in hip hop was artificually manufactured by US intelligence as an alibi to give cover to both murders

Death Row Records has been a front for the CIA/FBI in trafficking drugs, weapons, and dividing black communities. Suge Knight and Death Row security work undercover for the LAPD, FBI and Police Intelligence and set up both Tupac's and Biggie's murders. FBI personel were present for both assassinations

Tupac would not be freed from jail unless he signed with Death Row, so he was coerced into that deal. Tupac was going to leave Death Row after he fulfiled his contractual obligations. Suge Knight was the voice in Tupac's ear telling him Biggie, Diddy and the East coast were behind prior assassination attempts against him, when it was actually US intelligence. once Knight set up Tupac's murder, he set up Biggie's as a "mock retaliation" to cement the alibi it was the result of fueding rappers and not just the government taking out the left

Tupac comes from a family of Black Panthers and laundered leftist politics thru his "gangster rap" persona. its really sad how Tupac was sabotaged in the same way his family was. it makes me fucking sick thinking about the forces that sabotaged Tupac's life and what America could've been like today had Tupac and other black revolutionaries had been able to reach their potential

[Gaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Potash’s “The FBI War on Tupac Shakur: The State Repression of Black Leaders from the Civil Rights Era to the 1990s,” was disheartening. Potash details the plight of Black leaders, including Tupac’s activist mother: Afeni Shakur, the historical record of interferences and abuses, and Tupac’s aspirations to unite and empower the Black community. Tupac is most famously known for embracing and promoting “thug life,” but this book shows readers his precociousness and glimpses into his private life that ended too early, at age 25. Potash connects and emphasizes the tactics used against Tupac were similar or the same as used throughout history: during the apex of since declassified (or leaked) programs carried out by agents in law enforcement and their informants. I always feel books such as these are disfavored by those with privileges and power. There is speculation because some information remains unknown or withheld, so the reader can use her own judgment to come to a conclusion.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great and compelling read. It documents the political lineage (and corresponding political repression) of Tupac. It’s well-researched and easy to read. There were a couple chapters towards the end where the writing felt a bit like a rough draft, but overall it’s still a very engaging read!

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much new information. Great for research.

[Rosenita Delva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down. I’ve always had a connection to Tupac but this honestly him in different light.

[Minista Brenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's actually a look at how the police, CIA, and FBI infiltrate the music industry holdings and the lives of popular pop stars, especially those that are positive and looking to create positive and effective social change with their music and influence, and ultimately jail them under false pretenses, beat them, harass them, deport them, or k*ll them if that all doesn't work.

They also get them on drugs, addicted to alcohol, and set them up with girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses that are undercover informants and agents meant to corrupt them and ruin their lives, if not k*ll them, themselves, too.

It is totally eye-opening and every music fan and musician wishing to do good with their music and influence should read this tale and think twice about going into the mainstream music industry expecting to be able to effect change in this world.

There are dark forces watching you out there and they are the police, the FBI, the military, NSA, and CIA amongst other government agencies and outlets and their elite shadow government controller's secret society cults, as well.

[Hessah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tupac’s life was confrontational with no regards of boundaries. I wasn’t aware of how he lived his life and I am surprised by his lack of empathy towards other minorities such as Asians and Native Americans.
I understand that it is two-dimensional to form an opinion from one source, but this book adequately presented Tupac and other black musicians tug of war with American authorities that curbed on their activism. Despite my sympathy with their experience and biased experience, I understand that many of these musicians were almost active gang members who utilized their gang affiliations to show off against law enforcements. I abhor gangs and thus, I think law enforcements were morally and professionally obliged to stop these gangs and attack their high ranking members.
When we compare the actions of the FBI protecting the American society from actions of flawed characters, it is shameful we don’t the same actions against disgusting behaviors from some groups that infringe on the rights of women and children.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of inaccurate information regarding Tupac’s life as well as some very intense assumptions. I love Tupac, I am a diehard fan who has studied Pac’s life through & through so I was looking forward to checking this out but I am disappointed on the lack of correct information regarding Tupac & his life so I was disappointed. Some information in this is quite good especially when it regards to the history of the Black Panthers & Civil Rights era but the stuff on the ‘90s era seems to be quite misstepped.

3/5.⭐️

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this 5 stars, but it really deserves 2 stars. I'm pumping up the score because I think it includes a ton of history that's interesting. The issue is that the author is clearly biased. leaves out relevant information, and often misrepresents other information. It all serves to destroy the credibility of the author and the book. Still, there is a lot of interesting information. It's just too bad that it wasn't more professionally investigated and reported. 3/10

[Garrett Brink · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel as if I would have maybe rated it higher if I dug through all the supposed evidence cited in the book, who knows maybe lower, but it was definitely thought provoking and interesting to learn about.

[titledjomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

informative book on pac. sad to realize that one of the most influential icons was targeted and murded by state police. we all miss you. rest easy.

[K. K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book 📖 👏🏻

[Tesneem · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was an excellent read. it was understandable, made sense, and everything was so straightforward. i think everyone should read this, and i mean that!

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this blew my mind and i’m now on a tupac only music bender

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-Challenge book: Eye-opening and well researched. Too many connections to ignore.

[J. Marchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

very passionate and informative. shows that merit doesn't have anything to do with success. the system is rigged towards people who can support power. those who don't, don't have a chance.

[tickle monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Incredibly dense with information. Writing style is clear and concise, he does not beat around the bush. Definitely recommend to everyone.