Tupac
08-20-2003, 10:37 AM
After appearing on a song together, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Tupac Shakur are now the focus of Born Gangsta -- a newly released book on the ever growing "gangsta" rap phenomenon. The 50 and Tupac book isn't simply documenting two of today's most worshiped figures, but takes an in depth look at "gangsta" rap and arguably its two most authentic rappers. From the troubled childhood and gunshot wounds to the controversial personas meteorically rising at the top of Billboard, the unauthorized double biography draws a parallel between 50 and Pac's eerily similar lives.
While everybody and their momma has repeatedly covered 50, the biography's co-author, Anthony Thomas swears his offering is more than another look at 50 Cent, the gangster. "This is more in depth. A perspective that nobody is dealing with," Thomas told SOHH.com. "We're focusing on 50 the tireless business man. His success didn't just happen by accident. He had a blueprint. He's a master strategist. Gangsta rap is big business and right now 50 is the executive."
The book also briefly discusses the two's relentless drive and the revenue it brought them. Though he's now been deceased for nearly seven years, Pac's estate is now worth close to $60 million according to Black Wealth and Fortunes Magazine -- raking up beaucoup bucks partially courtesy of his yearly released posthumous albums. Only six months after the release of his multi-platinum debut, 50's net worth is already estimated at $18 million according to Black Wealth and Fortunes Magazine.
One of the most notable similarities between 50 and Pac is their highly personal feud with rival rappers. The book takes a look at the 50 and Ja Rule rivalry as well as the Pac and Biggie beef. Both 50 and Pac have had a seismic impact with America's youth -- causing conservatives such as Hip-Hop enemy #1, Bill O'Reilly to take shots at the genre's most recognized figures. The particular chapter denounces O'Reilly for his unfounded attacks on Ludacris, Eminem and 50 Cent. "We wanted to give it a political perspective," Thomas explained regarding the O'Reilly feature. "The blame shouldn't always go to labels or artists."
Born Gangsta, released officially on August 14th, is available now for purchase online.
While everybody and their momma has repeatedly covered 50, the biography's co-author, Anthony Thomas swears his offering is more than another look at 50 Cent, the gangster. "This is more in depth. A perspective that nobody is dealing with," Thomas told SOHH.com. "We're focusing on 50 the tireless business man. His success didn't just happen by accident. He had a blueprint. He's a master strategist. Gangsta rap is big business and right now 50 is the executive."
The book also briefly discusses the two's relentless drive and the revenue it brought them. Though he's now been deceased for nearly seven years, Pac's estate is now worth close to $60 million according to Black Wealth and Fortunes Magazine -- raking up beaucoup bucks partially courtesy of his yearly released posthumous albums. Only six months after the release of his multi-platinum debut, 50's net worth is already estimated at $18 million according to Black Wealth and Fortunes Magazine.
One of the most notable similarities between 50 and Pac is their highly personal feud with rival rappers. The book takes a look at the 50 and Ja Rule rivalry as well as the Pac and Biggie beef. Both 50 and Pac have had a seismic impact with America's youth -- causing conservatives such as Hip-Hop enemy #1, Bill O'Reilly to take shots at the genre's most recognized figures. The particular chapter denounces O'Reilly for his unfounded attacks on Ludacris, Eminem and 50 Cent. "We wanted to give it a political perspective," Thomas explained regarding the O'Reilly feature. "The blame shouldn't always go to labels or artists."
Born Gangsta, released officially on August 14th, is available now for purchase online.