I was excited to read Words for My Comrades: A Political History of Tupac since I read Tupac: The Authorized Biography last year. I wanted to see what, if anything, would be new information to me. It turns out, not much. That doesn’t make Words for My Comrades a skip, though. It’s an interesting way to write about a dead icon. Van Nguyen starts the book pre-Tupac, poring over his mother, Afeni Shakur, and her membership in the Black Panthers. There was similar information in The Authorized Biography including the fact that she represented herself in court while pregnant with Tupac. Words for My Comrades is thorough in the events that happened before Tupac was even born. If one was to believe in pre-destiny then Tupac’s life certainly seemed to take shape in a way that he had no control over. I’m more inclined to believe that his talent and charm were undeniable to all. A few different turns Words for My Comrades takes is a breakdown of the rise of “Capitalist” Hip Hop after the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac were murdered, including a short biography of Master P’s rise and oeuvre and an even briefer assessment of Jay-Z and Roc Nation. Most intriguing to me was the inclusion of Tupac’s influence on Solomon Islands and Sierra Leone rebel groups, something I’d never heard of.

I was expecting the A Political History part to delve deeper into Tupac’s ideologies -- contradictions and all -- but it was more about the concentric circles extending from Tupac. A worthwhile study of such an iconoclastic man, even if it is a bit overstuffed and at times, navel gazing.

Thank you to Doubleday and Netgalley for an eARC of this book.

This was a brilliant and thorough revolutionary history of Tupac Shakur. This book rightfully centers him with the Black Panther Party, a conversation that is not much expanded upon.

The first part of the book is a detailed history of the BPP. Tupac is barely mentioned as we are given a crash course on the Nation of Islam, Black Panthers, Weather and more. I found the author doesn't whitewash or villainize the revolutionaries, something that happens a lot in mainstream media, and I deeply appreciated this. The thorough history given (at times I felt like I was reading a book about the Black Panthers and not about Tupac) is why I am going to be recommending this book to others.

Sometimes all of the information given feels overwhelming. It is a lot of history to go through, especially in a book that seems like it isn't about what we are reading. But it is vital context to who Tupac Shakur was and what drove him. At one point in the book there is something said along the lines that Tupac was a revolutionary, but his passion was music. Thanks to the author we see those how those two worlds molded together to give us honest songs about being Black in America.

Tupac was a highly empathetic person whose mother was a revolutionary, because of this and his hardships growing up, he was deeply attuned to the violence of imperialist amerika and the problems of capitalism. The latter part of the book discusses the rise of capitalist rap and how hip-hop artists willingly gave up their more honest lyrics and experiences for a slice of fortune. It made me think of something Frantz Fanon says in Wretched of the Earth, that art by the colonized person will be accepted and celebrated by the colonizer so long as it upholds the colonizers beliefs and systems. Once art by the colonized becomes a way to encourage liberatory practice it is villainized and shut down. We see this in Tupac's work. His revolutionary ethics came out in his songs and encouraged revolutionary praxis among the people and still does.

This is a book I will be thinking on for a long time and I really appreciate the author doing the honor to Tupac of placing him rightfully where he belongs, as a revolutionary music artist in a revolutionary life.

"Words for My Comrades" offers not only a wealth of information about Tupac Shakur but also highlights significant events affecting the Black and Indigenous communities. Engaging with the struggles faced by people of color has profoundly illuminated the notion that the historical narrative we often accept may not reflect the true events. Following my reading of the book, I promptly requested that the library system where I am employed acquire a copy to ensure broader access for the community. Additionally, I intend to purchase a copy for my personal collection.

Dean Van Nguyen's "Words for My Comrades" transcends a typical biography, presenting Tupac Shakur as a direct product of Black radical political thought. The book meticulously traces the influence of his mother, Afeni Shakur, a former Black Panther, and his stepfather's Marxist beliefs, illustrating how these experiences shaped Tupac's worldview and fueled his art. Through oral histories and rigorous research, Nguyen contextualizes Tupac's life and work within the broader history of Black revolutionary movements.

Nguyen's work is a researched and compelling examination of Tupac Shakur's life through the lens of Black Panther politics. The author avoids simplistic hero-worship, offering a nuanced portrait of a complex figure. The detailed exploration of Afeni Shakur's influence is a standout feature, providing a powerful portrayal of her dedication to activism and her profound impact on Tupac. The book effectively contextualizes Tupac's music and public persona within the historical context of the Black Panther Party's decline and the rise of hip-hop as a platform for political expression. The use of oral histories adds authenticity, allowing readers to hear directly from those who knew Tupac and Afeni. The writing is engaging, even when discussing complex political ideas.

Recommended for anyone interested in Tupac Shakur, hip-hop history, or the history of Black political movements. This book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on a cultural icon.

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!

Very engaging and interesting read. Very well developed and ambitious. Will be recommending to library collection and patrons.