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- Tupac’s friend reflects on ‘passionate and caring’ star as murder trial verdict reached (irishstar.com)
Money B, former bandmate of the late Tupac Shakur, has opened up about the rapper’s true character, describing him as “such a passionate and caring person” before his tragic death at just 25 years old.
Tupac was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting on the Las Vegas Strip on September 7, 1996, suffering four gunshot wounds. He passed away six days later on September 13.
For nearly 30 years, his murder remained one of the music world’s most infamous unsolved cases. Recently, the case resurfaced in the spotlight after Duane “Keffe D” Davis was convicted of murder in Las Vegas.
Davis is believed to have orchestrated the attack, while his nephew Orlando Anderson-who died in an unrelated gang shooting in 1998-remains the primary suspect in the actual shooting.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror US, Money B, whose real name is Ronald Brooks, reflected on Tupac’s personality and legacy. The two were close friends and collaborators during their time together in the hip-hop group Digital Underground.
Promoting his new memoir, A D.U. Party Don’t Stop: The Money B Story, Money B shared candid memories, emphasizing how misunderstood Tupac was.
“Anyone who really knew Tupac knew he was such a passionate and caring person,” Money B said. “People show passion in different ways-whether it’s rage or compassion-and he was compassionate.
If he liked you, he loved you.”
Money B described Tupac’s fierce loyalty to those he cared about, saying, “If he loved you, he’d do anything for you. But if he had disdain for someone, he was just as passionate in that way and wouldn’t stop at anything.”
He also praised Tupac’s incredible work ethic and accomplishments. By age 25, Tupac had recorded 713 tracks and earned nine platinum or multi-platinum albums, including the landmark double album All Eyez on Me, which has achieved Diamond certification with 10 million units sold. Beyond music, Tupac starred in six major films between 1992 and 1996 and made history as the first artist to top the charts while incarcerated.
“He lived several lifetimes,” Money B concluded. “Pac was extremely focused and driven-I’ve never met anyone with a work ethic like his since.”