Customer Reviews

Got Your Back: Protecting Tupac in the World of Gangsta Rap

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've always been a Tupac fan. I've always enjoyed listening to his music. I always related to his lyrics, coming from the projects of NYC. I basicly liked anything that had to do with him. Befor reading this book I only knew the media Tupac, this Bad Boy Tupac. But after reading this book i've come to learn tupac was a real down to earth dude who loved his fans and had nothing but a loving heart. I came close to tears when i finished this book. If your a true Tupac fan, this is the right book for you. And to Frank Alexander where ever you are, I undertsand. It wasn't your fault. In Memory Of Tupac, Only God Can Judge You, Revelation 20:12.

Although at times an interesting look into the decadence and fast living that is offered to those with fame and fortune, it amounts to nothing more than a poorly ghost-written book of recollections by a first-hand witness (bodyguard) of Tupacs last year of life. Like so many other projects that make an attempt to capitalize on the late Rap Stars life, it never gets below the surface of Tupac the celebrity, and leaves the reader without any insights as to how and why, Tupac had, and continues to have, such an enormous impact on Rap/Hip-Hop music and culture. Instead we get insights like the one on page 84 in the book "Do you know why woman loved Tupac? The obvious reasons are his talent, his looks, and his charisma..but also Tupac had a f**kin' horse c**k". From the way it was written and presented, it doesnt seem like Mr.Frank Alexander had any strong motive or desire to bring this book to the public, otherthan reasons that start with dollar signs $$$. But I have to say that in the final chapters the book finally comes alive with Mr.Alexanders powerful, poignant, honest memories of the events that took place when, and after Tupac was shot, and eventually died in Las Vegas. In these chapters he reflects on his confrontation with Suge Knight, and the confusion, guilt, sorrow and fear he was feeling as Tupac struggled for his life in the hospital, and the aftermath that followed Tupacs death, it ends with an intimate phone conversation between Alexander and Tupacs Mother. Its worth reading the book just for these last chapters alone, its very, very moving. Unfortunately, its too little, too late in the book to make its entirety a good read. I was 25 when Tupac died, and I was into Heavy Metal more than Rap/Hip-Hop, but always being a big Tupac fan, upon hearing of his death that day, besides feeling sorrow, I also remember feeling it was the end of an era, I knew Rap would never be the same and there would never be another one like him. It was the same feeling I had when Kurt Cobain died. And ten years later, looking at all the Rap/Hip-Hop that has come after Tupacs death, I realized my feeling that day was right, Pac was truly one of a kind, and something special died with him that night in Vegas, and Raps never been the same since. This books OK, but I expected more.

RIP Tupac. We all miss you.. and we're still down for you.

You cannot get much closer to the real thing, as the "real thing's bodyguard." This book is interesting because it chronicles a portion of Pac's life from a different angle. Throughout Pac's life, people tried to destroy him; whether it was mentally, psyhically, or psychologically. Alexander, in "Got Your Back," shares his experience with Pac as the one who was to ultimately protect and maintain him, his bodyguard. Although Pac had a far more profound impact on hip-hop than this book's setting of one year, it chronicles a set of interesting and unique happenings, all of which transpire within an intersting web of unbelief at the end. Read it. It is a good book. RIP

I think this book, while partly biased, tells a good account of what really went down on that sad night in Vegas. Alexander, Pac's bodyguard seems to tell a logical story of what he thinks went down, and in the end, I see no reason to hold him accountable for what happened. After all, as all would admit, the best he could've done is shoot the... out of that Caddy, which wouldn't have saved Pac. He tells a stirring tale of his love and compassion for Pac, and how the events of that night have haunted him, and affected him for the rest of his life to come. To Frank, I think Pac would've been proud. He showed true love for him, standing by him even when he wasn't wanted there by Suge and the rest of DR. I respect that, and fully accept that it was simply Pac's time to go. To Pac, rest in peace bro, we will never forget ya.

Everyone who loved Pac, and loves rap music should read this. It helps to show that while Pac may have done controversial things, he was still a loving, gentle cat on the inside, where everyone says it really matters.

I found this book to be very entertaining, interesting, and helpful in learning more about Pac. Although some of the book may not be exactly true, I found it to be very close to accurate. On the other hand I have thought about the possiblity of Pac being alive and Frank writing this to cover for him, to make people believe that he is really dead. In my opinion read to find out for sure, it's good...

This book was okay I dont really like Frank Alexander's account on Tupac he made him look like a womanizing jerk with every other word a curse word. Sad Story tho and so sad that Tupac is gone I was a Huge Fan...RIP.

If you are looking for exclusive in-depth knowledge regarding the legend, Tupac Shakur from a personal and professional perspetive, this is the book to get! "I Got Your Back", written by Frank Alexander is one of my favorite books because it gives great inside information regarding Tupac in the last year of his life from the studio sessions at Death Row, the making of various videos, movies, and his trip to Italy in the Summer of 1996. The book also describes the fateful events leading up to his unfortanate shooting on September 7, 1996 and the circumstances in the days before and after his death on September 13, 1996. This book is excellent because it gives details on how Pac and Frank establish a close bond not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well. After reading the book the first time and reflecting back on the book at various times over the years,this book brings smiles and tears to my eyes. Tupac did SO MUCH for the hip hop community in the short time he lived and would of done so much more if he lived longer. Tupac was not only a role model to me, but to many of my friends as well. Tupac was and is still an embassador to the hip hop community who will never be forgotten. Frank Alexander gave me an excellent breakdownn on how great Tupac Shakur was as an artist, but as a human being as well. The courage, knowledge, integrity and love Tupac had for music and for his fans will never be duplicated. Go pick up this book today!! Believe me, you will not be dissapointed.

"I have personally read Got Your Back by Mr. Alexander SEVERAL times I am a female of course! A very passionate and strong female may I add! Anyway I LOVED TUPAC and I have passed that LOVE over to his Bodyguard for trying his best to protect his FRIEND without the tools of his trade, as they we're told to leave behind their "Guns". Can U imagine leaving home with your panties or underwear, I mean this guy didn't have a chance to protect himself less 2Pac. My heart just goes out to Mr. Alexander from Chapter's 17 thru Chpt 23! I could not hold it together the first couple of times reading "Got Your Back!" What Love Frank showed for his Friend and how much fun did they enjoy togehter with all of the Hoochies and Groupies they tossed up together I'm sure! Where was I again in 1995-96?

Oh, yeah with a dead beat! If I could turn back the hands of time or go into an Time Machine I would go back if only for one night, Naw I'm lying for at least a year to have hung out and around TUPAC...You must read about the Italy trip, what a Trip it was!! Hummm I can dream a dream!! Didn't Martin Luther King say "I Had A DREAM!! Buy this book and please support Mr. Alexander and his purpose of trying to keep his Friend Legacy A Live...I could trully see through his experences he LOVED TUPAC and cared about him, it's very apparent by Tupac's Love for Mr. Alexander by doing what he did for Frank's family hos niece Lemika! I recommend this book to all Tupac fans and non-fans of Tupac it's just really a good book to read about an Icon and the relationship of his protector and their friendship if nothing else for no other reason it's a Dam good Read! Got Your Back kept my attention I was never board reading it from page 1 thru 221...I wish it had been longer to be honest with you! Why hasn't this book been turned into a Bio-Pic on these two guy's friendship! There's your movie right hear in Got Your Back! I'll go and see it just as many times as I read the book!

Thank You Frank for sharing your life and Tupac's last year with all of us! I feel without it I and many other FANS never would have known the real truth of what happened that night in Las Vegas with Tupac or the last year of his beautiful life and what a waste of life for him to have been killed in such away! I love You for being strong and telling your side of the story!! May God Bless you and always watch over you and keep you safe!!

Always "Got Your Back...Frank!"

"A Fan of Your Work including your documentaries all of them!!"

Your #1 FAN!!!

This is a great book and provides interesting details! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Anyone interested in Tupac's story before and after his death, will want to read this. Great job Frank! Thanks for sharing your story, it is truely a story no one else could tell the way that you have!

In addition to reading this book, I've also seen two DVD documentaries put together with help from Mr. Alexander, and a lot of the information in the three pieces of work is conflicting. I recommend all three, especially the book - you can tell he was close to 'Pac, yet you question how close. Although the chapters dealing with Shakur's murder must be taken with a grain of salt due to Alexander's changing of his story later on in life, the information here is more than interesting, it's entertaining, especially to the die-hard fan looking to see a more personal side of Tupac.