Thru My Eyes: Thoughts on Tupac Shakur in Pictures and Words [Hardcover]

Afeni Shakur (Author), Gobi (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

Nine years after his death, Tupac Shakur's allure is stronger than ever. With more than a quarter of a million copies of his poetry book sold to date; countless Internet sites; the Tupac Amaru Centre in Georgia, USA; university courses dedicated to his poetry and new hit recordings, it's clear that interest in this complex and fascinating artist is still growing. "Thru My Eyes" is a collection of fifty photographs of Tupac, many never seen before by the public. Gathered from the last year of Tupac's life (1995-1996), these are revealing and poignant images that show him pulling away from the dark forces that influenced his life and developing into a mature artist. With text written by Gobi, Tupac's former music video director/producer, business partner and friend, "Thru My Eyes" provides an in-depth look at a frequently misunderstood performer and also reveals the lighter more playful side of Tupac. There are photographs presenting him as a lover of life and sex symbol; photographs of Tupac in frivolous mood, dressed as Rick James; photographs of him playing joyfully with his kids. And of course there are images depicting Tupac working at his crafts - acting and rapping - imbuing every task with the dedication and determination that defined his life.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this portrait of the late rap star, Gobi, a professional photographer and Shakur's former music video director, reveals the lighter, more playful side of the artist-as an actor, sex symbol, and lover of life.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Gobi's early experience working with Shakur on music videos -- for "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted," "How Do You Want It," and "Hit 'Em Up" -- marked the beginning of what has become a successful career making motion and still pictures. Thru My Eyes is an act of gratitude and a loving tribute, showing the world and sharing with a legion of fellow fans the tremendous and positive impact Tupac Shakur had in his short life and his lasting legacy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743457005
• ISBN-13: 978-0743457002
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,190 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intimate, December 1, 2005

By 

Derek Mio (Bellflower, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thru My Eyes: Thoughts on Tupac Shakur in Pictures and Words (Hardcover)

I bought a copy and finished it by the end of the day; I didn't want to stop reading and
discovering more. I had no idea Gobi shared such an intimate
relationship with the fallen prince. I have the cds and Resurrection
and other documentaries, but, honestly, this book was the first work
that actually humanized 'Pac for me and painted him as a person. I
think it was the first person perspective of a close colleague of his
that made the piece very effective. I got choked up when Gobi
described visiting him in the hospital. Congratulations. Very nice
work.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars insightful and engaging, November 1, 2005

By 

Kia Kamran Esq "All Encompassing Overlord" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thru My Eyes: Thoughts on Tupac Shakur in Pictures and Words (Hardcover)

I was given this book as a gift by a Tupac fan (I'm not a huge fan myself). However, as a music fan and someone who is interested in pop culture, I found the book to be engaging because of the descriptions that come with the photos. Gobi traveled with Tupac for a few years up to his death, and has great insight about this man who is deified by his fans. . . this book (Gobi is a huge fan himself) gives you some "under the surface" perspective about why people think so highly of Tupac. This book is as good as the Kurt Cobain "Letters" book. I would highly recommend to any music fan.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TUPAC, May 14, 2007

By 

Lauren Henderson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thru My Eyes: Thoughts on Tupac Shakur in Pictures and Words (Hardcover)

THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD BOOK. YOU REALLY GET TO GET INTO TUPAC HEAD AND SEE WHAT HE SAW AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND A LITTLE BIT MORE OF WHO AND WHAT HE WAS ABOUT