interview II

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms as I considered my response. "The story you hear on the track—it's fantasy. I took creative liberties to craft something that would hit hard. But just because it's fantasy doesn't mean it's far from reality. You feel me? It took me over two years to write and record that song because I wanted every line to matter. And every line is inspired by the world I've seen, the lives I've lived around, and the stories people don't want to talk about."

Tom raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying the song may not be about one specific person or event, but it reflects a broader truth?"

"Exactly," I said, leaning forward. "Because here's the thing—every year, over 500 women go through what I'm describing in that song. That's just the cases we know about. There are so many women who don't speak up because they're scared, because they think no one's gonna believe them. So, if someone hears the story in that song and thinks it's unrealistic, they're living in a fantasy world. A world where bad things don't happen and everything's sunshine and rainbows. But that ain't the world I know."

The studio was silent for a moment, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Then, a murmur of agreement rippled through the audience, a few heads nodding in the front rows.

One woman in the crowd, seated near the stage, wiped a tear from her eye. Her reaction didn't go unnoticed. Tom glanced at her briefly before turning back to me, his expression serious.

"Tupac, I think part of what makes this song so powerful is how unflinchingly it portrays these harsh realities. But with that power comes criticism. Many people, especially in the media, have accused you of glorifying violence or being a bad influence on young people. What do you say to them?"

The Hard Truths

I let out a short laugh, not out of humor, but frustration. "Man, that's the thing. People hear what they want to hear. If you actually listen to the whole song, you'll realize it's not about glorifying anything. It's the opposite. The message is simple—don't dance with the devil. It's about showing people the consequences of getting caught up in that life. It's a warning, not an invitation."

Tom nodded thoughtfully. "But do you think that message gets lost on some listeners, especially younger ones?"

"Look," I said, my tone firm, "I can't control how everyone interprets my music. What I can do is tell the truth, no matter how hard it is to hear. If a kid listens to my song and decides to avoid that kind of life, then I've done my job. But if someone twists my words and uses them as an excuse to keep doing dirt, that's on them, not me. I'm not here to sugarcoat reality. I'm here to make people think."

-

To be continued...

Tom shifted gears, his expression softening. "It's clear that your upbringing has had a profound impact on your music. Can you tell us more about your background and how it shaped you as an artist?"

I took a deep breath, my gaze drifting for a moment as memories of my childhood flashed through my mind. "My family was part of the Black Panther movement," I began. "My mom, my dad, my aunts—they were all in it. My mom was pregnant with me when she was in jail, fighting not just for me, but for our whole community. That fight is in my blood. It's who I am."

The audience was silent, hanging on every word.

"So when I write songs like 'Dancing with the Devil,' it's not just music to me. It's a continuation of that fight. It's about shining a light on the things people want to ignore. My mom taught me to speak up, to stand for what's right, even when it's hard. That's what I'm trying to do with my music."

Tom leaned back, his fingers steepled. "Tupac, I want to ask you something more personal. With all the backlash you've faced, how do you stay grounded?"

I shrugged. "I remember why I'm doing this. The media can say whatever they want about me. They've been twisting my words since day one. But the people who come up to me on the street, who tell me my music saved their life—that's what keeps me going. At the end of the day, I don't make music for the critics. I make it for the people who need to hear it."

Tom nodded, clearly impressed. "Speaking of critics, there's been a lot of buzz about your decision to leave your group. Is it true you parted ways with them recently?"

"Yeah," I said, my voice measured. "I'll say this much—me and Jerry, the manager of the label, had some disagreements. I don't want to go into too much detail, but let's just say we weren't seeing eye to eye."

Tom raised an eyebrow. "It sounds like there's more to the story."

"There's always more to the story," I replied with a smirk.

Tom changed the subject, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, Tupac, I've got to ask. Is it true you and Eazy-E were invited to the White House?"

"Yeah, that's true," I said, leaning back in my chair.

"And did you go?"

I shook my head. "Nah, I didn't go there to meet the president."

Tom chuckled. "Was there a big reason, or were you just too busy?"

I leaned forward, my tone serious. "It wasn't about being busy. I don't agree with the president or his policies, especially the ones that favor rich people while tearing apart poor communities. I've seen with my own eyes how families get destroyed because of those policies. How am I supposed to walk into the White House, shake his hand, and say, 'Nice to meet you, Mr. President, you're doing a great job,' when I know that's a lie? I couldn't do it."

The audience broke into applause, a few people even standing to show their support.

Due the interview was getting harder then before tom decided to change track into to fun interview.

Tom grinned, sensing it was time to lighten the mood. "Alright, Tupac, one question. What's the story behind your haircut? The half-gold, half-black look—it's become iconic."

I laughed, running a hand over my head. "This haircut? Man, my girlfriend did this. I love it. Shout out to her," I said, winking at the camera.

The audience burst into laughter and applause.

Tom chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I have to say, it's a bold look. Definitely one for the history books."

"Hey," I said, grinning, "you gotta keep people guessing."

To be continue