Getty ImagesAn emotional letter penned by Tupac Shakur reveals that he broke off his relationship with Madonna over issues of racial double standards.
Writing in January 1995 whilst serving time at Clinton Correctional facility, Tupac made the following remarks:
For you to be seen with a black man wouldn’t in any way jeopardise your career, if anything it would make you seem more open and exciting.
But for me, at least in my previous perception I felt due to my ‘image’ I would be letting down half of the people who made me what I thought I was.
The two world famous musicians dated back in the 1990s, when Madonna was 37 and Tupac was only 24. The letter was written 18 months prior to Tupac’s murder in Las Vegas and gives an intimate glimpse into their friendship.
It is not known exactly how long the relationship lasted for, however the language used in the letter indicates genuine affection. Madonna was clearly hurt by the break up and Tupac felt that he owed her a thorough explanation.
Last month, Madonna made the following Instagram post in honour of Tupac’s birthday, suggesting that she still holds fond memories of their time together:
Tupac also discusses how he has changed since the break up, having become less bothered by public perceptions:
In the time since, as you can see, I have grown both spiritually and mentally.
It no longer matters how I’m perceived. Please understand my previous position as that of a young man with limited experience with an extremely famous sex symbol.
Tupac Amaru Shakur's words of #Wisdom. He lived only for 25 years (1971-1996). #RIPTupac pic.twitter.com/gJOALLx6H6
— Dr. Aminu Gamawa (@aminugamawa) July 1, 2017
Tupac’s writings have long been of great significance to fans and this newly released letter will be of interest to those interested in the iconic rapper’s personal experience of the social justice issues that shaped his life and work.
Fans will recognise the hip hop star’s signature literary style and philosophical outlook, covering themes such as envy and evil which now feel foreboding in context.
The letter shows Tupac giving the following world weary advice to his former lover:
Everyone is not as honourable as they seem. There are those whose hearts bleed with evil and envy.
They would not hesitate to do you harm let my five bullets be proof of that!
PA Images
If you fancy owning the original handwritten letter, you may have to be prepared to sell your house. The letter will be auctioned off from the 19 – 28 July at Gotta Have Rock and Roll, an online auction website for all things music related. Bids will start at a whopping $100,000.
For those of us with slightly lighter wallets, we can just enjoy this rare new insight into the mind of a legendary and poetic performer.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.