Thru My Eyes : Thoughts on Tupac Amaru Shakur in Pictures and Words
Author : Gobi, Afeni Shakur
Pages : 176pp
Format : Hardcover
Publisher : Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Pub. Date : October 2005
Sales Rank : 290,931
Reviews :
From the Publisher
"[Tupac] was more than just a black man or an American, he was prophetic," Gobi writes in the foreword to this celebration of the life and legend of Tupac Shakur.
Gobi, a fellow artist and friend, reflects on the last year of the hip-hop legend, recording artist, and actor's life in words and images. He takes us from the moment he met Tupac at his house in a water-gun fight to when he stood beside his deathbed in a Los Angeles hospital.
Tupac Shakur was charismatic in life, strikingly beautiful on film, and extraordinarily talented whether the medium was movies, music, or words on paper. With intimate photographs and poignant but light-hearted prose, Gobi has created a fascinating portrait revealing the hip-hop icon's many moods, his moments of introspection, and his humor. We see Shakur clowning around — dressed up as Rick James. We see him as a lover. We see him with children, and as a mythical Egyptian king.
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.
Thoughts on Tupac Amaru Shakur in Pictures and Words [ by Kam Williams ]
The book is essentially a hardcover fanzine featuring over 100 never before published pictures interspersed with sparse reflections, plus a one-page note from his mom, Afeni Shakur. The rest of the text and all the photographs come courtesy of Gobi, a director of music videos best known for his work with Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Mack-10, and for his Fortune 500 commercials for companies like Gateway.
Heavy on candid snapshots and superficial in terms of its reflections, Thru My Eyes offers an opportunity for those so-inclined to see their idol during downtime in the days shortly before his demise. Whether mugging shirtless for the camera or posing with scantily-clad video hos, Tupac always seems to have a death grip on a ubiquitous cigarette. Who knows whether Philip Morris underwrote this project, but it certainly looks like an extended ad for lethal lung rockets.
The vapid verbiage accompanying the photos is, unfortunately, utterly without substance. A few “TRUE” samples ought to convince the curious.
“Tupac was a TRUE perfectionist. He enjoyed things of superior quality.”
And, “Tupac was a TRUE Gemini.” How about, “Tupac was a TRUE professional and would deliver 100 percent of the time.” I guess the author and his editor really like the word TRUE.
Obviously, then, Thru My Eyes is not recommended for anyone expecting to find profound insights about its subject. Think professionally-bound photo album.
Synopsis
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.
Preview : Despite his tragic and untimely death nine years ago, the legacy of the late rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur continues to live on through his inspirational music, spoken word projects and movies. Thanks to his close friend Gobi (also director of his last three music videos), a book entitled “Thru My Eyes: Thoughts on Tupac Amaru Shakur in Pictures and Words” will hit stores next week.
Gobi has compiled a compelling assortment of 50 color and black and white photographic images complemented by personal commentary.
These pictures, never before published, reflect the final year of Tupac’s life in 1996.
During this time Gobi played an instrumental role in producing and directing music and videos for Tupac’s feature film company.
The result was not merely a business partnership, but also a close friendship.
“Thru My Eyes” seeks to capture the true essence of Tupac by revealing the many facets of his personality.
Gobi offers an array of candid pictures that convey the multitude of personalities and moods that are Tupac.
Gobi’s main objective is to reveal Tupac as an individual, not simply another manufactured “pop-idol.”
“Photos taken on video and film sets underscore Pac’s true work ethic,” Gobi said. “Tupac could work twenty-two hours a day, raising the bar for everyone working alongside him. A true revolutionist, Tupac understood tomorrow was promised to no one.”
The book begins with a forward by Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur Davis, who says that “Thru My Eyes” “offers a personal view that warrants exposure.”
The book closes with Gobi’s personal and poignant account of how it felt to sit idle during Tupac’s seven days of hospitalization.
A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (http://www.tasf.com).
In addition to the book, Gobi plans to direct the only script written by Tupac, “Live 2 Tell,” in March 2006.
Afeni Shakur sums up Thru Our Eyes best in her forward: “This book is Gobi’s way of honoring my son and sharing his experience. . .I thank you, Gobi, for being my son’s friend.”
“Thru My Eyes : Thoughts on Tupac Amaru Shakur” in Pictures and Words hits stores Nov. 1.
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