Suge Knight Reflects on Tupac Shakur and Afeni’s Heartbreaking Decisions
Suge Knight, now 60 years old and serving a long prison sentence, shares his memories of the late rapper Tupac Shakur from behind bars at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California. The once-powerful figure of Death Row Records looks back with a more measured tone, focusing not on the chaos surrounding Tupac’s life but on the deep bond between Tupac and his mother, Afeni Shakur.
Afeni, who passed away in May 2016, played a pivotal role in Tupac’s life. Knight reflects on the heartbreaking decision she made regarding her son during his final days.
Remembering the tragic events of September 1996 in Las Vegas, Knight was driving with Tupac when they were shot at a red light. Despite sustaining injuries, Tupac was in critical condition after being hit multiple times. Knight recalls the rush to the hospital, where Tupac, showing his signature spirit, asked for a blunt even while recovering.
In those difficult moments, however, the mood shifted. The reality of Tupac’s situation weighed heavily on him, and he expressed his fear of prison more than death itself. He even contemplated recording a will, revealing his vulnerability during a tough time.
In a heartbreaking moment, Knight shared that Tupac made a desperate plea to his mother, asking her to help him die. In a bid to honor his wishes, Afeni allegedly provided him with pills. Knight described this act as both tragic and merciful.
As Tupac’s condition worsened, Afeni faced an unimaginable choice. When doctors revived him after a critical moment, she made it clear she didn’t want them to bring him back if complications arose. Knight remembered Afeni’s heart-wrenching decision to let her son go peacefully.
On September 13, at just 25 years old, Tupac Shakur was pronounced dead. Knight concluded by expressing his immense love for both Tupac and Afeni, stating, “I miss him. I love him – like I loved him more than myself.”
