Rapper/actor Tupac Shakur takes a fateful ride with former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight (driving) in Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 1996. He would die, from gunshot wounds suffered shortly after taking this picture, six days later (Photo courtesy of Leonard Jefferson).
Thespian Samuel L. Jackson once criticized rappers taking movies from trained actors.
But he probably was not talking about his former “Juice” co-star Tupac Shakur because the son of two former Black Panthers did not stumble into acting because of his celebrity status.
The acting bug got him as a youngster when he portrayed Travis in a rendition of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play “A Raisin in the Sun” at New York’s famed Apollo Theater.
If a young child does not get stage fright from stepping onto that Apollo stage with a dignitary like Rev. Jesse Jackson in the audience, people should have known he was built for the spotlight.
Even when Shakur got the role of Bishop in the Ernest Dickerson-directed “Juice,” he was there just to support his friends Money B of the rap group Digital Underground and Treach of the rap group Naughty by Nature.
But when Dickerson asked him if he wanted to read for a role, it was apparent that the former cinematographer for Spike Lee had stumbled upon a true movie star.
Shakur BECAME Bishop.
And many people believed the brother was not acting.
However, like any actor, Shakur wanted to show his range, appearing alongside pop music icon Janet Jackson in the hood love story, “Poetic Justice,” directed by John Singleton.
The filmmaker thought so highly of Shakur’s acting skills, that he told Shakur to leave rap behind and focus on the big screen.
Singleton desired to create a working relationship with Shakur like Martin Scorsese had with Al Pacino, wanting him to star in his films “Higher Learning” and “Baby Boy” too.
Unfortunately, the world never got to see how Shakur would have developed as an artist and a man.
But the world received many reminders of how great an acting talent Shakur was.
Therefore, RegalMag.com will attempt to rank Shakur’s acting roles, from worst to best, even though there was never a worst with Tupac.
- “Bullet”—When people talk about Tupac movies, many often overlook “Bullet.” In “Bullet,” Shakur starred as Tank alongside Adrien Brody and Mickey Rourke, who also co-wrote the screenplay. While many critics called the script chaotic and storyline weak, others thought Shakur brought an authenticity and intensity to the street tale of an ex-convict assaulting a drug dealer and two customers.
- “Gridlock’d”—Tupac fans often discuss the number of songs he recorded while on Death Records. But fewer discuss his film output during his brief tenure with Suge Knight and crew. In “Gridlock’d,” Shakur starred opposite Tim Rooth as heroin-addicted jazz musician named Spoon. Roth stars as Stretch. When their bandmate Cookie (Thandie Newton) dies of an overdose, the two are hellbent on getting admitted to a drug detox program. Imdb says: “Reviewers say ‘Gridlock’d’ delivers exceptional performances from Tim Roth and Tupac Shakur, whose superb chemistry anchors this darkly comedic gem. The film’s timeless social commentary on healthcare bureaucracy and drug recovery systems resonates powerfully, balanced with clever humor and authentic realism. While most found it highly engaging and well-written, a few criticized the pacing and dialogue. The directorial debut impresses with its relaxed yet effective approach, creating relatable characters navigating systemic barriers with wit and heart.”
- “Gang Related”—Tupac’s work ethic should be studied for generations. He was only alive on Death Row Records for 11 months before his untimely passing. But he filmed two full-length movies and recorded countless albums worth of songs in less than one year. Two weeks before he died, he wrapped up filming “Gang Related” with James Belushi about crooked cops. That role really showcased his range, because crooked cops got no love from the real Pac.
- “Above the Rim”—In “Juice,” Bishop was becoming a gangster at the beginning of the movie before becoming a true ruthless villain (shout out to M.C. Ren of N.W.A). But in the basketball drama “Above the Rim,” Birdie was already a “G,” running the streets of New York City from street basketball tournaments to the nightclub scene. “Above the Rim” showed the peril a person with potential can find themselves in if they align themselves with shady characters. High school basketball star Kyle (Duane Martin) had dreams of playing college ball for Coach John Thompson and Georgetown University. But taking gifts from a certified gangster could put his career and life and danger if he does not keep “playing ball” with Birdie.
- “Poetic Justice”—One of the worst things that can happen to an actor is to hear the word “typecast.” But Shakur made sure that would not happen for his career, starring opposite Janet Jackson in John Singleton’s urban love story, “Poetic Justice.” Although Lucky was no sucker in the hood, the character allowed Shakur to show a softer side as a dedicated father with a consistent job and good family. However, “Poetic Justice:” showed that violence and danger has a way of impacting people’s lives even if they are on the straight narrow, which can potentially have an adverse impact on romantic relationships.
- “Juice”—Jermaine Hopkins probably had the biggest star power when “Juice” dropped in 1992 because of his role as Sams in “Lean on Me.” But many, if not all, people came out of the movie theater talking about how crazy that ninja Bishop was. Kids wanted to say “potna” like him. Kids wanted his East Coast swag too. Shakur’s star-making performance made Bishop one of the most feared villains in cinema history, and even the most respected movie critics knew a star was born. And then when everyone found out how talented he was a rapper thanks to “Brenda’s Got a Baby,” the world knew that Hollywood had found a star unlike any they had seen before.
