New miniseries addresses the long-standing question of ‘Who Killed Tupac?’
20 years gone: Unexpected celebrity deaths always captivate, but few find a status as legendary as that of the murder of Tupac Shakur. The violent, sudden end to the famed rapper, actor and activist’s life in September 1996 still haunts fans. Multiple theories have been tossed about and periodically revisited, but little truth has been found. A new, limited docuseries hopes to bring new clarity to the long unsolved case, as “Who Killed Tupac?” premieres Tuesday, Nov. 21, on A&E.
Tupac rapidly propelled to stardom, with rhymes that were not merely infectious but possessing a greater depth. Born in East Harlem, New York, at the start of the 1970s, the rapper didn’t shy away from discussing the struggles of the black community, the inner city and the vast social inequality that surrounded him. Immersed in a harsh environment, Tupac also found guidance from his parents and family members, who were members of the Black Panther movement, further educating him on social injustice and racial bias.
A move to California in the late ‘80s meant a new form of exposure for Tupac, as he learned about the West Coast scene, which later would assist him in navigating relationships and conflicts between East and West coast rivalries. Tupac’s lyrical content and refusal to remain silent in the face of adversity, even if it threatened his place within his own community, made him a constant target of threats. As Rev. Al Sharpton reflects in this new docuseries: “Tupac was trying to speak for the rejected, which made him dangerous.” It was sadly just a matter of time before someone thought he’d said enough and rose up against him. The cowardice of the act, combined with no clear sense of an assailant, has left devotees of Tupac in anguish for over 20 years.
This frustration is what renown civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump tries to resolve in “Who Killed Tupac?” Crump delves into all of the key theories surrounding the murder. He visits the crime scene, speaks with those directly present and responsible for investigating the incident, and examines the events of Tupac’s life leading up to his death that may have contributed to his tragic end. Crump’s careful and in-depth analysis of the facts he discovers may lead to the ultimate reward: revealing the true identity of Tupac’s killer and his or her motivations. Fiercely determined, Crump does whatever it takes to find justice for the fallen rapper and social advocate.
Revisit the legacy, talent and intelligence of Tupac Shakur in a limited series that challenges the theories surrounding his murder and dares to shake up long-accepted assumptions regarding this unsolved crime. Investigate alongside Crump as he tirelessly works to discover “Who Killed Tupac?” when the documentary miniseries premieres Tuesday, Nov. 21, on A&E.
The final fix: In the world of home ownership, a good price often comes with a hefty list of repairs that will eventually need to be tackled. Many believe that they’re up for the challenge, but between mortgage payments, familial responsibilities, work and numerous unanticipated expenses, home repair is often brushed aside until things become, well, unmanageable. For the past four seasons, Chip and Joanna Gaines, owners of Magnolia Homes, have helped struggling families to transform their desperate homes into community gems. Their remodeling journey is nearing its end, however, as the fifth and final season of “Fixer Upper” premieres Tuesday, Nov. 21, on HGTV.
During the spring of 2013, Chip and Joanna made their way onto the screen with the show’s first season. Their passion for home renovation was clear from the start, as were their areas of strength and devotion. Chip takes care of much of the heavy work, managing the construction portions of each project, but is also readily involved in realty matters. Joanna has a deep love and knack for design, creating versatile and diverse spaces that reflect the essence of the homeowners. Combined, the two devote themselves to changing perceptions of worn-down and stressed-out homes, challenging owners and viewers to see the potential beauty that’s just under the surface. For them, bringing this beauty to the forefront of any home has a rippling effect throughout its community, creating a healthier, happier neighborhood and inspiring others to give their own homes another chance.
The decision to conclude the series wasn’t an easy one for the Gaines family, yet it’s a very necessary step toward a healthier, less stress-filled life. Chip and Joanna have continued to try to manage their business, Magnolia Homes, alongside their foray into television, but the show’s success meant increased business, which, while initially welcome, became quite the challenge. As Chip Gaines discussed with Business Insider: “The bigger things got ... the less energy we had ... so much time was being allocated to filming that the details of the business were slipping.” Success, while validating, meant that the Gaineses were losing sight of what propelled them into the renovation business initially. Ending the series will give them more time to focus on their family and their company.
There’s still time to witness the passion that the Gaineses bring to every project. Take one last tour with the pair as they transform depressed homes into majestic ones during the fifth and final season of “Fixer Upper,” which premieres Tuesday, Nov. 21, on HGTV.