"Before I Wake": Tupac's Former Bodyguard Frank Alexander Releases a Documentary

Frank Alexander, a former bodybuilder, ex-Marine, and Tupac’s personal bodyguard, has put his perspective on screen. As AllHipHop reported on February 2, 2002, he produced the documentary Before I Wake together with Xenon Pictures. The title comes from a children’s prayer. Tupac died before he truly woke up, Alexander explained.

Studio Footage and Photos from His Own Archive

The film shows previously unreleased footage of Tupac during the recording of the song Until the End of Time and photos from Alexander’s collection. In it, Alexander and others present new theories regarding the unsolved murder. He reported that he had shared shifts with four other bodyguards. He does not feel responsible for Tupac’s death, nor does Afeni Shakur blame him. He said he did not want to profit from Tupac’s death.

Fan reactions were divided: some praised the film for putting puzzle pieces together. Others accused Alexander of exploiting his former role and felt the documentary lacked balance. Xenon had previously featured hip-hop films such as Thug Immortal and Welcome to Death Row in its catalog.