News of June 7, 2014
Accidentally Recorded: The Phone Call with Sanyika Shakur (1995)
In October 1995, Tupac and Sanyika Shakur speak by phone. An answering machine accidentally records the call. In 2014, the recording is released.
Neither speaker knew that the answering machine was running. Sanyika’s wife had reportedly started the recording by accident. Vibe on June 7, 2014, and The Source the following day reported on the roughly 22 minutes: a phone conversation between Tupac and Sanyika Shakur, author of Monster (formerly known as Kody “Monster” Scott).
Two Men Fresh Out of Prison
According to Sanyika, the conversation took place on October 18, 1995. He had been released from Pelican Bay prison a few weeks earlier, Tupac just a few days prior.
Quad Studios and Voter Registration
In it, Tupac speaks about the Quad Studios robbery, his imprisonment, and the work on All Eyez On Me. He outlines plans for community programs in the neighborhoods, including voter registration. Sanyika released the file via Rap Radar, noting that Tupac sounded positive in it.
The authenticity rests on Sanyika’s account. Nevertheless, the recording captures Tupac’s drive immediately following his release. (Context on his role: Tupac and gangs; the album: All Eyez On Me).