Dear Mama

This is the best documentary on Tupac I’ve seen. It happens to also be about his incredible mother.

And it’s nearly 5 hours long (broken up into 5-parta) — see my review below if you want to watch the parts out of order.

Thanks to Jessica Zack for first pointing this docuseries out in her article “Why this filmmaker, assaulted by Tupac Shakur, still made documentary on legendary rapper” (San Francisco Chronicle).

Trailer for “Dear Mama”

Watch “Dear Mama”

You can watch XYZ on Hulu at https://www.hulu.com/series/dear-mama-61e513d4-488f-4b1f-b404-f8a33458fca8

You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/dear-mama

Ratings:

  • My Rating: 95/100
  • IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 95/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)

Release Date: April 21, 2023

My Review of “Dear Mama”

“Dear Mama” is the best documentary I’ve seen on Tupac.

Directed by Allen Hughes, this five-part docuseries dives into the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni Shakur. It’s not just a story; it’s an intimate exploration of their deep bond, set against a backdrop of social and political upheaval.

Part 1: “Panther Power”

We kick off with Afeni Shakur’s role as a leader in the Harlem Black Panthers.

Born Alice Faye Williams, Afeni’s transformation into a fierce activist is documented with rare archival footage and interviews.

She was arrested in 1969 as part of the Panther 21 and chose to represent herself in court, despite having no formal legal training. She cross-examined witnesses and exposed an FBI conspiracy, leading to her acquittal in May 1971. It’s a stunning testament to her intelligence and resilience.

They cover Tupac’s schooling.

I had no idea that he bounced around so much and lived and went to school near me!

Tupac was born in Brooklyn in 1971 and lived in Harlem and the Bronx during his early childhood.

He moved to Baltimore in 1984 where he attended Roland Park Middle School (1984-1985), Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (1985-1986), and the Baltimore School for the Arts (1986-1988).

Then he relocated to Marin City, California in 1988 where he attended Tamalpais High School (1988-1989) (just North of San Francisco)

He’s interviewed at 17 at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley ,

He finally moved to Oakland (my home town) in the early 1990s to pursue his music career.

I had no idea Tupac when to high school 30 miles from me!

We get rare footage of a teenage Tupac talking about his mother’s teachings. You can almost see the seeds of his future activism being planted.

Afeni’s strength and resilience left a deep mark on her son, setting the stage for his own battles against injustice.

Part 2: “Changes”

Next, we zoom in on Tupac’s early years in New York and Baltimore.

Archival footage shows Tupac Baltimore School for the Arts, where his raw talent and passion for the arts shine through.

The parallel between Afeni’s radical activism and Tupac’s disruptive art and celebrity is compelling.

Tupac’s collaborator Chopmaster J sums it up perfectly:

“For the government, there is nothing worse than a revolutionary having a voice like cinema or records.”

Afeni’s teachings on social justice and empowerment were deeply embedded in Tupac’s worldview, shaping his early music and public persona. Interviews with Tupac’s early collaborators and friends add rich context to his formative years.

Part 3: “Me Against the World”

Here’s where it gets personal. This episode delves into Afeni’s struggles with crack cocaine addiction. Tupac’s raw honesty comes through:

“My mama was a crack addict. I ended up in Baltimore on welfare with no lights on.”

The impact of Afeni’s addiction on their family dynamics is explored with sensitivity, showing the emotional and psychological toll it took on both of them.

This episode also covers Tupac’s move to Marin City, California, and his early music career, including joining Digital Underground.

Despite these challenges, the bond between Tupac and Afeni remains strong.

Their resilience and mutual support provide a nuanced view of their relationship, marked by both hardship and unwavering love.

Part 4: “Ambitionz Az a Ridah”

Tupac’s meteoric rise to fame and his career in music and film take center stage.

Interviews with key figures like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre offer firsthand accounts of Tupac’s influence and persona.

The series dives into his relationship with Death Row Records and Suge Knight, and the complexities and controversies that came with it.

Tupac’s legal troubles, including his 1993 arrest for assault and the 1994 sexual assault conviction, are laid bare.

The docuseries doesn’t shy away from these incidents but presents them with a balanced perspective, highlighting both the challenges Tupac faced and his resilience in overcoming them.

Emotional footage of Tupac performing “Dear Mama” live adds a powerful touch, capturing the dualities of his life.

Part 5: “Resurrection”

The final episode zeros in on Tupac’s legacy and impact on hip-hop culture.

It examines the parallels between Afeni’s activism and Tupac’s music.

It shows how their shared values and struggles shaped their contributions to social justice and artistic expression.

Reflections from family members and collaborators underscore Tupac’s lasting influence, emphasizing how his work continues to resonate with new generations.

Interviews with contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole highlight how Tupac’s music and message remain relevant today.

The episode also covers Afeni’s efforts to preserve Tupac’s legacy after his death, discussing her role in establishing the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation and her ongoing advocacy work.

It’s clear that both Tupac and Afeni’s contributions continue to inspire.

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc