Sports Media with Richard Deitsch Best-selling sports writer Jeff Pearlman on why he wrote a book on Tupac Shakur
Nov 10, 2025
Join best-selling author Jeff Pearlman, renowned for his in-depth explorations of sports and culture. In this engaging conversation, Pearlman shares his compelling three-year journey writing about Tupac Shakur, detailing the challenge of interviewing nearly 700 people and confronting criticism as a white author telling Tupac's story. He reflects on how the book reignited a powerful reunion for the family featured in 'Brenda’s Got a Baby.' Pearlman also ponders what Tupac might be doing today and discusses the evolving landscape of sports nostalgia in writing.
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Why He Took On The Tupac Project
- Jeff Pearlman chose Tupac because no one else was committing to the book and he felt the story deserved deep reporting.
- He acknowledged skepticism about a white sportswriter tackling a cultural icon but committed fully to the project.
Antagonism Stemmed From Author Identity
- Pearlman received skepticism because he's a white sportswriter writing about a Black cultural icon, and critics saw that as presumptuous.
- He argues thorough, honest reporting — including tough subjects — is necessary and will draw scrutiny regardless of author identity.
Make The Extra Call And Travel
- Pearlman emphasized relentless reporting and being willing to travel long distances to interview sources.
- He noted that travel and reporting costs come out of the author's advance, so plan budgets accordingly.
