Jeff Pearlman

Jeff Pearlman, a bestselling author and journalist renowned for his in-depth biographies, dives deep into the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur. He discusses the unique challenges of capturing Tupac's story as a white writer and contrasts 90s rap with today’s hip-hop. Their conversation touches on Tupac's dual passions for music and acting, the authenticity of his gangster persona, and the tragic details surrounding his death. Pearlman even reconnects a real-life inspiration from Tupac's poignant song, 'Brenda's Got a Baby,' adding layers to the legend.

Bill Janovitz, a musician and author, explores the intriguing history of The Cars, delving into their rise from a Boston demo to MTV stardom, and the dynamics that led to their breakup. He highlights the essential roles of members like Rick Ocasek and Ben Orr. Meanwhile, Jeff Pearlman discusses Tupac Shakur's profound yet tragic life, focusing on his complex relationships, the influence of his mother Afeni, and the harrowing details of his untimely death. Both guests showcase how greatness often intertwines with personal struggles.

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.

Here's a short clip from our interview with Jeff Pearlman, the best-selling author whose latest book is "Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives Of Tupac Shakur." In this preview clip of the full interview on Friday, Pearlman discusses what he sees as the best avenue to sell a sports book in 2025. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff Pearlman, a veteran sportswriter and bestselling biographer, delves into the complex life of Tupac Shakur, revealing the deep intergenerational trauma that shaped him. He highlights Tupac's background as a theater kid, his dynamic relationship with his mother Afeni, and how her struggles influenced his worldview. Pearlman brings attention to Tupac's political awareness and artistic talent, exploring his impact on music and film. Ultimately, he paints Tupac as a flawed yet heroic figure who remains relevant in discussions about race and justice.