*Reddit users have dug up an undated letter written by Eminem to the mother of late rapper Tupac Shakur. He wrote a heartfelt note to Afeni Shakur some years after the rapper’s death, though it’s not entirely clear when.
Eminem has always cited Shakur as a musical influence, and has referenced his influence in several of his raps. In the letter, (which you can read below), Slim Shady credits Shakur for inspiring his career.
The one page letter, and the accompanying drawing of the iconic rapper, both appear in the 2008 book, “Tupac Remembered,” and are on display at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, located in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
In the letter, Eminem tells Afeni about the impact Tupac had on his life. “You have no idea how much your son and his music has inspired me, not only the “Hip Hop” world, but, speaking for myself, has inspired my whole career,” he writes.
“When I was feeling at my worst; (before fame, before Dre) I knew I could put that ‘Tupac’ tape in, and suddenly, things weren’t so bad,” he continues. “He gave me the courage to stand up and say ‘F**k the world!’ ‘This is who I am!’”
Eminem also apologizes for his above-average sketching skills. “Sorry if it looks a little sloppy, I could’ve done a little better if I had the right pencils,” he continues, adding that he began drawing at 10. “Instead, I had to draw it in pen.”
His respect for Afeni is endearing. “You are a true Queen, and I mean that in every sense of the word,” he adds. “I will never forget the opportunities you have given me. You will always be in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers.”
Eminem further proved his affection for ‘Pac with his 2003 MTV collaborative project, “Reconstructing Tupac,” where he produced soundtracks for the MTV film. “There’s a lot of things about Pac that stood out,” Eminem told MTV of the project at the time. “Personality. I guess no matter what color you was or where you came from, you felt like you could relate to him. He made you feel like you knew him. I think that honestly, Tupac was the greatest songwriter that ever lived.”
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