2Pac's Dad Billy Garland: Pac Was Never a Blood, But He Felt Like One at Death Row (Part 14)

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Billy Garland, Tupac Shakur's father, discussed the late rapper's affiliation with gangs during his time at Death Row Records. Garland emphasized that Tupac was never officially a member of the Bloods, despite the perception that he was closely tied to them. This was largely due to the intense media portrayal and the notorious East Coast-West Coast rivalry that was often sensationalized by outlets like Vibe magazine. Garland explained that the feud between Death Row and Bad Boy Records was fueled more by corporate competition than any true coastal beef. During this tumultuous period, Tupac felt compelled to take sides due to his environment, though he remained focused on larger issues, often speaking to broader societal injustices. Garland recalled the tension between rival gangs and how that further complicated the politics surrounding Tupac's career and personal affiliations, casting a shadow over his true intentions and impact as a cultural icon.