Yaasmyn Fula - Spirit of an Outlaw: The Untold Story of Tupac Amaru Shakur and Yaki Kadafi Fula

B e ar ded Dra go n

Books

LOS ANGELES

Photos and History by

Yaasmyn Fula

Foreward by Quincy Jones

Tpac Amaru II (revolutionary fighter from Peru and who Tupac was named after) and Tupac Amaru Shakur, two views. Drawing by Bradford Brown, ca 2000.

For all the kindred spirits in the world who toil in the darkness to save Mother Earth and all her creatures.

2020 by Yaasmyn Fula; all rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner (written, electronic, recording, photocopying, etc.) without written permission of the publisher or author. The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the publisher or author.

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.

Bearded Dragon Books, Los Angeles

For wholesale and other inquiries, visit SpiritofanOutlaw.com

Front Cover Photo: Yaasmyn Fula

Back Cover Photo: Chi Modu

Cover Design: AmeriCalifornia StudioWorks

Interior Layout: Lily J. Noonan

ISBN: 978-1733140003 (print), 978-1733140010 (digital)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019919206

Printed in United States of America

by Quincy Jones

from the author

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Contents

Author Yaasmyn Fula and Quincy Jones, Los Angeles.

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Foreward

B ack in 1995, in an effort to create bridges of peace amongst the hip-hop community, I hosted The Quincy Jones Hip-Hop Symposium in New York. My hope for the event and plea to the entire generation was to simply stop the violence. The lives of these kids were incredibly precious and they were too young and too smart to be caught up in the crossfire. I had Dr. Dre, Common, P. Diddy, Alan Kaye, Clarence Avant, Ed Lewis, and many more in attendance, and I also asked Colin Powell to speak, because I wanted the kids to hear from the people who had been there done that. Standing there in the conference room with all of those young faces staring up at me, with bright eyes full of unrealized potential, I couldnt help but get emotional when I spoke about the recent murder of Tupac (who would have been my soon-to-be son-in-law). All of the losses hurt, but that one hit close to home; the bullets were real, and I wanted the hip-hop community to wake up, because they couldnt afford to be non-political.

After the horrendous deaths of Tupac in September 1996 and Yaasmyn Fulas son, Yaki, in November 1996, we were all devastated. Back-to-back sorrow. During this time, my daughter, Kidada, suggested that I ask Yaasmyn to come work for me to help provide a space for Yaasmyn to get back on her feet. And man, Im telling you, it was as if the heavens brought us together.

My life was more hectic than usual at the timeI was in the middle of running my film and television production company; a record label; a magazine enterprise, Vibe; Q Radio; the Listen Up Foundation; home-building initiatives with Habitat for Humanity and South Africa; and more. Because of my high- paced life, I needed someone who had the fortitude to wear many hats. More importantly, I needed someone who understood the history of my company, had the ultimate organizational skills, and was willing to help get everything on track. That person was none other than Yaasmyn. This young lady had not only been with Tupac from birth, but was a positive influence his entire life, survived the Black Panther Party, managed his office, buried both sonsand was still standing! Those, in and of themselves, were incredible life credentials and she did not disappoint as she assumed her role in the office. In the midst of our sorrow and pain, we shared an emotional resurrection as we slowly but surely rebuilt the structure of not only my businesses, but our lives.

Without understanding the genesis of Tupac Amaru Shakur, his entire life is up for misinterpretation. His vision to end suffering and poverty was not a spur of the moment decision; it was embedded into his art and he was keenly aware of how music played a role in shaping culture. We had many discussions on this subject as I too shared with him my life story of growing up on the South Side of Chicago. I reminded him of the history of bebop, R&B, and the emergence of jazz and hip-hop as musical and artistic expressions of a dark period of racial hostility. Hip-hop was nothing new, but he brought something new to it.

Despite our generational differences, we shared a common purpose to reach people through the power of music. As a young kid, I had the great fortune of being mentored by a great deal of special individuals who took me under their wings, such as Clark Terry, Count Basie, Benny Carter, and Lionel Hampton. I wanted to pass the same wisdom that nurtured me as a young trumpeter on the road with great musicians, down to the likes of Tupac, in whom I had recognized a great deal of talent and potential. We talked about working together, and he first sampled a song from Body Heat to use on his album, All Eyez On Me . We had plans. His future was so bright. And beyond that, he had a great support system which Yaasmyn was undoubtedly the foundation of.

Having known Yaasmyn for so many years, I always knew she had a powerful story to tell, so it absolutely makes my soul smile to know that her heart, soul, and stories about the life of her and her precious sons have found their way onto these pages. All artists are outlaws in some way, shape, or form; were always breaking the rules, and if were not, were probably playing it too safe. Youve got to master the rules before you can break them! Tupac and Yaki left their mark on the world and I know that Yaasmyn will do their spirits justice as she shares their untold stories in Spirit of an Outlaw .

Quincy Jones

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T his is the story of the childhood bond between Tupac Amaru Shakur and Yafeu Yaki Kadafi Fula. Both sons of the social revolution in America in the 70s and 80s, they captured the hearts and souls of a generation and continue to have a global presence.

What has been written by others belies the truth of their special bond, trivializing it as mere friends. This book unveils their lifelong brotherhood and the adoration shared by each since childhood. It is also a testimonial to the power of love and the profound effect Tupac and Yaki had upon the lives of so many. Their story has all the attributes of a modern-day Shakespearean tragedyloyalty, kinship, courage, and betrayal.