Image via Complex Original
Eighteen years is a long time to hold out hope for anything, but don’t tell that to diehard 2Pac fans. Since his tragic death 18 years ago today on September 13, 1996 (yes, he died on the anniversary of Biggie's Ready To Die), friends, fans, spectators and even those involved in the case have challenged whether Tupac Amaru Shakur actually died after being gunned down seven days prior. Is the iconic rapper now ashes on a North Carolina farm? Or is he cooling in Cuba rocking cornrows and tossing back double cups of Thug’s Passion? Most conspiracy theorist and go-hard Makaveli fans will say it’s something closer to the latter.
Over the years, there has been some "evidence" brought forth that might convince you Pac is still alive and thugging at 43. Adding to speculation are the times he’s been “spotted” by wishful fans. It seems like every few years “Tupac” is photographed out in public or seen lurking in the shadows of some music video. Because, you know, the best way to hide something is out in the open. No matter how hilariously off some of these sightings are, they still add fuel to the fire of Pac being back. Even though we're all sure he’s dead...right?
Let “Pac is alive” enthusiasts tell it, here’s 10 times the legendary rapper has been spotted just bicking back being bool since his death nearly two decades ago. 2Pac back!
Written by C. Vernon Coleman II
Kicking it with the Homies (2004)
If the homies call, apparently, Pac still comes running. Even at the expense of exposing that he is still alive. In 2004, cameras captured footage of the “All Eyes on Me” rapper standing in a parking lot happily chopping it up with a group of friends.
Rocking Out In Chillo's “Amsterdam to L.A.” Video (2006)
In 2006, little known Amsterdam rapper Chillo dropped an eerie black-and-white video for his song “Amsterdam to L.A.” featuring 2Pac. The former Death Row rapper has a few cameos in the clip sparking a bit of controversy. The Dutch rapper later confirmed the video was filmed in 2006 and not 1996 as the clip denotes. But he said it was indeed Pac in the video, telling one message board member who questioned the authenticity, “It is 2pac but I cannot say more …sorry.” Apparently Shakur still gets around.
Cooling at the I AM Music Tour (2009)
There are always arguments about what rappers 2Pac would rock with if he was still here. Well, ponder no more. It appears Pac is a huge Lil Wayne fan. In 2009, he came out of hiding to pop through Weezy’s I Am Music Tour. Instead of playing the cut, Pac walked among the crowd as they watch in awe.
Throwing Back Frozen Drinks in New Orleans (2009)
Thugs get lonely too. In 2009, Pac was spotted in New Orleans hitting up Bourbon Street, get shmacked, and chasing tail. He ended up throwing back Hand Grenades and puffing Newports at a bar in the French Quarter where his image was taken by a TMZ photog.
Playing the Background in Music Video (2011)
Music was life for 2Pac. So much so, that even though he is supposed to be playing it low-key, he can’t help but to show up to random video shoots and mingle in the background. A fan singled him out in this video from three years ago.
Getting Arrested in Las Vegas (2012)
While everyone thinks Shakur is living in obscurity in another country, he might have never left Las Vegas, the city where he was shot and killed. In this Cops clip, it appears Pac just took up residence in the hood in LV and tried to continue life as a regular citizen. A regular citizen who looks to be on the cusp of begging for change on the freeway. He would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for those pesky reality show cameras.
Living in Sweden and Being Schizophrenic (2012)
Hey, a lot can change in 16 years. And if one 2Pac fan is correct, the legendary rapper has fallen on hard times. According to this video, as of 2012, Pac was living in Sweden and suffering from schizophrenia. And apparently he's grown to resemble Donnell Rawlings (Ashy Larry) in recent years.
Hiding in the Outlawz “Thug Life 2013” Video (2013)
In 2013, Pac's affiliates Outlawz dropped a video for the 2Pac-assisted single “Thug Life 2013.” When we say Tupac-assisted single, we mean Pac was actually in the video, according to one fan. After analyzing the footage, YouTube member "Tupac Amaru Shakur" noticed the “Hit ‘Em Up” rapper chilling in the background after adjusting the picture on his screen.
Photobombing Fab at the 2014 BET Awards (2014)
The last place you would expect a low-profile Pac to be is at a shindig full of celebrities, some of whom he personally had a working relationship with in the past. But there he was, at the 2014 BET Awards chilling, bandana’d down among the movers and shakers. He even snuck into a photo Fab was taking with his baby momma. (Photo)bomb first?
Watching the Celtics Play the Warriors (2014)
Afeni’s son got real bold earlier this year when he showed up to a Boston Celtics versus Golden State Warriors game and tried to watch the contest inconspicuously. Not a chance. After he was noticed, fans began to chant, “Let’s Go 2Pac!” and the rap icon obliged by throwing up the W and passing out pounds. Straight ballin'.