Unexpected twist: Tupac Shakur alive and well
By Robert Spencer
For CNN.com
(CNN) Rap star Tupac Shakur appeared yesterday in Beverly Hills and casually strolled through the streets as if the rest of the world had forgotten his "murder" nearly nine years ago.
Almost out of thin air, famed rapper Tupac Shakur showed up yesterday afternoon at a shopping mall in Beverly Hills. Escorted by an entourage of some ten indivduals including ex-producer Suge Knight and fellow rapper Andre Young (aka Dr. Dre), Shakur began visiting the many high-end stores he once frequented during the peak of his fame in the mid-90s. He looked as if all was well while onlookers stared in disbelief at the "ghost" before them.
In a private conference held late last night, close friends of Shakur and a small handful of reporters were privy to information about his life since the 1996 incident.
When asked why he chose to mislead the world into thinking he was dead Shakur reflected for several seconds. "I never meant to hurt my fans or anyone else," Shakur said. "There were men out there that wanted my blood and the blood of those closest to me. I did this for them. It wasn't an easy decision for me, but it was a step I knew I had to take."
Tupac Shakur - 4/6/05
Tupac Shakur in Beverly Hills yesterday with long-time friend Suge Knight
According to family members and friends of the rap star, Shakur had been in hiding in the Columbian city of Cali under the assumed name of Jamal Millwood. This and other developments in the story have led many to begin investigating lyrics such as "I'm goin' back to Cali" that apparently foretold his disappearance in 1996.
It now appears that Shakur continued releasing album after album including "All Eyez On Me," "The 7 Day Theory," and "Resurrection" from that tropical location.
Conspiracy theories that abounded after the rap star's untimely death now appear confirmed. Tupac Shakur said he plans to continue the legacy he started. He said he looks forward to returning to the spotlight where he says he belongs. "I want to show all my enemies that you can't keep me down. Here I am - Resurrected," he said.
CNN Bureau Chief Aaron Nichols contributed to this report.
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