DVD Reviews:  Biggie & Tupac

A provoking documentary by Nick Broomfield about the unsolved murder of rap’s biggest superstars Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.  This is fascinating viewing shown through a series of interviews and historic footage culminating into a compelling whodunit with some strong suspects highlighted.

Nick Broomfield makes a strong argument that the shootings of Tupac and Biggie was a conspiracy involving the LAPD, FBI and Death Row Records.  Not just a by-product of the mid nineties East Coast/West Coast rap war rivalry so epitomised by Death Row record owner Suge Knight and hated rival Puff Daddy Combs.  It is obvious that Biggie’s mother was instrumental in helping to get people to talk about this sensitive subject while Tupac’s colleagues seem much less reluctant to get involved.  The most fascinating character to evolve is that of Suge Knight who is portrayed as some kind of black Godfather, a man to be feared and respected.  It is hinted that Suge had a part in Tupac’s death in conjunction with the LAPD, Biggie was eliminated just to maintain the elaborate ruse of hiding the real perpetrators.  The LAPD come across as being more interested in keeping public confidence rather than seeking any truth in trying to solve the murders.  One gets the feeling that there is something rotten in Denmark and it’s not the fish.

DVD visual transfer is variable depending on the quality of archival footage at hand and is shown in a 4:3 full screen presentation.  Audio is in Dolby Digital 2.0 and is adequate considering the documentary format.  Music comes from Biggie Small’s previous rap hits, as it seems his side seeks the truth moreso than the holders of Tupac’s music rights.  Extras have some extended interviews with the usual suspects explored in the film and a director’s commentary.  The Suge interview while still in prison for assault is particularly harrowing.     

I must say the history of Compton, a black ghetto in LA and home to Suge and Tupac has claimed another victim recently in one of the Williams sisters.  Murder seems a way of life in this environment of black poverty fuelled with money and ego.  A highly recommended film to those fascinated by the darker reality of the music world and human nature.  As a fearful Snoop Dogg might say ‘murder was the case.’