Words for My Comrades

“Words for My Comrades is elegant, incisive, and deeply considered. With Tupac’s political history as the focus, Dean Van Nguyen properly humanizes a man who reached mythical status long ago. An astounding achievement.” —Marcus J. Moore, author of High and Rising (A Book About De La Soul) “In a time in which having a rich relationship with the truth is especially vital, here comes Dean Van Nguyen. History is either a tool of the state or an outside screaming for freedom. Words for My Comrades is about freedom—it is freedom at work.” —Saeed Jones, award-winning author of How We Fight For Our Lives“In Words For My Comrades, Dean Van Nguyen deftly ties Tupac’s brilliant career with his anti-capitalist upbringing. A richly researched biography that honors his subject’s bold, deeply textured life and art.” —Walter Thompson-Hernández, author of The Compton Cowboys“Moves confidently…Fresh interpretations of a foundational hip-hop narrative.” —Kirkus Reviews“Music journalist Dean Van Nguyen paints a comprehensive portrait of Tupac Shakur—not just as the legendary rapper, but also as an artist existentially shaped by radical politics….As this bold biography makes evident, Shakur’s political conscience naturally informed the way he approached his art.” —Harper’s Bazaar“Words for My Comrades is a searing, essential corrective to the myth-making machine….reminding us that behind every platinum plaque might be a Panther’s ghost, still howling for justice.” —Monique Snyman, Bram Stoker-award nominated author of The Night Weaver

Dean Van Nguyen is a music journalist and cultural critic for Pitchfork, The Guardian, Bandcamp Daily, and Jacobin, among others. He is based in Dublin, Ireland.