By Gobi - Foreword by Afeni Shakur Davis

This book is Gobi's way of honoring my son and sharing his experience. I thank you, Gobi, for being my son's friend. -- From the Foreword by Afeni Shakur Davis

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) - The world has been without him for nine years and yet his likeness continues to empower future generations with his movies, music and words. To date, his CDs, spoken word projects and movies total close to half-a-billion units combined.

In 1997, his mother, Afeni Shakur Davis, established The Tupac Amaru Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia, dedicating Tupac's legacy to youth. Earlier this year, Tupac's new album, containing previously unreleased songs entitled Loyal to the Game, debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts. An amazing array of rap artists read and rap Tupac's poetry on The Rose 2: Music Inspired By Tupac's Poetry, a tribute album created back in 2002.

Tupac Amaru Shakur's impact on urban and American pop culture during his lifetime and beyond his death is undeniable. Now in celebration of his life, music video director, photographer, and friend, Gobi, creates Thru My Eyes: Thoughts on Tupac Amaru Shakur in Pictures and Words (Atria Books; November 1, 2005; $19.95; ISBN: 0-7434-5700-5), an intimate color and black & white portfolio of 50 photographic images, and personal commentary highlighting the pop culture icon who is now a hip hop immortal. The book also includes a Foreword by Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur Davis.

These never-before-published pictures of the late music genius were captured during the last year of his life. Gobi's reflections on his friend - over the years they met until Tupac's dying day - compliment the humorous and candid photographs.

Through pictures and words, Gobi portrays Tupac in a light some fans may not be familiar with. Tupac had sincere appreciation for woman. Gobi's photos also reveal the nurturing relationship between Tupac and his closest posse, the Outlawz. "Photos taken on video and film sets underscore Pacs true work ethic," says Gobi. "Tupac could work twenty-two hours-a-day, raising the bar for everyone working alongside him. A true revolutionist, Tupac understood tomorrow was promised to no one."

In the final pages, Gobi also gives a narrative account of what it was like for him to sit vigil during the seven days in 1996 while Tupac remained hospitalized.

A portion of the author's proceeds will be donated to the Tupac Amaru Shakur foundation. Please visit the foundation's Web site at www.tasf.org


About The Author
Gobi's early experience working with Shakur on music videos - for 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted, How Do You Want It, and Hit Em Up - marked the beginning of what has become a successful career making motion and still pictures. Thru My Eyes is an act of gratitude and a loving tribute, showing the world and sharing with a legion of fellow fans the tremendous and positive impact Tupac Shakur had in his short life and his lasting legacy.

Gobi lives in Los Angeles. This is his first book. In March 2006, Gobi will direct Live 2 Tell, the only script written by Tupac. You may visit Gobi's Web site, www.justproductions.com for more information.