Book

Murder Rap

by Greg Kading

📖 Overview

Murder Rap details former LAPD Detective Greg Kading's investigation into the unsolved murders of rappers Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. in the 1990s. As the lead investigator on a special task force, Kading presents his findings from years of police work and interviews. The book chronicles the complex web of relationships between Death Row Records, Bad Boy Entertainment, and various gang affiliations that surrounded both murders. Through police records, witness statements, and confessions, Kading constructs a timeline of events leading up to and following the shootings. Kading examines the investigation's many obstacles, including departmental politics, witness reluctance, and the challenges of pursuing high-profile cold cases. His account provides insight into both the mechanics of homicide investigation and the inner workings of the 1990s hip-hop industry. The narrative raises questions about the intersection of entertainment, street crime, and law enforcement while highlighting how wealth and fame can complicate the pursuit of justice. It stands as both a true crime document and a snapshot of a pivotal moment in music history.

👀 Reviews

Readers appreciate Kading's methodical investigation and presentation of evidence, with many citing his firsthand experience as a LAPD detective lending credibility. Multiple reviews note the book offers clear timelines and documentation to support its conclusions about the murders. Positive reviews focus on: - Detailed police records and witness statements - Step-by-step breakdown of events - New information not previously published Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dry and technical - Some sections get bogged down in procedural details - A few readers question certain witness credibility Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (900+ ratings) "Finally a fact-based account rather than speculation" appears in multiple reviews. Several readers noted it reads "more like a police report than a story." One frequent criticism states "important information but needed a better editor to make it more engaging."

📚 Similar books

LAbyrinth by Randall Sullivan A detective's investigation into the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls reveals connections between Death Row Records, gang members, and LAPD officers.

Original Gangstas by Ben Westhoff The history of West Coast rap unfolds through accounts of N.W.A, Death Row Records, and the interconnected lives of Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Suge Knight.

Dead Presidents by Christopher Whalen The investigation of Miami's cocaine trade exposes links between street gangs, music industry figures, and unsolved hip-hop murders.

The Killing Season by Miles Corwin An LAPD homicide detective's account follows investigations into gang-related murders during the 1990s peak of Los Angeles street violence.

The Plot Against Hip Hop by Nelson George A security-professional-turned-investigator uncovers corruption between music industry executives, law enforcement, and criminal organizations while investigating a hip-hop historian's murder.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔍 Greg Kading, a former LAPD detective, spent three years as the lead investigator on the Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls murder cases. 🎵 The book reveals that Diddy (Sean Combs) allegedly offered $1 million for the murder of Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight. 📚 Many of Kading's conclusions are supported by recorded confessions from key players, including statements from Keffe D (Duane Keith Davis), who was allegedly involved in Tupac's murder. 🎬 The book was adapted into a documentary film titled "Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders" in 2015. ⚖️ After the book's publication, several law enforcement agencies reopened investigations into both murders, though no formal charges have been filed as of 2023.