Don Killuminati Release

Lore & Background

The album was completely finished in seven days during the first week of August 1996. These are some of the last songs Shakur recorded before he was shot on September 7, 1996. The album's preliminary title was 'The 3-Day Theory' and it originally consisted of around 14 tracks. Tupac wanted the album to be called Killuminati: The 7-Day Theory, with Makaveli the Don as the artist name. The album was originally set to be released in March 1997, but because of Tupac’s death, it was released four months early. The album's guest features were toned down dramatically compared to All Eyez on Me. Most of the guest verses are supplied by Shakur's Outlawz rap group. The only verse that was not from one of the Outlawz was from Bad Azz, a member of the LBC Crew.

Reader's Guide

The album features guest appearances from his rap group Outlawz and rapper Bad Azz, as well as R&B singers Aaron Hall, Danny Boy, K-Ci and JoJo, Val Young, and Tyrone Wrice, along with uncredited vocal contributions from reggae musician Prince Ital Joe. The album was primarily produced by Hurt-M-Badd and Darryl 'Big D' Harper, with Shakur co-producing four tracks. The only producer with whom Shakur had worked prior to this album was QD3. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 664,000 copies within its first week of release. By 1999, it was certified four times platinum by the RIAA. Singles include 'Toss It Up', 'To Live & Die in L.A.', and 'Hail Mary'. None of its singles charted within the Billboard Hot 100, but all charted within the top twenty of UK Singles chart.

Did You Know?

• The album was recorded at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana during July and August 1996, with 21 songs completed but only 12 making the final track listing.
• The album cover was done by Compton-based artist Ronald 'Riskie' Brent, known artistically as 'Riskie Forever.'
• The song 'Me and My Girlfriend' was inspired by the rapper Nas' song 'I Gave You Power.'