𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮 𝗠𝗬 𝗨𝗡𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗡 ━━━━━ 𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗰 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗿.

037.

' FRI , NOV 2ND 1995. '
deathrow headquarters ⸻
los angeles, california !

      IN THE BUSTLING DRESSING ROOM at the deathrow headquarters, excitement runs through the air like an electric room. In all of the flurry of activity, I find myself in the familiarity and comfort of the dressing room, surrounded by racks of stunning outfits and busy makeup artists.

As I sit before the vanity mirror, the excitement of the night ahead courses through my veins. The room buzzes with energy as stylists turn around me, adding the final touches to my look for the evening. The gentle hum of chatter fills the air, a symphony of excitement and nerves.

It's my first time having my hair and makeup done for me but also my first red carpet ever, I need to make sure that I look perfect today, I'm nervous yet also excited at the exact same time. With each stroke of the makeup brush and every adjustment of a stray hair, I feel the weight of the momentous occasion sinking in. Tonight isn't just about attending an award show—it's about stepping into the spotlight with Tupac by my side, ready to share our relationship with the world.

Suge decided that since Tupac was making a first big public appearance at the soul hall of fame awards, it would make sense for me to join the red carpet with him as a way to reveal our relationship after the recent headlines that were sparked about Tupac's alleged "babymama".

Tha Dogg Pound had released their album Dogg Food a few days ago and it is receiving good reviews and attention, so in order to promote the album onwards Suge also suggested that they make an appearance at the award show that night alongside us, but we'd be the main pair from Deathrow to show up first.

"Suge, what are you suggesting?" I asked, my heart pounding with anticipation.

He leaned back in his chair, a sly grin playing on his lips. "I'm suggesting that you make a grand entrance with Tupac at the Soul Train Awards," he explained. "It's the perfect opportunity to show the world that you two are together, they already know about it all and if Tupac go by himself he gon' have everybody asking him questions."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness yet excitement at the thought of walking the red carpet with Tupac, following the way the press had caught word of our relationship, the spotlight would be bright and me not being in the public would be an easy target to step on.

"Are you sure about this, Suge?" I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

Suge nodded confidently. "Absolutely. This your moment, Sanai. Embrace it. It didn't go how you both wanted it to go, but when shit's bad we gotta do something, at least make it bearable."

As I slip into my gown, the fabric draping elegantly around me, I take a moment to collect my thoughts. Tonight marks a new chapter in my life, a moment of bravery and vulnerability as I prepare to announce my relationship with Tupac to the public, even if our relationship has been a main topic throughout the entire industry.

A main topic for radio stations, magazine and rap outlets all to talk about Tupac's son that nobody knew about, it's been taken as a big deal, especially since his release from jail attracted a lot of attention alongside his signing onto the industry's most successful rap label, Deathrow.

Not even just that alone. Recently, I've been getting random phone calls.

As the room grows louder, the ringing of the phone cuts through the lively atmosphere. I glance towards the telephone, its loud ringing echoing in the room my attention drawn to the ringing. I make my way to the phone, the sound of Zahir's giggles fading into the background. With each step, the ringing seems to grow louder, filling the room, I sigh tiredly.