Let’s Talk About It: Tupac Shakur; More Than the Music by Desiree Carpenter Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Synopsis

Safe space conversations can be the foundations to build bridges between our differences of race, culture, social issues, and all things that affect everyday people. This workbook is intended to help professors and other educators, public leaders, non-profits, community organizers, and the public interested in having the dialogues that can bring about community growth and positive change.

Each chapter contains a Tupac song that we will break down and discuss through conversation and questions. The chapters begin and end with relatable quotes by prolific writers from, Tzu Sun, St. Augustine, and Harriet Tubman to Jay Z, Beyonce, KRS One, Meek Mill and Barack Obama. These quotes are intended to spark our brains into thinking of things greater than ourselves. The challenge would be to ask ourselves, “Why did this person say this?” and “Did it need to be said at all?” What were the conditions that would drive someone to say something so profound?

The goal is to encourage heartfelt dialogue between people from different communities and perspectives that is challenging yet inviting.

Professors and group leaders can use this tool to guide these deep and at times very uncomfortable conversations and differences of opinion in safe space atmospheres without the fear of backlash due to the perception of a position. Incorporating hip-hop lyrics from an artist such as Tupac can aid in the growth of what we have in common and better understand what we don’t have in common in a more meaningful way.

The Review

This was an insightful and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of balancing the musical component of Tupac Shakur’s lyrics with the artist’s words’ impact on the world as a whole. The idea of using Tupac’s music as a way of connecting us all was such an inspired idea, as the music found in these pages and the lyrics that go with each song made the reader stop to not only appreciate the music but genuinely reflect on what each of the lyrics meant overall.

One example of a song that stood out to me was Better Dayz, which spoke of the value of friendship, the struggles communities face, and the need to keep one’s faith in a brighter and better tomorrow in the face of true adversity. The author connected the lyrics by showcasing how the song was meant to be viewed, as a communication between two friends, and by analyzing the lyrics to show the more profound meaning readers can feel and hold onto emotionally and mentally.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author Desiree Carpenter’s “Let’s Talk About It” is a must-read nonfiction and social book. The deep and impactful lyrics and how they speak to the need to bridge the gap between people of different backgrounds made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10