Marlon Wayans Says 2pac "Wasn't Real Gangster, But He Acted Gangster"

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Marlon Wayans reflects on 2pac and Biggie, both of whom he saw an hour before they were killed.

 Marlon Wayans showed up on ESPN's Numbers Never Lie series hosted by Michael Smith and Jemele Hill to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the 1994 film "Above The Rim" which found Wayans co-starring with the late 2pac. Wayans, who saw 2pac an hour before his untimely death, reflected on his time spent with Pac.

“Me and Pac had a great relationship,” Wayans said. “You know what was great about Pac? Everybody think he was this thug, this gangster. First of all, he was a performance high school kid. Pac was very smart and he was very silly. He was a clown," says Wayans. "He wasn’t real gangster but he acted gangster. He was a method actor, so he went a little too far. He was like, ‘Oh, I’ll shoot you!’ Pow! He’d really shoot you. He’d overcommit. I could tell he wasn’t a gangster because he had the softest hands. No gangster has hands [like that], I call him a Palmolive thug. He’d be like, ‘Come here, you want some of this,’ and then he’d give you this gentle hand. It was soft. Then he had these long eyelashes looking like [Mr.] Snuffleupagus, just like, ‘You don’t want none of this. I’m thug!’"

Pac, of course, was murdered not too long after the film wrapped. But where does Marlon Wayans see 2pac if he was alive today?

“I think he would have matured at this point to be the leader that I think this generation could use in a lot of ways because he was that,” Wayans said, once again making reference to Pac's gangster persona. “I think Pac was about to come to his come-to-Jesus moment where he actually became the philanthropist and the teacher that he honestly could have and should have been. He was an amazing dude. He was a well-rounded dude. He’s missed. And he was silly. We had a lot of fun. We laughed a lot.”

Interestingly enough, Wayans was with Biggie and Pac each an hour before their respective untimely demises. However, Wayans remembers when the two legendary rivals had a different relationship.

“I saw Biggie and Pac perform together,” Wayans said. “But before that. Okay, so Pac, the night he died, I saw him. Me and Omar Epps who I went to school with...I was with them. I was with my best friends. So we saw 'Pac standing outside of the Luxor. So we went on over to say what’s up and Suge [Knight] was there. Omar was like, ‘Yo I’m gonna go say what’s up.’ I was like, ‘Hey Pac!’ from far away. I was like, ‘Mmhmm.’ He had all these thugs with him. So we went over, shook his hand, said, ‘What’s up,’ gave him love. We got in a cab, went off. Pac looked at us, and then he went in the car that he wound up getting shot."

Sounds like Wayan and Pac were close, but do you believe his claims that the whole "gangster image" Pac was renowned for was all just a front? Share with us your thoughts!

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Marlon Wayans Says 2pac "Wasn't Real Gangster, But He Acted Gangster"
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Comments65
Trilla SkeletorTrilla Skeletor
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well Tupac did say his first passion was acting so....maybe it really all was just an act. if it was then he most definitely played the role extraordinarily well
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
this nigga was with both Pac and B.I.G. an hour before they got murdered? that's suspect. I bet he played a part in the murders, fuck this nigga.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
God-Ova-EverythingGod-Ova-Everything
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PAC was mostly in it for the marketing but overall PAC was a great man, toward the end of his career n life he was getting closer to god n he was changing n maturing he jus didn't get to his full potential of being a philanthropist
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
CRdinhoCRdinho
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Well, it's the truth. And he died because he fucked with the wrong gangbangers in LA.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
HYPAHYPA
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i believe he posed to get word across. You cant reach people who think you wouldnt understand unless you're in their position. But then again all the knowledge he preached doesn't come with pretending.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Young Thug Life
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
bwellerrbwellerr
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I don't know what the fuck everyone is talking about, just look at the shit Pac did and you know he was a real gangster. Just because he wasn't dumb as fuck or wasn't down with any gang doesn't mean he wasn't a g. "He wasnâ€Â™t real gangster but he acted gangster. He was a method actor" fuck that lying ass nigga
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
stress45stress45
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hes more of a gangster then any of these other millionaire rappers its really hard to maintain to be a gangster if you have millions in the bank but really he keep it solid even having fame and mills hard to come across nowadays rappers acting gangster when they are clearly not and just rich story tellers ...
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
BeanTownDynastyBeanTownDynasty
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Pac was the true definition of the word. Marlon you trippin
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Benjamin MF KingBenjamin MF King
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This is true. I truely think Pac was trying to change this fucked up generation we are in now...the only way to do so was to connect with the gen he was in. Thats why he created the thug life persona
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
man that nigga never thought twice about standing up for what he believed in. Pac is what all these other rappers & entertainers today aspire to be but they're to afraid to stand up and do the right thing. Pac never sold out. if that ain't gangster than I don't know what is. R.I.P. 2Pac
1 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Barnabus StinsonBarnabus Stinson
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Pac needs to come back already we need him to change this generation
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
EW2003EW2003
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I'm 29 and I grew up in the era where Tupac and Biggie took over television. I think Pac was a good dude by heart but when a person is surrounded by real G's then soon or later it takes a toll on a good person. The dude been through a lot with his mother being a fiend, incarcerated, father not around, staying with different ppl, getting shot, claimed to rape a woman, seeing poverty, hanging with the wrong crowd, etc.. Y'all see my point... Lets not forget that the dude did shoot a cop..
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Tony MontanaTony Montana
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Kanye West lookin' ass nigga.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
JLambPoetJLambPoet
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Um.... Pause.......? This man went a little to far talking about the softness of another mans hands, joking or not.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
kushnforpushinkushnforpushin
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Fuck that nigga. 2Pac was the most realest rapper ever.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Trilla GokuTrilla Goku
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Wtf...
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
lol 2pac aint shit, sosa is a gangsta tell me otherwise
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
The Original GOATThe Original GOAT
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Its funny how most of you niggas get mad about something he said when he knew pac most of you niggas were some kids not evem born yet and think they knew him lmao
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
The ShapeThe Shape
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Na my niggas I don't believe that, this nigga saying just because he was "silly" and a good person at heart he wasn't a G but just acting like one? That's nonsense, I get he was into acting in high school but just because you a g doesn't mean your an evil shit bag trying to rob and shoot everybody you see, and not only that Shock G (somebody who was just as close to Pac) made it clear Pac aint play no games and I seen footage of Pac beating the shit out of Orlando Anderson as well. R.I.P Pac
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Jefftc14Jefftc14
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so much butt hurt, with so little understanding of life
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
smashoutKINGsmashoutKING
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I never seen Pac as a gangsta. Outside the music everybody said he was good smart dude & silly. He was in his prime at that time
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
the gamethe game
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you dont gotta gang bang to be gangster. And for those of you who thought he was putting up a front go look up what thug actually means and you'll see what he was
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Doc NiceDoc Nice
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anyone who listened to pac knew what his definition of thug was
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Shit Just Got RealShit Just Got Real
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As much as I respect Pac I never thought he was a gangsta because his younger interviews he wasn't gangsta at all and he was in performing arts and was into drama and just seemed like a real nice guy I wouldn't say Pac was a gangsta id just say he was influenced to act like that because of people like suge but Pac was defently a real nigga he wasn't afraid to talk about real issues and real shit other rappers were afraid to talk about
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Trilla PiccoloTrilla Piccolo
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It doesnt matter if Pac was a gangsta or not. Either way the brotha made music that will last forever.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Rajah DajahRajah Dajah
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All Pac wanted was for somebody to listen to the shit he was saying and get inspired to do something about the fucked up streets. He wanted to raise soldiers through his music, people that care, so he educated them on what really goes on in the streets. Not all of his stories were personal experiences but stories he's heard and witnessed. He never fronted as a "gangster". He never even slapped the label "gangster rap" on his music. At the end of the day his biggest wish was for shit to change.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Okay guys, you all knew 2Pac in real life and he didn't LMAO. Fuck niggaz on these comments acting like they knew Pac personally when Marlon actually frequently worked with him when he was alive SMH
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
K.O.K.O.
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Idk why it matters to y'all if he was or not. What u gonna lose respect just cause he wasn't a gangsta? He was still a hell of a rapper who could tell stories with his music.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Dee KayDee Kay
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And I will never watch anything with this nigga in it again.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
I hope y'all ain't getting upset about this person's perspective who was an *ACTUALLY* friend of Tupac, when a good bit of y'all niggas commenting were like 4-12 (like myself) when Pac died & had no personal relationship with him.. Defending his music or what you believe he stood for is one thing, but y'all can't get mad at this..
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
FreskoFresko
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he's right tho
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
LocoBoyLocoBoy
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i wonder if Marlon Wayans knows what a gangster is, apparently nope
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Blue YetiBlue Yeti
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PAUSE for half of wat dis nigga said, he really started talking about his soft hands and eyelashes TF
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
There is no questioning weather soulja a real skreet nigga or not. Nigga be in the skreets foreal. Fuck niggas know I got that sack, fuck this rap shit
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
SamSam
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Pac was a real nigga not a gangster. There is a difference people.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
reneerozayreneerozay
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In 2014 this is or should be common knowledge. There are countless documentaries and articles stating this. Yes he went to a performance arts school (think he was classmates with will smith wife) tupac has stated that prior to his rap career he was never arrested. You can look at his music and tell he wasn't a thug. He rapped about social ills of the urban black community and tried to uplift and empower his people. What thug does that?
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Essj_caliEssj_cali
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Let the man rest in peace
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Essj_caliEssj_cali
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Everybody wanna start saying this shit now, but was scared to say it when he was alive
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Nigga STFUNigga STFU
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PAC was a performer and entertainer just like every single other rapper... If you think you see the real them through their music you are just ignorant
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Idk if i should dislike or like this post lol
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Lil WayneLil Wayne
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I've been saying this for the only minute pac is the man but this 100% true
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
lol he's not really gangster he will just over-commit and shoot your ass? sounds like Marlon Wayans is being Tupac's lawyer in court or something, saying he was just pretending to be gangsta by committing crimes. smh
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Lets keep it 100, Pac even said he wasn't a thug or gangsta, the industry made him like that...
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
I like how Marlon says Pac's not a G cause he liked acting and had soft hands, that's fuckin stupid, but regardless of whether he's real or not to ppl, he's still one of the greats and made some of the best music I've ever heard PERIOD so I respect PAC just for that, fuck what his image was
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
DjKingstaDesignDjKingstaDesign
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pac wasn't no gangsta , pac was a soldier
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
CoolKidCoolKid
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I dunno what a real gangsta is, but Pac,straight up, was a real nigga. He would do anythin' and say whatever he gotta say.never chicken out !!! R.I.P
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Austin Jones 2.0Austin Jones 2.0
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Not surprised by this.
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
HDYoungSG03HDYoungSG03
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Look marylon jus sayin this cause him n PAC was friends but ask those two cops PAC shot if he a g bet they say yea. PAC was a g he was jus a stand up nigga too
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
SoLoDMusicSoLoDMusic
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"Dear Lord can ya save me The whole world then MAde a nigga crazzzzzy"- 2pac
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
SoLoDMusicSoLoDMusic
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"I Started out as a beginner- Entered the Criminal lifestyle became a sinner- I made my money and vacate- Evade Prison- went from the Chosen 1 to Outkast Unforgiven" - 2Pac
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
pac was literally a true example of a human being we are all actors in some situations but at least he had a good cause
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
SongDesignerSongDesigner
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Tupac was a G... for Genius
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Steph currys elbowSteph currys elbow
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If you a famous rapper stay away from marlon wayans you goin die in an hour lol
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
gangsta or not pac spoke the truth and he didn't care how it came out. Plus the dude wasn't afraid of anyone... beefing with dudes like Haitian jack, king tut, and jimmy henchman back in the 90s would get a person killed and he honestly didn't give a fuck. Pac was real he just knew the gangsta image would sell more records back then. Either way rest in peace to one of the greatest to pick up a mic
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
applejuice killaapplejuice killa
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i respect women
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
menaceIIsocietymenaceIIsociety
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I'm proud to say I grew up in the Pac & Biggie era... Remember their deaths like it was yesterday! #TrueNiggas
0 0ReplyApril 13, 2014
Nicolas ConroyNicolas Conroy
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only dis nigga would realize how soft a niggas hands is... smh thats suspect as fuck #mafia
0 0ReplyApril 14, 2014
realguttarealgutta
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Marlon is a clown ass nigga that wears feminine clothing. He knows Pac would definitely be speaking against that if he was alive. He is incorrect about Pac. Pac knew how to move among the element he was around. His cousin is Chaz Williams notorious bank robber lol. Pac is from the Bronx 1st , then he has his upbringing in Baltimore which wasn't so rosey. Pac shot off duty police officers in defense of an unarmed black man. If that ain't gangster what is?
0 0ReplyApril 14, 2014
Big CeeBig Cee
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All this iz comin from a man who kisses his brother openly on tv... Smmfh
0 0ReplyApril 14, 2014
2pacalypse2pacalypse
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This is what 2pac was, he openly acknowledged he took on the THUG persona so as to represent to white america what was happening in the inner city
0 0ReplyApril 14, 2014
TrillmaticTrillmatic
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maybe cause im on a hip hop site but ya acting like being a gangster is a good thing is that what ya really want to be in your life ya talking being a thug and a gangster as heroes when im pretty real gangster dont see themsleves so highly like ya do
0 0ReplyApril 14, 2014
Black Belt JonesBlack Belt Jones
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SMH. 2pac, meaning of thug wasn't totally different. "The life one must lead in order to rise through the everyday struggle"; understood by those "in the know" and misunderstood by all others. How many times, have 2pac explained his new meaning to "ThugLife" ? You niggas are not real fans.
0 0ReplyApril 15, 2014
Yung C123Yung C123
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Man he was not disrespectin Pac, he was sayin he wasn't no dumb thug man... He's not sayin Pac wasn't black or from the streets... He had vision, beyond the stupidity that was bein a gangsta
0 0ReplyApril 16, 2014
Hazy407MovementHazy407Movement
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I see what he is trying to say. I dont care abou that thug shit anyways. Real "thugs" dont have that artistic ability anyways. Plus he was obviously smarter than that. He was a thug in the prospective of being real and a strong person. But that street bs obviously he didnt want that shit forever.
0 0ReplyJune 05, 2014