Written by
Shakur, Tupac Amaru, American, 1971 - 1996
Date
August 26, 1995
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 10 1/2 × 8 in. (26.7 × 20.3 cm)
Description
A handwritten poem by Tupac Shakur to a woman identified as "Simi" while incarcerated at Clinton Correctional Facility in New York. The poem is written in blue ink on a single sheet of lined white looseleaf notebook paper. The title is written on the top line below the upper margin: [I'm Not Supposed 2 Want U.]. The line under the title is blank, followed by the poem, which comprises 15 lines. It begins [I'm not suppossed (sic) 2 want u, I really shouldn't try / Though my history is misery I refuse 2 pass u By]. Beneath the poem at right, written on a slant, is the signature: [FROM / 2PAC / Exclusively 4 Simi / Because it'z True!]. At left, handwritten in red ink is the date [Aug 26, 1995]. There are no marks or inscriptions on the verso.
Place made
Dannemora, Clinton County, New York, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Documents and Manuscripts
Type
poems
Topic
Hip-hop (Music)
Poetry
Prisons
Rappers (Musicians)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2020.27.6
Restrictions & Rights
© Estate of Tupac Shakur
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f74f9e28-5f06-4f97-8985-1fd65fa22914

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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