Billy Garland, the father of the legendary rapper 2Pac, recently opened up about his feelings regarding the controversial lyrics in his son’s iconic song “Dear Mama,” which was released back in 1995. In a candid interview on The Art of Dialogue, Garland expressed his initial disappointment at being labeled a “coward” in the song. However, as he delved deeper into the meaning behind the lyrics, he gained a profound understanding and appreciation for the artistic expression.
“At first, I was upset ’cause I’m trying to see you,” he said. “But then it hit me! One, I ain’t dead and so you really didn’t know ’cause if you would’ve known me then you would’ve known that I wasn’t dead. So I knew there that someone had lied to him from that point.”
Garland continued to reflect on his evolving perspective, acknowledging the deeper meaning and emotional truth embedded within 2Pac’s words. “And so later on when I found that out that someone did lie to him, that song made perfectly good sense. I understood it totally. When I hear it now, I laugh. I still love the fucking record. I love it, I do. I think it’s beautiful. I love all his music, though. I listen to his music daily — every freaking day, and I like it.”
The interview also provided a glimpse into the complex father-son relationship between Garland and 2Pac. As a father, Garland witnessed his son’s meteoric rise to fame, which came with a heavy price. He observed the impact of celebrity status on 2Pac’s ability to lead a normal life, expressing his empathetic understanding. “I look in the videos and where he goes and I see him with the autographs, and I said, ‘That’s a different world,’” he said. “He could never be an individual that could relax in society, like he said he wanted to. He said, ‘Pops, I want to go home and watch TV but I know I can’t.’ He would tell me these things.”
In addition to his personal reflections, Garland also expressed his disappointment with the portrayal of his family in Hulu’s documentary series, “Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur.” He voiced his concerns over being misled by director Allen Hughes during their interview, highlighting the importance of accurate storytelling. Furthermore, Garland conveyed his discontent with the suggestion that his son may have been bipolar, as it deeply saddened him to witness such a portrayal.
Through his candid remarks, Billy Garland offered a poignant and expanded understanding of the emotions and experiences surrounding his relationship with 2Pac. His journey of acceptance and appreciation for his son’s artistic expression serves as a testament to the profound impact of music and the complexities of fatherhood in the face of fame.