Suge Knight is speaking out from prison with a shocking claim: Tupac Shakur’s ashes were smoked by his closest friends after a private memorial service held by his mother, Afeni Shakur. The former Death Row Records boss made the revelation in a phone interview with PEOPLE, recalling what he witnessed following the rapper’s death in 1996.
“They Smoked Him”: Suge Knight Says Tribute Was Symbolic
Knight explained that Tupac was cremated immediately after his death on September 13, 1996, following a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. According to Suge, a private memorial was arranged by Tupac’s mother, where loved ones gathered to grieve—and honor him in a way that stunned many.“His homies rolled him up. They smoked him,” Knight said. “You gotta understand, that’s what made sense. It was symbolic. It’s like… you keep part of him.”
Knight claimed he was on probation at the time and didn’t join in, but confirmed the ashes were passed around the room during the gathering. He also said he paid $1 million in cash to have Tupac cremated quickly and privately.
The History Behind the Tribute Rumor
This story echoes earlier claims made by members of Tupac’s rap group, The Outlawz, who also said they smoked his ashes during a tribute. Now, with Suge Knight confirming it from his perspective, the story gains even more attention.
Skeptics have long debated the accuracy of the claim, but Knight insists it was “real” and a true reflection of the bond Tupac shared with his inner circle. Whether viewed as bizarre or deeply symbolic, it adds to the mythology surrounding Tupac’s legacy.
Where Is Suge Knight Now?
Suge Knight is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California. In 2018, he pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter following a 2015 fatal hit-and-run. Despite being incarcerated, he has continued to speak out on major moments from his past—including his close friendship with Tupac Shakur.
