Legendary hip-hop group Run DMC member Darryl McDaniels recently revealed that they narrowly escaped being involved in the same car on the night Tupac Shakur was shot. However, a last-minute wardrobe dilemma from Jam Master Jay ultimately saved the group.
Flashback To 1996
In a recent interview, Darryl McDaniels, known as DMC, shared the chilling details of how they were supposed to ride with Tupac and Suge Knight to the Mike Tyson fight afterparty. He began his recollection by stating:
“I remember the night ‘Pac died. We was hired by 662 to perform at the afterparty for the Tyson fight. This was when the Luxor was new. It was fly shit. So I’ll never forget, Suge Knight brought us there, paid for everything. We was hired for entertainment. So, we get a call, it’s Suge. This a funny Jay story. ‘Yo, me and ‘Pac coming to get y’all. You’re gonna ride to the fight with us.’ ‘Cause remember, who was in the BMW 750iL with them? Nobody was in the backseat. Me, Run and Jay was supposed to be in that backseat. He calls him up and says, “Yo, I’m coming to get y’all. We want y’all to ride to the fight with us.’”
The Dodged Bullet
Ultimately, Darryl explained that Jam Master Jay was the only reason they were not involved on the night of September 7, 1996.
Darryl continued stating:
“ Eric, my manager says, ‘Y’all go ahead without us. Suge says, “Why, what’s the problem?’ ‘Jay’s getting dressed.’ ‘Huh, what you talking about?’ When Jay would get dressed, Jay would have all his clothes out there. It’s worse than your wife or girl getting dressed. The reason why we ain’t ride to the fight with ‘Pac is ’cause Jay was getting dressed. Jay would spend hours. It would be a fashion show. Jay’s getting dressed. We say, ‘We’ll meet y’all at the afterparty.’ We get to the afterparty, Hammer’s there, the whole crew, everybody’s there, Mel Man, everybody’s there. “So we in the club waiting for the fight to end, all of a sudden one dude comes in. It’s about 100 people in there — they all leave. Empty cup, music off. A guy comes in with a briefcase. It’s me, Run and Jay. Everybody leaves. Guy comes with a briefcase, puts the briefcase on the table. Opens it up, it’s all cash. $200,000 cash there. ‘Y’all getting paid tonight, just no show. Go home.’ We didn’t know what was going on.”
The group later learned that they were paid a significant amount of money as a no-show for the afterparty, a cash exchange that now seemed suspicious in hindsight. He stated:
“So next morning, I had an afternoon flight. I’m in the gym on the treadmill and then CNN — ‘Last night in Vegas, 2Pac got shot.’ Like, ‘Oh shit, that’s why that happened.’”
Legal Battles & Exposés
On a somber note, the murder case tied to Tupac Shakur has resurfaced, with Duane “Keefe D” Davis standing trial. In September 2023, Davis was charged with the murder of Tupac Shakur, in which Davis has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
This trial date comes after recent developments and confessions related to Tupac’s death.
In addition, Suge Knight, known for his connection to the Tupac shooting, has launched a podcast, Collect Calls With Suge Knight. In one episode, Knight denied any ill feelings towards the accused shooter, Orlando Anderson, emphasizing that Anderson was not the actual shooter and had supported Knight during his legal proceedings.
Run DMC In A Brighter Light
In more positive news, Run DMC, along with Roxanne Shante and other influential figures, is set to be inducted into the National Hip Hop Museum Hall.
This recognition comes as the hip-hop community celebrates the 50th anniversary of the genre. The induction ceremony, held by historian Jay Quan, honored these musicians with custom trophies and unique keepsakes.
Marlon Wayans Drops Bombshell
Marlon Wayans is another celebrity who opened up about the night Tupac was killed. During an interview on the Late Late Show with James Corden, Marlon talked with James and actor Marc Maron, where he shared that he saw both Tupac and Biggie moments before they were shot.