News imageWhat in the World, Tupac trial: What you need to know

What in the World

Tupac trial: What you need to know

17 August 2026

Available for over a year

Rapper Tupac Shakur is one of the most influential music artists ever - with musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber and Drake citing him as a major inspiration. His career was cut short in 1996 when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas - but now, nearly three decades later, a man is going on trial, accused of his murder. He’s called Duane "Keffe D" Davis - he has pled not guilty and denies all allegations.

So, what we can expect from the trial? And how is Tupac’s music continuing to influence hip-hop, decades after his murder?

We speak to culture journalist Ivie Ani, who’s based in New York, to learn more about the impact Tupac has had on music today. We also hear from Tupac fans that have discovered his legacy in the years since his death - and from Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, host of the BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast. She is in Las Vegas covering the rapper’s murder trial.

You can follow the trial by listening to the Fame Under Fire podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0030zm4

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart

Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates and Emma-Louise Amanshia

Editors: Verity Wilde