Los Angeles Lakers

Tupac’s mother compares Kobe Bryant to her son

Published

August 23, 2025

June 3, 2003; Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA; Tupac Shakur photographed in 2003. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ferguson/Globe Photos/ZUMA Wire via USA TODAY NETWORK

Kobe Bryant was a dominant force in the NBA during the 2000s. Tupac Shakur was that same dominant force in hip-hop during the 1990s.

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Tragically, both superstars passed away far too young. Tupac’s mother, who is also no longer with us, reportedly compared Kobe to her son.

This was told by rapper E.D.I. Mean, who was a member of Tupac Shakur’s group, Outlawz.

“I’mma say this real quick and rest in peace to Tupac’s mother,” E.D.I. Mean said. “One day we was sitting down watching the Lakers. I think it was during the playoffs, and Kobe was doing what he do, going off. And she sat back there, and I never forget this. She said, ‘That boy reminds me of my son.'”

There certainly are similarities between Kobe and Tupac. It’s a shame they were taken from us so early, but reminiscing on their craft is a great way to keep their memories alive.

About the Author Published Aug 23, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1