The Beginning Tupac shakur's life supposedly ended in September of 1996, a gangster who died a gangster's death, the victim of a drive-by shooting. But in the years since, fans and friends of the rapper/actor have kept rumors alive that the star might not have died at the hands of an anonymous gunman that warm September night. It's here, at the supposed end of Shakur's life, where our journey begins.

Two months after Shakur's death, in November of 1996, Makaveli: Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" is released. The title arouses some glances from those who knew Shakur. Part of Makaveli's legend was his belief that the faking of one's own death was a sure way to foil his enemies. Some wonder if Tupac's reference wasn't a signal to the world that things were not as they seemed.

Suspicions arose again that Shakur was still living when the performer released another album, titled R U Still Down? (Remember Me) in November of 1997, a year after Makaveli and more than 14 months after his death. Tupac also appeared in three videos in support of this album. When questioned about this, Tupac's manager Robert Bloomenstein said, "Tupac was a forward-thinking man. His performances in those videos were shot more than two months before his unfortunate death, and in no way should indicate that Tupac is still alive and living in South America under the assumed name of Jamal Millwood."

Mr. Bloomenstein's words weren't enough to keep the rumors from spreading, however, especially after November of 1998, when Tupac released 2pac's Greatest a greatest hits compilation, which included six new tracks. Record company executives claimed that these tracks were also recorded years before; yet this is contradicted by the timeliness of the lyrics. Tupac makes references to the film Armageddon in one track, and in another he congratulates the Denver Broncos on winning the Super Bowl - both events taking place well after Shakur was supposedly in the grave. Again, rumors of a massive hoax emerged. Bloomenstein again dismissed the talk as nothing more than rumor mongering, stating, "I simply wish the public could let Mr. Shakur rest in peace. Mr. Shakur has actively denied all accusations about still being alive, and he will continue to do so until the day of his, uh... nevermind."

The rumors have never been more rampant than they are today. Two weeks ago Tupac Shakur released his fourth posthumous album, curiously titled Death Faker. Fans say the title contains a hidden message which could be taken to mean that Tupac didn't really die on that September night back in 1996. Some also claim that certain tracks, such as I'm not dead, motherf**kers and Still breathin' also contain hints about the star's supposed passing.