2Pac’s Estate Hit With $5 Million Lawsuit Over Use of Black Muslim Leader’s Speech in “White Man’z World”

Nearly three decades after its release, one of Tupac Shakur’s most politically charged tracks has landed his estate in legal hot water.

The estate of Dr. Khalid Abdul Muhammad, a former Nation of Islam minister and influential Black activist, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against 2Pac’s estate, along with Suge Knight, Death Row Records, Interscope, Universal Music, and producer Darryl “Big D” Harper.

At the heart of the legal battle is 2Pac’s 1996 posthumous song “White Man’z World” from the iconic album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. The song features a sample from a 1993 speech by Dr. Muhammad, a portion the estate claims was used without permission, credit, or compensation.

The Controversial Quote That Sparked the Lawsuit

The brief but powerful excerpt from Muhammad’s speech used in the song goes:

“You’re out of touch with reality! There are a few of you in a few smoke-filled rooms. Calling that the mainstream, while the masses of the people—White and Black, Red, Yellow and Brown, poor and vulnerable—are suffering in this nation.”

Muhammad’s estate argues the speech was copyrighted and should never have been used without proper licensing. Despite the legal concerns, the track remains available across streaming platforms.

A Voice for Revolution or a Violation of Rights?

Attorney Malik Z. Shabazz, representing Muhammad’s estate, issued a powerful statement:

“His presence on ‘White Man’z World’ reinforces Tupac Shakur’s role as not just an artist, but as a voice for Black empowerment and resistance against oppression. Dr. Khalid’s inclusion gave the song undeniable authenticity, transforming it into a revolutionary anthem against racial injustice.”

A Legacy Under Scrutiny

While 2Pac’s estate and the named defendants have not yet responded to the lawsuit, the case brings renewed attention to how hip-hop intersects with political and cultural commentary—and the legal boundaries of creative expression.

Dr. Khalid Abdul Muhammad, who died in 2001, was a controversial but prominent figure in Black activism during the 1990s. He appeared on tracks by Public Enemy and Ice Cube, including a particularly inflammatory verse on “Cave Bitch” from Lethal Injection.

As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises broader questions: Where is the line between artistic tribute and intellectual property theft? And how should posthumous works be held accountable?

Stay tuned—this isn’t just a legal battle, it’s a clash of legacy, artistry, and the fight for Black voices.

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