Eminem and Tupac’s Mother Secretly Collaborated on a Charity Before Her Death Before Afeni Shakur passed away, the two had co-founded a charity called “Poetry & Pain” – supporting art scholarships for black children in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Eminem kept this a secret for many years because “it was a private matter between me and the mother of a legend.” Now, for a special reason, Emm has decided to go public with it all

In a heartfelt revelation that has stunned both fans and cultural historians, Eminem has finally gone public about a long-kept secret: a private collaboration with Afeni Shakur, the late mother of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. Before her passing in 2016, the two had quietly co-founded a charity initiative titled “Poetry & Pain,” aimed at providing art scholarships to Black children in underserved communities.

Now, nearly a decade after its founding — and eight years since Afeni’s death — Eminem has chosen to speak publicly about the deeply personal project, calling it “one of the most important things I’ve ever been a part of.”

The Origin of “Poetry & Pain”

According to Eminem (Marshall Mathers), the seed for Poetry & Pain was planted during a private meeting with Afeni in 2005, just after he produced Tupac’s posthumous album Loyal to the Game.

“I didn’t go there as a rapper,” Em said in a rare, emotional interview. “I went as a son of hip-hop, paying respect to a woman who raised a giant. We started talking about legacy, about kids, about what pain turns into when it’s given a voice — and that’s where the idea was born.”

The goal of Poetry & Pain was simple but profound: fund creative programs, poetry workshops, and fine arts scholarships specifically targeted toward young Black students in low-income neighborhoods across the U.S. The name came from a phrase Afeni reportedly used during that conversation: “Our pain is our poetry — and that’s what saves us.”

A Quiet Partnership

Unbeknownst to the public, the charity has quietly operated for years under a different name, funneling anonymous donations from Eminem and other unnamed supporters to programs in cities like Detroit, Oakland, and Atlanta — places with deep roots in both Shakur’s legacy and Eminem’s upbringing.

“Afeni asked me to keep it between us,” Eminem explained. “It wasn’t about headlines or album rollouts. It was sacred. She believed in giving without applause. I respected that.”

Those close to the Shakur family confirm the story. “Afeni saw something in Marshall,” said a friend of the late activist. “She told me once, ‘He’s loud in his music, but silent in his service.’ She admired that.”

Why He’s Speaking Now

So why come forward now?

Eminem says the decision was sparked by an upcoming 2025 documentary series about the social impact of hip-hop, in which Poetry & Pain will be featured for the first time. Em was approached for commentary and, after years of silence, felt the time was right.

“This is about her now,” he said. “I want people to know what Afeni stood for — not just as Tupac’s mom, but as a warrior, a visionary, and someone who bet everything on the next generation. She deserves that spotlight.”

Eminem also hinted that an anniversary event is in the works — a tribute concert and scholarship fundraiser bearing the name Poetry & Pain: A Legacy of Voices — featuring surprise performances, spoken word from past scholarship recipients, and never-before-heard audio of Afeni speaking about justice, love, and art.

Impact in the Shadows

Since its quiet launch, Poetry & Pain has reportedly funded over 200 scholarships, supported more than 35 inner-city arts programs, and helped renovate community centers in Oakland and Detroit.

One past recipient, now a published poet and educator, shared anonymously:

“I never knew the money came from Eminem and Afeni. I just knew someone believed in my voice when no one else did.”

The charity’s success, even in anonymity, is a testament to the deep roots of its founders’ convictions.

A Bridge Between Legends

The revelation also deepens the already-complicated connection between Eminem and Tupac’s legacy. Though they never met, Eminem has long praised Tupac as a lyrical and emotional influence. Producing Loyal to the Game under Afeni’s guidance marked a career milestone, but now, fans are beginning to see it was the start of something far greater.

“Pac gave us his truth,” Eminem said. “Afeni gave us the tools to keep telling it.”

Final Words

In an era where celebrity activism often arrives with camera crews and hashtags, Poetry & Pain stands apart. It’s a legacy forged in private — born from grief, raised in silence, and revealed now as a living tribute to both the power of art and the quiet strength of two of hip-hop’s most impactful voices.

“Afeni said real love is what you give when no one’s watching,” Eminem said, his voice cracking. “This was love.”