Tupac Shakur's close friend Mutah Beale on murder verdict: ‘I thought he would walk free’

Mutah Beale, a former Outlawz rapper and close friend of Tupac Shakur, expressed his surprise at Monday's guilty verdict for Duane "Keffe D" Davis in the 1996 murder of Shakur. "I thought he would walk free, so to hear the guilty verdict really was unexpected," Beale told The National. Davis, the sole individual charged for Shakur's killing, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting that took place in Las Vegas, leading to Shakur's death six days later.

Beale, whose real name was Napoleon and who was a key figure in Shakur's rap collective, was mentored by and recorded with the late rapper during his final years. Following Shakur's demise, Beale embraced Islam and relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he now owns a barbecue restaurant and consults for businesses seeking a foothold in the region.

Despite the verdict, Beale emphasizes his faith's role in providing him with assurance, stating that even if justice isn't served in this life, it will be in the next. He continues to maintain contact with Shakur's family, who have expressed gratitude for the verdict, though they mourn the loss of his mother who did not live to see it.

While Beale has distanced himself from the music industry and no longer listens to hip-hop, he remains deeply committed to preserving Shakur's legacy, which he believes transcends his music, extending to his positive influence on Beale's personal growth and his family's life. Beale also clarifies misconceptions about his move to Saudi Arabia, asserting that he fled the dangerous and violent lifestyle of 1990s Los Angeles rather than running away from personal struggles.

He values the opportunity to provide his children with an excellent education and a secure environment in Saudi Arabia, appreciating the significance of education in his children's upbringing.