“Gettin lessons from niggaz in penitentiaries
Game, when applied help me survive several centuries
Lock me in a cage I'll display my rage
Surround the court buildin with the gauge and spray
They wonder if I'll go when I'm finally sentenced
On my knees to God, beggin for repentance
I'm convinced, that I'm a thug…” –Tupac f/ The Outlawz “Made Nigg*z”

On September 13, 1996 the Hip Hop community was blown away the death of Tupac Shakur. His life continues to impact and influence people all over the world. In tribute, HipHopDX decided to get behind the mind of a man who was “convinced” that he was a thug through a person who knew Tupac beyond the music.

Who better than an Outlaw to tell the tale? Nobody.

Hussein Fatal allowed us into his life and the cipher of one of the most unforgettable people on the 20th century, through an exclusive interview with HipHopDX.com. With his dedication to being an Outlaw and his history with Tupac, he talks about his struggles, his current works and his lifelong commitment to being an Outlaw. He proclaims that he’s an “Outlaw for life,” while Operating Under Thug Laws as a Warrior.

R.I.P. Tupac Shakur

HipHopDX: You’ve been arrested a couple of times, in your earlier days. Did you ever think you would go from that lifestyle to being associated one of the most legendary artists of all time as well as part of a legendary group? How was it making that transition?
Fatal: It’s funny that you asked that, because it really wasn’t that much of a transition. The only thing that really changed was the weather. I was already doing this outlaw shit - before I was named an “Outlaw” by Tupac. Not to brag about my thug life or anything but I was already mobbin’ and shit. Kadafi coming to get me and bringing me into the Tupac family or to be an Outlaw wasn’t really a huge transition.

HipHopDX: It’s September 13th and this is the 11th year of his death. What do you remember the most about being around Tupac? What do you miss? What wouldn’t we know about Tupac? Let us in on his creativity and energy. Take us behind the scenes.
Fatal: His energy was unstoppable. He was like a big workaholic. He was always in the studio. He basically went from the party to the studio, from the studio to the party, from the movie set to the studio, from the studio to the movie set. He was a huge workaholic. His energy was crazy and that reflects in his work.

HipHopDX: All of the Outlaws are named after dictators or historical figures. Let me know how you got the name Hussein Fatal and do you have any guilt attached to it - being that it branched from Saddam?
Fatal: Tupac came up with the concept of taking these names that everybody in America hated. I came up with the name Hussein because I felt like Sadaam Hussein. In his country (regardless of what they say about the brother now) he was over there and he was the muthfuckin man. Regardless of what people think about him after Bush hung his ass. When he was over there he was feeding his people, he was talking his American currency and bringing up his land. It might not have been for the greatest good or what everybody’s sayin', but he was the man in his country. Continued on page 2 »