Jada Pinkett-Smith Reflects On Relationship With Tupac: 'There Was No Physical Chemistry At All"
Saying Jada loves Tupac is one big, fat understatement since she's as passionate about Pac as your man is about his favorite sports team.
It's been more than 20 years since his death, and the 45-year-old actress will still correct you when it comes to her friendship with fallen friend Pac, coming to tears at times.
With the release of the much anticipated Tupac biopic All Eyez on Me, she wasn't too satisfied with the way her character was portrayed in the movie.
The day the movie hit theaters on June 16th, which is also Pac's birthday, the mom-of-two took to Twitter to reveal that she saw the film and details about her relationship with Pac weren't exactly accurate. The tea is hot, so sip carefully!
&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fentertainment%2Fla-et-entertainm...Although she critiqued the events in the movie, she did have positive words for Kat Graham and Demetrius Shipp, who played the role of Jada & Tupac in the biopic.
Related Post: Kat Graham On Playing Jada Pinkett in Tupac Biopic"All Eyez On Me"
Although Jada married Will Smith, she and Tupac had a very loving and indescribable friendship, with Pac calling her his "heart in human form." With powerful words like that, you would think their friendship would've evolved into something romantic, but as we know it never did.
While they regarded each other as soulmates, the sexual chemistry just wasn't there. In her lengthy interview with Howard Stern in 2015 , Jada confessed that she and Pac did try to take it there one time, but the both of them were completely grossed out when they shared a kiss. Jada's thankful it never got to that point though since she felt like they were both too passionate to romantically be together.
That passion and stubbornness are what was partly to blame for their friendship souring. Unfortunately, Jada and Tupac never really made up before he was murdered in 1996. However, the experience did make her appreciate time as she learned that life's too short for disagreements with people you love.
Here are a few other things we learned about her relationship with Tupac from that emotional interview:
1. Jada says her relationship with Tupac was strictly platonic and there was no chemistry. (They tried to kiss once and it was gross!)
Jada: "I met Tupac at Baltimore School For The Arts. We went to high school together. He was a revolutionary without a revolution if that makes any kind of sense. And that kind of energy just transferred to a whole other thing.
[...]
It's so funny, because now being older, I have more of an understanding of what that was between us because, you know when you have two young people who have very strong feelings, but there's NO physical chemistry between us at all. And it wasn't even just for me! It was him too. There was a time when I was like, 'Just kiss me, Let's just see how this goes.' And when I tell you, it had to be the most disgusting kiss for us both.
The only way I can put it is, the higher power just did not want that. Because I feel as though, if Pac and I had any kind of sexual chemistry, we might've killed each other because we were both so passionate. And you know, we love deeply. It was hard enough just with us being friends. We had a very volatile relationship."
2. Even though Pac was poor when Jada met him, she was not shocked when he eventually became a huge star.
Jada: "It was his poetry; it was his personality. I had never in my life met a person like Pac. He had so much charisma! And he was poor! When I met Pac, he owned two pairs of pants and two sweaters. And that's it.
I absolutely was not shocked [when he reached the level of fame he did.] I knew that was going to happen.
It's crazy. And he used to tell me all the time, 'Jada, you're a superstar. You're a superstar.' He didn't say it about himself, but he used to say it about me. And he went to Oakland, up North, and things started jumping off for him. It really happened for us both at the same time.."
3. Their friendship began to change after Pac went to jail.
Jada: "There were a lot of things that transpired once he went to jail. It was really once he came out that he changed quite a bit, which is understandable. Jail was a very difficult experience for him. And, of course, we were on two sides of the spectrum. Pac and I have always had very intense conversations, arguments. And if we disagree with each other, we disagree hardcore. And we had a very hardcore disagreement.
I just wasn't in agreement with the direction he was taking. And I just told him that it was a destructive direction, a very scary direction. And he felt as though I had changed, I got Hollywood, I had gone soft. And looking back now, I totally understand where Pac was because, at that particular point in time, that mentality was part of his survival for that moment. And it was actually a mentality he started to come out of before he was murdered."
4. Jada is still feeling sadness for not telling Pac she loved him before he died.
Jada: "You know, I don't think I was guilty as much as I felt, just sadness, for not having the opportunity to tell him that I loved him. But I know he knew that because it wasn't the first time that we had had a bad argument and had stopped speaking and all that. That was kind of a constant in our relationship. So I didn't really look at it as a reason to feel guilty. But it definitely taught me a lesson, which is, life is too short. Do not let disagreements stand in between you and people that you love and care about."
Howard Stern: I can tell you're really emotional about him, I mean, you're crying. When you think of him, you have tears in your eyes.
Jada: "Yeah, you know, I love him."
Not making amends and not getting any closure must be why she still gets teary-eyed two decades later. Sure, she knows Pac knew she loved him, but when you and your friend are fighting, that's not always at the forefront of your/their brain. And 20 years later, that lack of closure is still painful.
Watch a clip from the film below:
- Did Jada Pinkett Smith Date Tupac Shakur? | POPSUGAR Celebrity ›
- Jada Pinkett Smith Admits She Thinks About Tupac "Every Single Day" ›
- Jada Pinkett Smith Says She Thinks About 2Pac Every Day | Complex ›
- Jada Pinkett Smith and Tupac Shakur: All About Their Friendship ... ›
- Jada Pinkett Smith thinks about Tupac Shakur 'every single day ... ›
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Took A Month-Long Trip To Japan. This Was My Experience As A Black Woman
Japan was never on my bucket list for places to travel. That was until I came across a Delta Airlines Premium Select seat for $1400. With the average flight in that cabin costing over $3,500, carving out a month-long solo travel trip was a no-brainer for me as a freelancer who can work from anywhere in the world.
Having traveled internationally at a consistent cadence over the last three years to countries like Portugal, France, Belgium, and the UK, one thing I know for sure is that anti-Blackness exists everywhere—whether this shows up as a microaggression or in a more aggressive form. It's not every day you're at a Beyoncé concert in Brussels and have a white man pushing you in Club Renny because he feels he's entitled to manspread and make you take up less space as a Black woman sings about her Black pride. Thankfully, I got a redo in Cardiff, Wales, with a crowd that wasn't entirely white.
Belgium, like Japan, is always on the list of the safest countries in the world. But the primary question is for whom? So I banked my previous experience in "one of the world's safest countries" as I prepared for my 18-hour flight to East Asia. Just off the plane and out of customs, I was overwhelmed. No amount of research can prepare you to navigate a new place where you don't speak or read the language in real time. For example, I knew I could withdraw Yen with my debit card from 7/11 ATMs without fees, but where on earth were they in this airport? Finding one was significant because Yen was required to purchase a ticket to take the monorail from Haneda to the city.
Thankfully, a local woman saw how frazzled I was and guided me to an ATM right next to where you purchase train tickets and helped me get in the right line. I was sweaty, tired, and so grateful. Why not just take a cab? For $90 USD one-way, I think not.
Like public transit anywhere, people have places to be, so navigating the station felt like being in New York City. However, there was a major difference: you could hear a pin drop. People do not talk on the train. No really. The trains were like being in the library, which was kind of nice. After fighting for my life and lugging my giant luggage through the train station, I hailed a black cab to take me the rest of the way. When I stepped out of the cab onto the Conrad Tokyo property, my five-star luxury journey began.
Now that I'm in my late 30s, where I stay matters. I'm not staying in a hostel. I'm not staying anywhere with questionable reviews. I'm not sharing a stranger's home. There's a lot of discourse about how "wasteful" it is to pay for five-star accommodations if you're in the country or city to explore—a fair point.
However, I'm not home. I want turndown service. And the turndown service in Japan takes it up a notch, laying out a fresh pair of perfectly pressed pajamas each night for you. Yes, please! And there was the butler box at The St. Regis Osaka, where I could send out my laundry and have it washed, neatly folded, and returned to me without ever having to speak to anyone. It magically appeared in the box I initially thought was a tiny closet! My butler also brought me my cappuccino at the same time I'd requested every day.
To have an exceptional meal or cocktail without leaving my hotel, especially after a long day of exploring or after 18 hours into a time zone that's 14 hours ahead, the ability to rest in what feels like a haven away from home is an unmatched act of self-care and worth every penny to me. However, as a Black traveler, these spaces don’t always feel welcoming, especially when one is young, a woman, and traveling solo. I often get "How is she staying here?" energy across countries, including in the States.
I stayed at four five-star hotels—the Conrad Tokyo and Osaka, the St. Regis Osaka, and The Okura Tokyo—with perks thanks to my American Express Platinum Card. The care I received made me feel safe and queen-like, which should be expected when staying in luxury accommodations. Yes, it should be. However, there have been moments at similar places where I couldn't wait to check out and wished I'd never spent my money.
My introduction to Japanese culture and hospitality started on a high note, and I quickly did everything I could to learn the customs. For example, bowing is customary when saying goodbye. As an American, this was a welcomed adjustment because it felt like an extension of my gratitude for the care I received.
I also had help from the staff learning a few words at my glorious sushi meal at Kazahana, a fine-dining Japanese restaurant nestled right downstairs in the hotel, as I desperately fought to stay awake on my first day in Tokyo. As I worked my way from a five-star hotel to a five-star hotel, how I was treated remained the same across the board. I found this surprising. But eventually, I let myself enjoy every second without questioning it.
Vintage shopping was high on my list of things to do in Japan because they are known for their exceptional finds that are often in mint condition at fair prices. I intended to purchase a Prada bag, but Chanel continued calling my name. I've shopped for designer luxury across countries. My absolute best shopping experience was Gucci at Harrods in London.
But because Japan isn't nearly as diverse, I was sure I might bump into some side eyes as I slid into the vintage shops with Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, and any other designer brand you can think of taking up every square space of the store—many untethered to any security.
Kindal in Kyoto and Hedy in Osaka became my two favorites as I weaved in and out of multiple vintage stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—there are hundreds. Unlike many of TikTok's famed vintage shops, these stores were small and well-curated, and the customer service was full of kindness. For example, when I walked into Kindal, a stylish man with a blue fuzzy sweater greeted me. I pulled out one of the few Japanese words I knew: Konnichiwa, to which he smiled and came around the counter to give me the rundown of the store with the help of Google Translate.
He gratuitously walked me through trying each Chanel piece I was interested in, answering all my questions about the year, and encouraging me to walk to the mirrors in the store to see how each bag and piece of jewelry looked on me without hovering. Because of his help, I landed on Chanel Classic Flap and took an hour-long trek back to Kindal a week later to purchase a pair of Chanel earrings I loved but decided to put back on my first shopping trip because of how much I enjoyed my shopping experience with him.
In the wild (outside of my five-star hotels), stares happened occasionally. However, most often, I think there was either pure curiosity or because I had on my giant Brandon Blackwood coat, dark sunnies, and platform Nike sneakers that made me about six feet tall because of my 5 '8'' frame. Most people I talked to either complimented me on my style or cornrows, and no one ever tried touching my hair. So the leering were stares of endearment. I think...
As I ventured into the countryside, I swapped my five-star hotels for four-star ryokans. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that often serve half-board, aka breakfast and dinner with your stay. I wondered if I'd be accepted with open arms. But I was so excited about the onsens—natural hot springs sourced with water from volcanoes —that I just accepted my fate.
The same level of care was extended from the Ryokan staff to the small coffee shop I visited to work in Nara, where I was greeted daily with a smile despite a significant language barrier. What I found remarkable about supporting NORR coffee roasters is that the owner noticed how often I popped in and thanked me for coming back three days in a row. Little did he know, I kept coming back because it felt like home.
On my final trek through Japan from Nara to Gifu—the mountains of Japan—which required three trains and a bus ride with a total travel time of six hours one way, I knew that seeing anyone who looked like me was out. I wondered if they'd ever come in contact with a Black person and what that would spell out for my experience in the snowy mountains for five days.
What if I got up there and felt unwelcome? Guess what? That did not happen. The stares came from the white backpackers—never from the staff.
The one throughline of my trip was the care the Japanese women showed me from Tokyo to Takayama.
Thirty days is a long time to be so far away from home alone, and because of their attentive care, I got through my month-long trip with barely any homesickness. They all cared for me like I was one of their own. At one point at the Conrad Osaka, I got choked up because I was going to miss each person who graciously welcomed and took care of me during my stay.
As for walking around solo, I felt safe—more safe than I’ve ever felt in America, which is so disappointing. I was still alert, but I felt a sense of calm. I was generally always home before the streetlights came on, but on the nights I did walk, I stayed close to other people and had no issues.
One thing to note, that I’m grateful I didn’t experience, is the issue the country has with groping on public transport. There are even women-only train cars to help prevent this. As someone who has experienced sexual assault, I do find it difficult to be in small, crowded spaces filled with men. And, during rush hour, you will likely find yourself in the minority as a woman on the train.
To offset this, I used the women-only cars. I also took the limited express trains, which aren’t only a plus because you reserve your seat in a two-two configuration, but they’re so much faster since they don’t stop at every station. There is an additional fee on top of the base fare for this, which you can easily pay for on your phone, but it’s usually between 500 and 600 yen. This was worth it to me for more space and peace of mind.
Traveling while Black can be a toss-up because of how people see us. And, while I know there is no perfect society or country, the respect, care, and gratitude I received from the Japanese people I had the pleasure of getting to know put Japan at the top of my list for Black women who travel solo. The care I received extended from Starbucks to the drugstores. So, this isn’t just a five-star thing. It’s embedded in Japanese culture.
So, if you're considering booking a trip to Japan, I highly encourage you to book that flight!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert