Episode 2: Misguided Loyalty

Illustration by Earlonne Woods

Tommy Shakur Ross grew up in South Central Los Angles in the 1980’s. As a boy, he was seduced by what he saw as the “glamour” of gang life. Thirty years later, Shakur is still paying the price for giving his most to a gang that ultimately brought the kind of fame he wishes he’d never earned.

Thanks to Tommy Shakur Ross for telling his story. The excerpt from Larry Davis’s book, “America’s Conduct: Inner City Escort” was read by Joshua Burton. Additional music in this episode was provided by Jeff Atkins, who is also incarcerated at San Quentin. 

Here's a transcript for “Misguided Loyalty,” and you can download the episode here. 

Find out how Shakur has been doing since this episode originally aired, in the Ear Hustle Plus episode “Catching Up with Shakur.” To listen to all EH+ bonus content, sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or directly in Apple Podcasts.