Jim Jones, the iconic Harlem MC and Diplomat, recently sat down with The Art of Dialogue and didn’t hold back when addressing West Coast rappers who throw shade at Tupac Shakur, dismissing him as not a Los Angeles rapper.

In the explosive interview clip, Jones reacts to the trending trend of West Coast acts downplaying Tupac’s West Coast legacy and denouncing his status as a genuine L.A. artist:

“West Coast rappers for hating on 2Pac & saying he’s not an L.A. rapper,” Jones said pointedly during the discussion.

He emphasized Tupac’s undeniable cultural impact, challenging critics who argue the iconic MC didn’t authentically represent the West Coast scene.

The Art of Dialogue Conversation

The clip, shared on The Art of Dialogue’s YouTube and Facebook channels, shows Jones passionately defending Tupac’s legacy. He finds it hard to understand why some on the West Coast refuse to acknowledge one of rap’s greatest voices — even when Tupac’s music heavily shaped the genre’s landscape on that coast .

Why This Matters Today

• Tupac Shakur remains one of hip-hop’s most influential figures; erasing his West Coast affiliation undermines the history of the region’s sound.

• Jim Jones, a respected East Coast veteran, steps into the conversation, greenery the cultural importance of cross-coastal respect.

• The resurfacing of this dialogue highlights that even in 2025, debates over regional authenticity continue to fuel hip-hop culture.

Watch the Clip

Catch Jim Jones’ full take on The Art of Dialogue for a deeper dive into why he believes Tupac’s West Coast legacy is unquestionable — and why current hating does a disservice to the culture.

What Do You Think?

• Should Tupac be included in West Coast hip-hop’s core story?

• Can modern rappers separate regional identity from individual impact?

Drop your thoughts in the comments! And be sure to subscribe to WorldWide Entertainment TV for more unfiltered interviews and cultural breakdowns.