Yafeu Akiyele Fula was born on October 9, 1977, in Montclair, New Jersey, to Yaasmyn Fula. His father, Sekou Odinga, is a political prisoner currently incarcerated. Yafeu's parents, along with Tupac Shakur's mother, Afeni Shakur, were respected members of the Black Panther Party.
Yafeu's family, including Tupac's family, formed a strong bond, which dates back to the Panther 21 in New York. Kadafi and Tupac grew up together, often living in the same households, and Tupac served as Kadafi's father figure and mentor.
When Tupac was incarcerated in 1995 on sexual assault charges, Kadafi would visit him daily during visits. During one of these visits, Tupac and Kadafi came up with the rap group "Tha Outlawz." Kadafi was known as a local rebel, always speaking his mind and challenging local authorities.
Tupac kicked Kadafi out of Tha Outlawz briefly due to his defiance and other issues. However, when Tupac was released in late 1995, Kadafi went with him to Death Row Records, where he guest-starred on Tupac's biggest album, "All Eyez On Me." Kadafi was featured on three songs.
Tragically, on September 7, 1996, Tupac was shot in a drive-by shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. Kadafi was in the car directly behind Shakur and saw the white Cadillac pull up alongside Shakur and open fire. Kadafi believed he could identify one of the shooters.
On September 13, 1996, Tupac took his last breath and died. Kadafi was stunned by his loss and immediately returned to New Jersey before any detectives could interview him.
On the night of November 10, 1996, Kadafi was visiting his girlfriend in an East Orange, New Jersey housing project. He was shot and killed in a dispute over money by the cousin of former Outlaw member Napolean. Kadafi was found slumped in a stairwell at 3:30 am with a bullet wound to his head, still wearing his bulletproof vest. He was only 19 years old when he died, leaving behind his loving mother and two beautiful daughters.
