An employee for the US government is reportedly unsure why he was asked to resign from his job recently, but suspects it may have something to do with his undying love for Tupac.
Over the years, the world of music has seen some pretty famous fanbases. While some groups – like The Grateful Dead’s ‘Deadheads’, or the Insane Clown Posse’s ‘Juggalos’ – have become synonymous with hardcore fandom, others just find themselves professing their love for an artist at every turn.
However, unless you work in a job in the music industry, it’s usually expected that you check your love of an artist at the door, ensuring that it’s only professionalism from the moment you clock on.
That, it seems, was not the case for one US government employee who may or may not have been fired for liking Tupac Shakur a bit too much.
As The Associated Press reports, Jerry Foxhoven has served as the Iowa Department of Human Services Director for two years, and was known for hosting ‘Tupac Fridays’ to play the artist’s music, and regularly included references to the rapper’s life and lyrics in his emails.
In addition to celebrating his 66th birthday with cookies that read “thug life”, Foxhoven also noted in one email last year that he “might seem a little down” since he was corresponding on the 22nd anniversary of the rapper’s death.
However, after sending one such email to 4,300 of the agency’s employees last month, Foxhoven was reportedly asked to resign from his position the very next day.
Here is the email 66 year old Jerry Foxhoven sent to his staff, the day he was fired.
He notes 2Pac’s bday is also Father’s day
“Hard to believe he has been gone for almost 23 years”
By all accounts, a kind email pic.twitter.com/ohSxSVpzJL
— Tim Mak (@timkmak) July 17, 2019
According to the AP, the agency shared 350 pages of emails sent to or from Foxhoven that included the words “Tupac” or “2Pac”, while messages confirmed he attempted to help improve the culture of his workplace by utilising the slain rapper’s image and lyrics.
While a spokesperson for the Iowa Governor has not confirmed or denied that Jerry Foxhoven’s resignation was motivated by his love of Tupac, the former state employee explained to NPR that he while he thinks it might be a coincidence, he would be upset to learn that it was indeed the case.
“I always try to assume the best of everybody, and I can’t imagine that [the governor] would base her decision on the Tupac incident,” Foxhoven explained. “If this is the reason, I’m really disappointed.”
Explaining that he first began listening to Tupac during the ’90s, Foxhoven told NPR that he’s happy this story has made the news, since it can help to break down stereotypes about hip-hop music and the messages that it contains.
“Part of the reason I like Tupac [is that] it’s good music — it’s not just rap with a bass in the background,” he explained. “It’s fun to listen to, and also I liked over his career, you could see him transform.
“It’s important for us to break down those stereotypes: if you listen to rap music, you’re a criminal or dangerous. It’s not true at all,” he added, explaining he hoped it leads to “having open discussions about race and what we have in common, instead of what separates us.”
Check out ‘Changes’ by Tupac:
