The Don Killuminati: 7 Day Theory

“The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory” is the fifth studio album by American rapper Tupac Shakur, and it was the last one released with his creative input1. The album was recorded under the stage name of Makaveli, a name inspired by the Italian political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli1.

The album was recorded in July and August 1996 and was released on November 5, 1996, almost two months after Shakur’s death1. The entire album was completed in just seven days during the first week of August 1996123. The lyrics were written and the songs were recorded in only three days, and mixing took an additional four days123.

The album features guest appearances from Shakur’s rap group Outlawz and rapper Bad Azz, as well as R&B singers Aaron Hall, Danny Boy, K-Ci and JoJo, Val Young and Tyrone Wrice, along with uncredited vocal contributions from reggae musician Prince Ital Joe1.

The album was originally intended as a mixtape and was preceded by the release of “Toss It Up” as the lead single1. It peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 664,000 copies within its first week of release1. By 1999, it was certified four times platinum by the RIAA1.

The album cover features a portrait of Shakur on the cross, and the text on the album cover reads, "In no way is this portrait an expression of disrespect for Jesus Christ"1. The artwork for the album was designed by Ronald ‘Riskie’ Brent4.

Despite the album’s initial polarized reviews, its reception has improved over the years, and it is now ranked as one of Shakur’s greatest albums, as well as one of the greatest rap albums of all time1.