Tupac Shakur

Tupac Amaru Shakur, born Lesane Parish Crooks on June 16, 1971, was an American rapper and actor. Known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, he became one of the most influential musical artists of the 20th century. He sold over 75 million records worldwide and was a strong voice for Black America, often speaking about social injustice and the challenges faced by African Americans through his music.

Shakur grew up in New York City and later moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. His first album, 2Pacalypse Now, released in 1991, helped him become a key figure in West Coast hip-hop. He continued to make popular albums and acted in several films, including Juice, Poetic Justice, and Above the Rim. Tragically, Shakur was shot and died on September 13, 1996, at the age of 25.

Even after his death, Tupac’s music kept influencing many people. Albums released after he passed away, like Greatest Hits and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, became very successful. He was later honored with a place in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His work continues to be studied and admired around the world.

Early life

Tupac Amaru Shakur was born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. His birth name was Lesane Parish Crooks, but he was later renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was named after Túpac Amaru II, a leader who fought against Spanish rule in Peru many years ago.

Shakur grew up in a family that was very involved in fighting for equal rights for Black Americans. His parents were members of the Black Panther Party. As a young boy, Tupac moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended school and took acting and poetry classes. He loved performing and was especially good at rapping. Later, he moved to California, where he continued his education and performed in plays. Although he didn’t finish high school, he earned a diploma later in life.

Music career

1988–1991: Early career

Tupac Shakur began his music journey in 1988 under the name "MC New York." He joined poetry classes taught by Leila Steinberg, who became his manager. She helped him get noticed by Atron Gregory, a manager for the rap group Digital Underground. In 1990, Gregory invited Tupac to join Digital Underground as a roadie and backup dancer. Tupac started working with Digital Underground’s Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright on early recordings. During this time, Tupac’s unique style stood out, showing he was focused on his own path.

1991–1993: 2Pacalypse Now

In 1991, Tupac released his first album, 2Pacalypse Now, under the name 2Pac. The album talked about important issues like racism, police treatment, poverty, gang violence, teenage pregnancy, and drug use. Although it caused some debate, the album was successful and inspired many other rappers. That same year, Tupac acted in his first film, Juice, playing a character named Roland Bishop.

1993–1994: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..., film career, and The Notorious B.I.G.

Tupac’s second album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..., came out in 1993. It was both popular and praised by critics. The album included songs like “I Get Around” and “Keep Ya Head Up,” which became big hits. Tupac also acted in two films that year, Poetic Justice and Above the Rim. During this time, he became friends with another rapper, The Notorious B.I.G., and they often performed together.

1995: Me Against the World

In 1995, while Tupac was in prison, he released his third album, Me Against the World. This album is considered one of his best works. The song “Dear Mama” became a big hit and showed Tupac’s love and respect for his mother. The album was very successful and is still loved by many fans today.

1995–1996: All Eyez on Me and Tha Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory

After leaving prison in 1996, Tupac released All Eyez on Me, his fourth album. It was a double album and included popular songs like “How Do U Want It” and “California Love.” The album was very successful and is remembered as one of his greatest works. Later that year, Tupac finished recording another album called The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, released under the name Makaveli. This album showed Tupac’s deep thoughts and strong feelings through its lyrics.

Posthumous albums

After Tupac’s passing, several albums of his unreleased music were released. These include R U Still Down? (1997), Greatest Hits (1998), Still I Rise (1999), Until the End of Time (2001), Better Dayz (2002), Loyal to the Game (2004), and Pac’s Life (2006). These albums let fans enjoy more of Tupac’s talented music.

Personal life

Tupac Shakur made many friends during his life. While at the Baltimore School for the Arts, he became close to Jada Pinkett. He helped her get her first film role in Menace II Society in 1993, and she helped him get a role on the TV show A Different World the same year. Jada also had ideas for his famous "California Love" music video.

Shakur also became friends with Naughty by Nature member Treach when they worked together on a tour. Treach appeared in some of Shakur's music videos and spoke at a service in his honor after his death.

After Shakur was hurt in 1994, he stayed with actress Jasmine Guy, whom he met when he appeared on A Different World. Guy later appeared in his music videos and helped write a book about his mother.

Shakur had many other famous friends, including Mike Tyson, Chuck D, Jim Carrey, and Alanis Morissette. In 1996, he planned to open a restaurant with some of these friends.

Shakur married his girlfriend Keisha Morris while he was in jail in 1995, but the marriage ended ten months later.

Legal issues

Tupac Shakur faced several legal troubles during his life. In 1993, he was arrested in Atlanta after an argument with two police officers. Shakur was charged but later cleared of any wrongdoing.

Later that year, Shakur was involved in a case in New York where he was accused of harming a woman. He was found guilty of some charges and spent time in prison. During his time in prison, he read many books and kept busy with letters and visits.

In 1994, Shakur was hurt during a shooting in New York. He believed it was planned by others in the music industry. These events were part of a busy and sometimes troubled period in his life.

Murder and aftermath

Main article: Murder of Tupac Shakur

See also: List of murdered hip-hop musicians

On the night of September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was in Paradise, Nevada to watch a boxing match. After the match, he was in a car that was stopped by police for loud music and missing license plates. Later that night, while stopped at a red light, another car pulled up beside them and someone inside shot at Tupac’s car. Tupac was hurt badly and taken to the hospital, where he passed away on September 13, 1996.

In 2023, police arrested a man named Duane "Keefe D" Davis in connection with Tupac’s death. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for February 2026 but has been delayed several times.

Artistry

Tupac Shakur’s music was shaped by many influences, including the Black Panther Party, ideas about equality, and the writings of William Shakespeare. His school, the Baltimore School for the Arts, helped him explore big themes like conflict and struggle, much like Shakespeare’s plays.

His first album, 2Pacalypse Now, talked about serious issues such as poverty and unfair treatment by police through songs like "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Trapped". Later albums, such as Me Against the World and All Eyez on Me, included hits like "Keep Ya Head Up", "California Love", and "Ambitionz az a Ridah". These songs covered topics from struggle to hope, making Tupac a major voice for many.

Tupac had a powerful voice that came from deep in his body, similar to famous speakers like Martin Luther King Jr.. He also used a special singing trick called “stacking” vocals, where he layered his voice to make his music more exciting and full. This skill showed his strong rhythm and control, making his songs even more powerful.

Poetry and literary influences

Tupac Shakur loved writing poems, even before he became famous for his music. He was inspired by great writers and actors, especially William Shakespeare. In the movie Poetic Justice, he acted alongside Janet Jackson, and the poems in the film were written by the famous poet Maya Angelou.

After Tupac passed away, some of his poems were collected in a book called The Rose That Grew from Concrete. It includes well-known poems like "Can U C the Pride in the Panther" and "Family Tree". Even when he was just 11 years old, Tupac wrote poems about important ideas such as freedom for Black people, fairness for everyone, and what it means to be a man.

Legacy and remembrance

Tupac Shakur is remembered as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. He was listed among the greatest artists by Rolling Stone and is widely respected in hip-hop culture. His impact on pop culture is still recognized today.

In 2023, Billboard ranked Tupac at number 4 among the top 50 rappers of all time. Many artists and fans consider him a role model and a source of inspiration.

In 2006, on the 10th anniversary of Tupac Shakur's death, his ashes were moved to Soweto in South Africa. His mother, Afeni, chose this location because it is important in the history of the fight for democracy and against apartheid. A memorial was built there to honor Tupac, with plans for a park, pathways, and a place for local children to learn about the environment.

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation was created in 1997 by his mother. It supports students by offering training, essay contests, charity events, and scholarships. In 2005, the foundation opened a center for the arts in Georgia, though it closed in 2015.

Fans of Tupac often visit a memorial pole in Las Vegas where he passed away. They leave messages, flowers, and other tokens of respect to remember him.

Many universities have studied Tupac’s influence as an artist and activist. Courses have been taught about his life and work, showing how his messages continue to inspire people around the world.

In 2005, a DVD of Tupac’s last live performance was released. In 2012, a special performance at Coachella featured a projection of Tupac performing with other artists.

Tupac’s book of poems, The Rose That Grew from Concrete, was published after his death and is used in schools.

The documentary Tupac: Resurrection was nominated for an Academy Award in 2005. In 2017, Tupac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2023, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Discography

See also: List of songs recorded by Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, released many albums during his life and after. Some of his solo albums include 2Pacalypse Now, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..., Me Against the World, and All Eyez on Me. After he passed away, more albums were released, like The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory and R U Still Down? (Remember Me). He also worked with a group called Thug Life on an album called Thug Life, Volume I, and later, there was a posthumous album with the group Outlawz called Still I Rise.

Filmography

Portrayals in film

Documentaries

Tupac Shakur's life has been shown in many documentaries. One very famous one is called Tupac: Resurrection from 2003, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Some of these documentaries include:

• 1996: America's Most Wanted
• 1997: Unsolved Mysteries
• 1997: Tupac Shakur: Thug Immortal
• 1997: Tupac Shakur: Words Never Die (TV)
• 1998: BioRhythm
• 2001: Tupac Shakur: Before I Wake...
• 2001: Welcome to Deathrow
• 2002: Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel
• 2002: Biggie & Tupac
• 2002: Tha Westside
• 2003: 2Pac 4 Ever
• 2003: Tupac: Resurrection
• 2003: Beef
• 2004: Tupac vs.
• 2004: Tupac: The Hip Hop Genius (TV)
• 2006: So Many Years, So Many Tears
• 2006: Remembering Makaveli, Volume 1
• 2006: Rap Sheet: Hip Hop and the Cops
• 2007: Final 24
• 2008: Inside Death Row
• 2009: Tupac Assassination II: Reckoning
• 2010: 30 for 30: One Night in Vegas
• 2010: Famous Crime Scene
• 2011: Tupac Uncensored and Uncut: The Lost Prison Tapes
• 2011: Pop Profiles
• 2011: Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel 2
• 2015: Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders
• 2016: Hollywood Homicide Uncovered
• 2016: BuzzFeed Unsolved
• 2016: Vanity Fair Confidential
• 2017: Who killed Tupac?
• 2017: Who Shot Biggie & Tupac?
• 2017: Tupac Assassination III: Battle for Compton
• 2017: Unsung Hollywood
• 2017: Snapped Notorious
• 2018: Unsolved: Murders of Biggie and Tupac?
• 2018: Hip-Hop Evolution
• 2018: Death Row Chronicles
• 2021: The Life & Death of Tupac Shakur
• 2021: A Life in Ten Pictures
• 2021: Dark Side of the 90s
• 2021: Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac
• 2022: Deathbed Confessions
• 2023: Dear Mama
• 2023: Fame Kills: Tupac
• 2023: Tupac & Biggie: Worlds Collide