Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was one of the most influential and iconic figures in the hip-hop industry. He was an American rapper, actor, and poet who rose to fame in the early 1990s. Despite his short five-year professional career (1991-1996), Shakur became the best-selling hip-hop artist in the world with over 75 million albums sold, including 44 million in the U.S.

Shakur was born in New York City in 1971 and was raised in the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan. He began his career as a roadie and backup dancer for the hip-hop group Digital Underground. He then went on to become a solo artist and released his debut album, 2Pacalypse Now, in 1991. This album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Shakur as one of the most talented and influential rappers of his time.

Throughout his career, Shakur released four solo albums, all of which were certified multi-platinum. His most successful album was All Eyez on Me, which was released in 1996 and sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. In addition to his solo albums, Shakur also collaborated with other artists on several albums, including Thug Life and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.

Shakur was also an actor, appearing in several films, including Juice, Poetic Justice, and Above the Rim. He also wrote several books, including The Rose That Grew from Concrete and The Seven Day Theory.

In addition to his success in the music and film industries, Shakur also gained notoriety for his violent life and his conflicts with the law. He was involved in several high-profile incidents, including a shooting in 1994 and a robbery in 1995. He was also convicted of sexual assault in 1995 and served nine months in prison.

Despite his troubled life, Shakur’s influence on the hip-hop industry was undeniable. He was a pioneer in the genre and his music was a reflection of the struggles and realities of inner-city life. His music was also a source of inspiration for many, and his legacy continues to live on.

Shakur’s life was tragically cut short in 1996 when he was fatally shot in Las Vegas. He was only 25 years old. His death sent shockwaves throughout the hip-hop community and the world.

Despite his short five-year career, Tupac Shakur left an indelible mark on the hip-hop industry. His music and legacy continue to inspire and influence artists to this day. He will always be remembered as one of the most influential and iconic figures in hip-hop history. His influence and legacy will live on forever.