Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac, Makaveli, and Pac, was an American rap artist, actor, activist, and poet. Born on June 16, 1971, Tupac had a short but influential career that left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop. He is known in the Guinness Book of World Records as the top-selling hip-hop artist, having sold over 73 million albums worldwide.
Tupac was born in New York City to Afeni Shakur, a member of the Black Panther Party. He was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied acting, poetry, and jazz. His mother’s activism and his father’s involvement in the Black Panther Party influenced Tupac’s own political and social views.
Tupac’s music career began in 1991, when he released his debut album, 2Pacalypse Now. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Tupac as a major figure in the hip-hop world. He followed up with the album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., which featured the hit single “Keep Ya Head Up.” This song was an anthem for women and a call for respect and equality.
Tupac’s third album, Me Against the World, was released in 1995 and was his most successful album to date. It featured the hit singles “Dear Mama” and “So Many Tears,” which both became anthems for mothers and the struggles of inner-city life. The album was certified 4x platinum and won the 1996 Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Album.
In addition to his music, Tupac was also an actor. He made his film debut in the 1992 movie Juice, and he went on to star in several other films, including Poetic Justice, Above the Rim, and Gridlock’d. He also wrote and starred in the 1996 film Gang Related.
Tupac was also an outspoken activist and poet. He was an advocate for the rights of African Americans and spoke out against police brutality and racial injustice. He was also a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. His poem “The Rose That Grew From Concrete” was published posthumously in 2000 and was a best-seller.
Tupac’s life was tragically cut short on September 13, 1996, when he was shot and killed in Las Vegas. His death was a devastating blow to the hip-hop community, and his legacy continues to live on. He is remembered for his powerful music, his activism, and his commitment to social justice. Tupac’s influence can still be felt today, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of all time.