Tupac Amaru Shakur was one of the most influential and controversial figures in hip-hop history. His life and music have left an indelible mark on the genre, and he remains one of the most celebrated rappers of all time. On the 20th anniversary of his untimely death, we pay tribute to the man who revolutionized rap music and inspired generations of artists with his 2pac Amaru Shakur history and biography. Here, we look back on the tumultuous life of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Childhood and Early Life
2pac Amaru Shakur was born Lesane Parish Crooks on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York. His parents, Afeni Shakur and Billy Garland, were active members of the Black Panther Party who split before 2pac’s birth. His mother renamed him Tupac Amaru Shakur after Tupac Amaru II, an 18th century Inca revolutionary who fought against Spanish oppression in Peru.
2pac had a tumultuous childhood. He moved around often, living with various family members and friends while his mother was incarcerated for most of his early life. Growing up in a rough neighborhood surrounded by drugs and violence, 2pac soon developed a love for music. At the age of twelve he began writing poetry, often incorporating themes of violence, injustice, and poverty. He wrote his first rap song at sixteen, developing his own unique and thought-provoking style of hip-hop.
In 1988, 2pac joined the rap group Digital Underground as a roadie and backup dancer. Soon after he was featured on two of their albums, “This is an EP Release” and “Sons of the P.” He released his first solo album “2pacalypse Now” in 1991, further cementing himself as a household name in the hip-hop community. Throughout his career, 2pac would become a symbol of social activism, often using his platform to address political and racial issues. His influence on the rap game was undeniable, making him one of the most iconic rappers in history.
Rise to Fame
Tupac Amaru Shakur is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time and his rise to fame is one of the most interesting stories in hip hop history.
At just 17 years old, 2pac began performing with Digital Underground, the Bay Area’s popular rap group. His presence and lyrical skills helped elevate their songs to a higher level and gained him recognition in the music industry. He released his first solo album, 2Pacalypse Now in 1991 which was an instant hit, praised for its politically-charged lyrics and message. This catapulted 2pac into the spotlight and marked the beginning of his illustrious career as one of rap’s most successful figures.
The following year, he signed with Death Row Records, where he released several more albums that further increased his fame. His albums addressed many of the social issues of the day, and his powerful words resonated with listeners around the world. He went on to become one of rap’s most important figures, selling over 75 million records worldwide and creating an extensive body of work that has had a lasting impact on hip hop culture and music.
Acting Career
Tupac Amaru Shakur’s acting career began with a small role in the 1992 film Juice. After that, he went on to have a starring role in Poetic Justice (1993), opposite Janet Jackson. He followed up this success with his first major starring role in the movie Gridlock’d (1997).
He also appeared in the cult classic film, Gang Related (1997). In addition to feature films, 2pac also starred in three television movies: Nothing but the Truth (1995), Ghetto Gospel (1996) and Price of Glory (2000).
2pac’s biggest success was in the 1996 film, John Singleton’s Rosewood. 2pac portrayed a character named “Manny”, and his performance earned him critical acclaim.
Despite his success as an actor, 2pac was always most passionate about music. He returned to the studio in late 1995, and recorded some of his most iconic tracks, including “California Love” and “Hit ‘Em Up”. Although he continued to act throughout his career, 2pac’s legacy will always remain tied to the legendary music he created.
Controversies
Tupac Amaru Shakur’s history and biography are peppered with multiple controversies. In 1994, Shakur was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison. During his sentence, he released the critically acclaimed album “Me Against The World.” After being released from prison in October 1995, Shakur founded his own label, Death Row Records. He also became embroiled in a feud between Death Row Records and Bad Boy Records, owned by rival rapper Sean Combs. This led to a physical altercation between the two at a 1996 awards show and multiple lyrics by both rappers that appeared to be directed at each other.
In 1996, 2pac Amaru Shakur was shot multiple times while leaving a New York studio. He died six days later due to his wounds. His death sparked conspiracy theories and accusations against members of Bad Boy Records and others, though no one has been convicted of his murder.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, 2pac Amaru Shakur is remembered as an influential and controversial figure in hip hop and rap music. He continues to have a devoted fanbase, who celebrate his work and maintain his legacy.
Later Years and Death
2pac Amaru Shakur continued to be an influential figure in the hip hop industry until his death in 1996. He released his fourth album, All Eyez on Me, in February 1996. It was a double-disc and featured the hits “California Love” and “How Do U Want It”. Same month, he was convicted of sexual assault and began serving a four and a half year sentence in Clinton Correctional Facility.
On September 7th, 1996, 2pac Amaru Shakur was shot in Las Vegas. This was while attending a boxing match between Bruce Seldon and Mike Tyson. He was taken to University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, where he died six days later. The killer was never found, though some believe it was associated with East Coast/West Coast rivalry. His death left the hip hop world shocked and devastated, and his influence still resonates today.
2pac Amaru Shakur’s memory is honored through the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, which helps provide art programs for young people. His albums have also been preserved and released as posthumous works. These works have also included unreleased music and rare collaborations. All this would allow future generations to experience the artistry of this rap icon. His life and 2pac Amaru Shakur history and biography will continue to be studied by fans around the world.
Legacy
2pac Amaru Shakur left behind a lasting legacy in the music, film, and literary worlds. He is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. Possessing an incredibly diverse discography that explored many topics from gang culture to spirituality. His films were critically acclaimed, particularly his lead role in the movie Juice. His writings, including his collection of poems The Rose That Grew From Concrete. Were praised for their insight into the rapper’s life and experiences.
His death in 1996 shook the world, and he was honored with memorials around the globe. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. He remains one of the most recognizable and respected figures in hip hop history and biography. Shakur’s powerful lyrics, films, and poetry will continue to influence generations of listeners and viewers for years to come.
