PAC

Tupac Shakur! Whether you know him as Makavelli, 2Pac or just Pac, with his socially aware and provocative lyrics, Tupac Amaru Shakur definitely earned his place as one of the most iconic rap artists of all times. In a tragically short life, Tupac was able to accomplish many things - actor, rapper and a social activist. Tupac was capable and willing to wear many different hats to get his message across.

Pac was born on June 16th 1971 in Harlem NY and the son of a black panther. His birth came one month after his mother was acquitted in the NY Panther 21 case. Tupac had a remarkably normal childhood. At 12 he joined the famous 127 Harlem troupe and acted in ,"A Raisin in the Sun.” After moving to Baltimore and later California, Pac remained dedicated to his love of entertainment. He joined the Ensemble Theater Company.

In 1989 Tupac was signed and became a member of the rap group Digital Underground. In 1990 he released his first album and promptly became embroiled in controversy due to its graphic nature. In fact, what was denounced as the words of an angry black man were the cries of young black America. Tupac was a genius in a way that he connected with the young. He was one of the first rap artists to make being intellectual accessible to the urban masses. He made the plight of black America and the injustices that often afflicts them a focus of his outspokenness.

Tragically his life was cut short at the age of 25. He was shot in Las Vegas and died four days later of bleeding. However, Tupac’s legacy lives on. Nine albums were released after his death with more to be released.

A foundation was set up in his name to help impoverished children. Conspiracy theorists postulate that Pac may still be alive. There are hundreds of websites set up arguing that theory. It is a true testimony to the dedication from his fans and their need to keep Pac alive in their mind. Regardless of what you think, it’s clear that Tupac had something to say and he spent his life trying to get that message across.

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