2Pac, also known as Tupac Shakur, was an American rapper, actor, and activist who became one of the most influential and iconic figures in hip-hop history. Here are some key points about his life and legacy:
Early Life
- Birth Name: Tupac Amaru Shakur
- Born: June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York City
- Parents: Afeni Shakur and Billy Garland, both of whom were active members of the Black Panther Party.
Career
- Debut Album: 2Pacalypse Now (1991)
- Breakthrough Album: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z… (1993)
- Notable Albums:
- Me Against the World (1995)
- All Eyez on Me (1996)
- The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996, released posthumously under the alias Makaveli)
Major Hits
- “California Love”
- “Changes”
- “Dear Mama”
- “Hit ‘Em Up”
- “Hail Mary”
Acting Career
- Starred in several films including Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), and Gridlock’d (1997).
Legacy
- Known for his raw and poetic lyrics that addressed contemporary social issues, racial inequality, and personal struggles.
- Credited with elevating the status of West Coast hip-hop and contributing to the genre’s mainstream success.
- Continues to be a subject of fascination and respect in the music industry and popular culture.
Death
- Date: September 13, 1996
- Cause: Tupac was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
- His murder remains officially unsolved, though it has been the subject of extensive speculation and numerous conspiracy theories.
Posthumous Releases
- Tupac’s work has continued to be released posthumously, with several albums, compilations, and unreleased tracks made available by his estate.
Influence
- 2Pac’s influence extends beyond music; he has inspired generations of artists and remains a symbol of resistance and the struggle for social justice.