Do you think that 39 is too old to be in the rap game? This week’s Artist of the Week is Tupac, who would have celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday. His life was surrounded by mystery and controversy. We all know the story: rape charges, East Coast/West Coast feud, murder and several posthumous albums.
From an early age, Tupac was exposed to a life that didn’t follow the straight and narrow. His mother was a proud member of the Black Panther Party in New York. Needless to say, Tupac was always shown how to be outspoken and to be a voice for others. His step-father was on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list and his god-father was convicted of murder. So at an early age, “The Streets” was the classroom for Tupac. Upon going to school, he enrolled in many acting classes, thus beginning his career of being an entertainer.
In 1989, he moved to Northern California and met up with Digital Underground. Tupac released two average albums: 2Pacalypse Now and Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. Although I don’t consider 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z one of his best albums, it did have the radio friendly hits: “Keep Ya Head Up” and “I Get Around.” This led to more exposure and really launched 2Pac into the mainstream. This was also around the time when Tupac began most of his legal problems. Tupac had (allegedly) taken part in the accidental shooting of a young boy, the shooting of an off-duty police officer, was charged with possession of a weapon and rape. The rape charge landed him in jail for 18 months. Prior to his sentencing, Tupac was shot while walked into a recording studio.
While serving his sentence, Me Against the World, was released. Tupac is the only musician to have a No. 1 album while in jail. This is, in my opinion, Tupac’s finest work. The album really showed the development of Tupac’s writing and it showed the world that he was an intellectual. Tupac is the only rapper that I know that could show a “soft” side, while still being credible in the rap game. He was the only rapper that was not afraid to smile and still inject fear in his enemies.
In 1996, he released his last studio album, All Eyez On Me. This began a flurry of double CD releases by other rap artists. Tupac’s contract was purchased by Suge Knight and he was released from his deal with Jive Records. The album is widely considered a classic in the rap industry and may have been his best work. Sadly, Tupac was murdered on the streets of Las Vegas. As in his life, there was controversy in his death. Till this day, the murder has gone unsolved.
Tupac was a legend in the rap game. He has sold over 75 million albums, making him one of the most successful rappers of all-time. Aside from rapping, Tupac also wrote poetry and was a respected actor. While in jail, Tupac was rumored to have written several hundred songs. Many of these songs were released after his death and will be continued to be released as the legend and popularity of Tupac grows.
Top 5 Songs
5. Dear Mama
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