2Pac is an American rap legend. 2Pac and Makaveli are the creative pseudonyms of the famous rapper, under which he managed to earn the status of "King of Hip-Hop". The first albums of the artist immediately after the release became "platinum". They have sold over 70 million copies.
Despite the fact that the famous rapper has long been gone, his name still holds a special place in the hearts of rap fans. His albums continue to download. The artist's tracks continue to sound from cars and clubs. 2Pac is a legend you can't stop admiring.
Childhood and youth 2Pac
Leesane Parish Crooks is the real name of the American rapper. The boy was born in the small settlement of Harlem in 1971. His parents were very religious. Lysane Parish Crooks was baptized as Tupac. That was the name of the descendant of the Indian leader who fought for freedom in Peru. The surname Shakur went to the boy from his stepfather.
Shakur's mother fought for the rights of blacks. As a result, their family moved frequently. She was a member of the large Black Panther organization, which Tupac Shakur later joined.
It's hard to believe, but Tupac was a very exemplary student. The young man received his secondary education at the prestigious School for the Arts. There he learned the basics of art, music and acting. The list of subjects studied included poetry, ballet and jazz.
Tupac Shakur, while studying at school, constantly participated in school plays. He managed to play a role in a play based on the works of Shakespeare and Tchaikovsky. The young man had acting talent, which later came in handy on the big stage.
Even while studying at school, Tupac Shakur began to be interested in rap. At school, he became the best rapper in his school. Tupac gave his first performances within the walls of the school. He liked to perform on stage, so he really wanted to become a superstar.
In 1988, Tupac Shakur and his family moved to the United States of America. There he began attending Tamalpais High School. The young man continued to get involved in acting. Later, he became interested in his classmates.
Tupac Shakur became the founder of the school theater. Under his leadership, many worthy performances came out, in which the students of the Tamalpais school took part. The future star had the opportunity to attend poetry courses taught by the teacher and poetess Leila Steinberg.
The beginning of 2Pac's music career
The artist's musical career began in 1991. He was invited to one of the most famous Californian groups Digital Underground. The artist gained popularity thanks to the musical composition Same Song. It was this track that introduced rap fans to the divine voice of 2Pac.
In 1992, 2Pac took the first bold steps towards a solo career. Then he released his debut album 2 Pacalypse Now, which later went platinum. In this album, the artist touched on acute social topics. The tracks are filled with anger, obscene language and criticism of the authorities.
The rapper took part in the filming of the film "Authority" (1992). In this film, he played a teenager who leads a dubious lifestyle. Many acquaintances and biographers noted that 2Pac "tried on" this image in real life, repeating the fate of the hero played.
2Pac often got in trouble with the law. He was behind bars more than once. But this did not stop him from building an excellent musical career. It seems that "disputes with the law" only increased interest in him. The army of "fans" of the artist only increased.
The rapper's second album Strictly 4 My NIGGAZ was released in 1993. During the release of the album, more than 1 million copies were sold. It was a well-deserved and justified success. Tracks Keep Ya Head Up and I Get Around became popular musical compositions.
After the release of the second album, the rapper's popularity increased. At this time, he was invited to shoot the films Poetic Justice and Above the Ring. The face of 2Pac has become even more recognizable. He has become a world class star.
This period was a triumph for the rapper. In principle, he achieved everything that he planned. He became a popular singer and actor. However, legal problems that arose from time to time did not allow the rapper to develop further. In 1993, 2Pac was accused of rape.
Troubled period in an artist's career
At a time when the court had not yet made a final verdict, the artist managed to become the founder of the Thug Life group. The musical group managed to create only one album. The most memorable tracks were Bury Me a G, Cradle to the Grave, Pour Out a Little Liquor, How Long Will They Mourn Me?
In 1995, the court delivered its final verdict. And 2Pac went to jail for 4,5 years. However, he managed to record the third album Me Against the World. He came out when the rapper was already behind bars. The track So Many Tears literally instantly became a hit.
Despite the fact that the artist was convicted, this did not prevent the third album from becoming platinum. Fans and music critics recognized the third album as the best among all the rapper's musical compositions. A little later, this album was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2Pac was released much earlier than the deadline. And all because of the fact that his friends posted bail for him in the amount of more than $ 1 million. The pledge was made by the recording studio Death Row. But with one condition - after the release, 2Pac must sign a contract with the studio and release three albums.
Four months later, 2Pac presented the double album All Eyez On Me. Later, he was recognized as the best in the hip-hop genre, more than 5 times was recognized as "platinum". It is estimated that more than 8 million copies have been sold. In some tracks, fans found prophetic quotes regarding the rapper's departure from life.
The fifth studio album was called The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. The most interesting thing is that 2Pac wrote this album in just three days. The musician created the disk under the pseudonym Makaveli. He didn't choose this nickname easily. The rapper began to get involved in the philosophy of Niccolo Machiavelli, who greatly influenced his worldview. Unfortunately, the rapper did not wait for the official release of his fifth studio album.
Assassination of Tupac Shakur
2Pac died in 1996. He arrived in Los Angeles to support boxer Mike Tyson. Michael Tyson won that day.
In high spirits, the rapper went to a nightclub to celebrate the victory. However, on the way, his car was shot by unknown people.
2Pac took over 5 bullets. He ended up in the hospital, where he even tried to get out of his hospital bed. But due to a significant hemorrhage, the performer died. The musician's body was cremated. Many speculate that the rapper was a victim of the East Coast gang.
