Shakur was born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members. Raised by his mother, he relocated to Baltimore in 1984 and to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. With the release of his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, he became a central figure in West Coast hip-hop for his conscious rap lyrics. Shakur achieved further critical and commercial success with his follow-up albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) and Me Against the World (1995). His Diamond certified album All Eyez on Me (1996), the first double-length album in hip-hop history, abandoned his introspective lyrics for volatile gangsta rap. In addition to his music career, Shakur also found considerable success as an actor, with his starring roles in Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), Gridlock'd (1997), and Gang Related (1997).
During the later part of his career, Shakur was shot five times in the lobby of a New York recording studio and experienced legal troubles, including incarceration. In 1995, Shakur served eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges, but was released pending an appeal of his conviction. Following his release, he signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records and became heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas; he died six days later. Following his murder, Shakur's friend-turned-rival, the Notorious B.I.G., was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud, but was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later in March 1997 while visiting Los Angeles.
Five more albums have been released since Shakur's death, all of which have been certified Platinum in the United States. In 2002, Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Shakur among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Shakur was born on June 16, 1971, in the East Harlem section of Manhattan in New York City. While born Lesane Parish Crooks, at age one he was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was named after Túpac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, Túpac Amaru, who was executed in Peru in 1781 after his failed revolt against Spanish rule. Shakur's mother explained, "I wanted him to have the name of revolutionary, indigenous people in the world. I wanted him to know he was part of a world culture and not just from a neighborhood."
Shakur had an older stepbrother, Mopreme "Komani" Shakur, and a half-sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, two years his junior.
'Pac's Life
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They ain't ready for this (hey)
L.T Hutton (ooh)
T.I
Ashanti
It's that new 'Pac, y'all
Pac's life
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
(It's 2Pac, the king)
What do you know about Pac's life?
What do you know? What do you know? (yeah)
(Only real niggas stay on top)
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
(Outlawz)
It started with five shots, niggas plottin' to kill him
Never figured that, that same nigga sell five million
Hit the charts like a mad man, nothin' but hits
Court cases got a nigga facin' multiple digits
Dodgin' cop cars look at how we come so far
Picture a high school drop out
Rollin' a double R
House full of happiness, weed and drank
Way out, so when trouble tried to find me, can't
Never 'visioned livin' longer than my twenty first
Thought I'd be locked down, cracked out or in the dirt
And though it hurts to see the change
It comes with the fame
Watch them gossip in this silly game (game)
To all the motherfucker's speaking down on me this is the night
Why's everybody caught up in Pac's life?
To all y'all niggas, conversatin' on my life
Mind your motherfuckin' business
Pac's life
(Everybody needs to chill)
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
What do you know about Pac's life?
What do you know? What do you know? (yeah)
(Only real niggas stay on top)
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
(Outlawz)
Ayy
What's happenin', Pac?
Yeah, I know we never got to meet
But we know all the same people, so we got to speak
You taught me first, fake nigga can't stop a G
And all the shit you went through (ayy)
Meant a lot to me
Watch them lock you up for nothin' it was shame to see
You the crack came and did the same thing to me
I get along with real niggas it's the lane to be
Talkin' loud out of pocket tryna bang with me
And so I pull it out my pocket let it rain you see
Now they all in the court room blamin' me
See we ain't live the same life but represent the same struggle (struggle)
Power to the real niggas death to the sucker's
Money over bitches, get to know 'em for you love 'em (love 'em)
Death before dishonor never talk to undercover's
Live by the same rules so minus the tattoo's
We the same sort of dude with the same short fuse
Pac's life
(Everybody needs to chill)
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
What do you know about Pac's life?
What do you know? What do you know? (yeah)
(Only real niggas stay on top)
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
I want money in large amounts
My garage full of cars that bounce
Movin' my tapes in major weight 'cause every dollar counts
Busters is jealous and half these niggas is punks
They runnin' off at the mouth 'til I fill it up with my pump
They jump my automatic keep 'em weary
While you frontin' like you Billy Bad Ass
Nigga you scary, I been knowin' you for years
We was high school peers, in Junior High
I was itching' to kill, and you was, 'Ready To Die'
While you bullshittin', niggas was dyin' and catchin' cases
Bustin' my automatics at motherfucker's in foreign places
Leavin' no trace, they see my face and then they buried
Bitches die in a hurry, still I ride, I'm never worried
Mr. Makaveli tell me to ride and I'ma ride
Pick my enemies out the crowd, and motherfucker's die
It's not the way I wanna live, my nigga it's how it is
Only real niggas stay on top
Pac's life
(Everybody needs to chill)
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
(Why y'all niggas all up in my shit?)
What do you know about Pac's life?
What do you know? What do you know? (tell 'em motherfucka's)
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life (Outlawz)
(Fuck all y'all)(ooh ooh, oh yeah)
“Pac's Life” is a tribute song to Tupac Shakur, who was one of the greatest hip-hop artists to ever grace the genre. The song is a collaboration between four artists: T.I., Ashanti, L.T. Hutton, and the Outlawz. The first few lyrics are loaded with conversations between the artists talking about how much they respected and loved Tupac. They talk about how he changed the game and how nobody could ever touch his level. The first verse is a reflection of Tupac’s life and struggles, as it talks about how he avoided trouble and how he never imagined he’d be alive at the age he was when he died. The artists also talk about the change that comes with fame and how people start to gossip and talk negatively about you.
The second verse is T.I. talking about his experiences with Tupac’s music and the impact he had on his life. He reflects on how he learned from Tupac to be a real G and how his music and struggles inspired him. T.I. uses this opportunity to talk about the flaws in the rap industry, how most people are fake and are not representative of the culture. He talks about the struggle that comes with being real and staying true to yourself in the rap game. The chorus repeats itself, and the song ends with a short verse from the Outlawz.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh oh, uh oh, oh, oh oh
Introduction to the song.
They ain't ready for this (hey)
This song is going to be something new and different.
L.T Hutton (ooh)
Name drop of one of the people involved in the song.
T.I
Name drop of one of the people involved in the song.
Ashanti
Name drop of one of the people involved in the song.
It's that new 'Pac, y'all
Introducing the fact that the song is a new release from Tupac.
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
People are always discussing Tupac and his life.
What do you know about Pac's life?
Asking those who talk about him what they actually know.
What do you know? What do you know? (yeah)
Repeating the previous line for emphasis.
Only real niggas stay on top
Only those who truly live the life of a gangster will be successful.
Outlawz
Name drop of one of the groups Tupac was associated with.
Everybody talkin' 'bout Pac's life
Repeating the earlier line to emphasize how often people talk about Tupac.
It started with five shots, niggas plottin' to kill him
Recounting the incident where Tupac was shot five times and almost killed.
Never figured that, that same nigga sell five million
No one could have guessed that Tupac, the same man who was nearly killed, would go on to sell five million records.
Hit the charts like a mad man, nothin' but hits
Tupac quickly and successfully made it onto the music charts.
Court cases got a nigga facin' multiple digits
Tupac was facing hefty fines due to his legal troubles.
Dodgin' cop cars look at how we come so far
Despite constantly avoiding law enforcement, Tupac had become very successful.
Picture a high school drop out, rollin' a double R
Imagining a scenario where a high school dropout, like Tupac, is driving around in a Rolls Royce.
House full of happiness, weed and drank
Tupac's house was full of joy, weed and alcohol.
Way out, so when trouble tried to find me, can't
Tupac had moved away from his troubles and couldn't be found by those who would cause him harm.
Never 'visioned livin' longer than my twenty first
Tupac didn't think he would live to be older than 21 years old.
Thought I'd be locked down, cracked out or in the dirt
Tupac believed that he would either be in jail, addicted to drugs, or dead.
And though it hurts to see the change, It comes with the fame
Although Tupac didn't like how fame had changed him, he knew that it was inevitable.
Watch them gossip in this silly game (game)
Tupac was tired of people spreading rumors about him in the media and entertainment industries.
To all the motherfucker's speaking down on me this is the night
Tupac is calling out those who speak ill of him, daring them to confront him in person.
Why's everybody caught up in Pac's life?
Another expression of frustration about people talking so much about his life.
To all y'all niggas, conversatin' on my life
A continuation of the previous line, calling out those who talk about him.
Mind your motherfuckin' business
Tupac wants people to stop talking about his life and focus on their own.
Yeah, I know we never got to meet
Tupac's friend is expressing regret that they never met before Tupac's death.
But we know all the same people, so we got to speak
Although they never met, they still know each other through mutual friends.
You taught me first, fake nigga can't stop a G
Tupac taught his friend that someone who is not authentic (fake) can't stop someone who is a true gangsta.
And all the shit you went through (ayy)
Tupac's friend recognizes all the trials and tribulations Tupac went through.
Meant a lot to me
Tupac's friend is expressing gratitude for everything he learned from Tupac.
Watch them lock you up for nothin' it was shame to see
Tupac's friend is expressing regret for how Tupac was treated by the justice system.
You the crack came and did the same thing to me
Tupac's friend fell victim to addiction, just like Tupac did.
I get along with real niggas it's the lane to be
Tupac's friend likes to be around authentic gangstas like Tupac.
Talkin' loud out of pocket tryna bang with me
People who talk trash and try to act tough with Tupac's friend end up regretting it.
And so I pull it out my pocket let it rain you see
Tupac's friend is willing to confront his enemies with violence if necessary.
Now they all in the court room blamin' me
After a violent confrontation, Tupac's friend is on trial and being blamed for the conflict.
See we ain't live the same life but represent the same struggle (struggle)
Although they didn't come from the same background, they both face the same struggles as gangstas.
Power to the real niggas death to the sucker's
Tupac's friend believes that true gangstas should have power, and fake ones should die.
Money over bitches, get to know 'em for you love 'em (love 'em)
Tupac's friend values money more than women, and believes that you should get to know someone before falling in love with them.
Death before dishonor never talk to undercover's
Tupac's friend would rather die than betray his gangsta morals, and he won't talk to undercover law enforcement officers.
Live by the same rules so minus the tattoo's
Tupac's friend and Tupac had the same gangsta mentality, even if his friend didn't have the tattoos.
We the same sort of dude with the same short fuse
Tupac's friend and Tupac are very similar in their short tempers and willingness to escalate conflicts.
I want money in large amounts
Tupac is motivated by a desire to earn large amounts of money.
My garage full of cars that bounce
Tupac owns many cars that are modified to bounce.
Movin' my tapes in major weight 'cause every dollar counts
Tupac is focused on selling as many copies of his music as possible in order to make lots of money.
Busters is jealous and half these niggas is punks
Tupac's haters are just jealous of his success and don't have the guts to do what he does.
They runnin' off at the mouth 'til I fill it up with my pump
Tupac is not afraid to use violent means to shut up those who talk trash about him.
They jump my automatic keep 'em weary
Tupac's automatic weapon scares off people who might try to start trouble.
While you frontin' like you Billy Bad Ass, Nigga you scary
People who act tough and try to intimidate Tupac are actually scared of him.
I been knowin' you for years
Tupac has known his haters for a long time.
We was high school peers, in Junior High
Tupac's haters went to school with him, even way back in junior high.
I was itching' to kill, and you was, 'Ready To Die'
Tupac and his haters were very different as young men - Tupac wanted to kill, while his haters were suicidal.
While you bullshittin', niggas was dyin' and catchin' cases
Tupac is calling out his haters for their inaction, while other gangstas are getting killed or sent to prison.
Bustin' my automatics at motherfucker's in foreign places
Tupac is willing to use violence in order to defend himself, even when he's in other countries.
Leavin' no trace, they see my face and then they buried
Tupac is so skilled at evading capture that those who try to catch him end up getting killed.
Bitches die in a hurry, still I ride, I'm never worried
Tupac's women end up dying or going to jail, but he doesn't care - he remains unafraid and continues to confront his enemies.
Mr. Makaveli tell me to ride and I'ma ride
Tupac truly believes in his gangsta lifestyle, and is willing to do anything that his mentor, Mr. Makaveli, tells him to do.
Pick my enemies out the crowd, and motherfucker's die
Tupac is skilled at finding his enemies in a crowd and killing them without remorse.
It's not the way I wanna live, my nigga it's how it is
Tupac recognizes that his lifestyle isn't ideal, but he feels that he has no other choice.
Only real niggas stay on top
Tupac believes that only those who truly live as gangstas will be successful.
Why y'all niggas all up in my shit?
Tupac is calling out those who are overly concerned with his life and don't have their own priorities.
Tell 'em motherfucka's
Tupac wants his haters to hear his message and understand his perspective.
Fuck all y'all
Tupac is wrapping up his song with a final insult aimed at his detractors.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ricardo Brown, Johnny Jackson, Malcolm Greenidge, Katari Cox, Rufus Cooper, Mutah Beale, Delmar Arnaud, Ashanti Douglas, Lenton Hutton, Tupac Shakur, Clifford Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aliyu
Nice
@mkodyChallengesYOurexistence
Its our duty
Specialy those who live nearby those historically black related places and history must be kept alive
Wish I was wealthy
Buy it up but no profits for me
0 by contract
Put kids on street as probation program to enlighten and spark a mind
1 is enough
Cause 1 is thinking like this
Just need 2 the funds
9to 5 and side deals and online tricks is slow ...if I sold principles I think I be closer to my initial idea 💡
@boss8000
20 years after death, Tupac is still way better than anyone that tried to top him.
@blacklyfe5543
+Boss ⓧ Eminem
@jantomaz55
+Alphaomarni Karnley Jarbie lmao never
@blacklyfe5543
Jan tomaž never say never
@knowledgeispower8407
+Alphaomarni Karnley Jarbie Eminem is most deff the best rapper alive to this day, but Pac is the best ever to touch a mic.
@blacklyfe5543
Knowledge IsPower hell no it's Wiz Khalifa
@Africa2DaWorld
Pac Songs will never die. Thats a definition of a true legend. 🐐
@angevanderheyden8523
Finally justice for Pac’s life 🙏🏼 27years later. R.I.P
@maxwellboateng4655
Who's here 2024❤❤❤