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.
08. How Long Will They Mourn Me
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, this for my nigga Kato
It's still on nigga, believe that
We live a Thug Life, Thugs for Life
Yeah (how long will they mourn me?) we handle this shit for you, boy
Yeah, nigga
2Pac in this motherfucker
Tears in everybody's eyes
Niggas cried, to mourn a homie's homicide
But I can't cry, instead I'm just a shoulder
Damn, why they take another soldier?
I load my clip before my eyes blurry, don't worry
I'll get them suckers back before your buried (shit)
Retaliate and pull a one-eight-seven
Do real niggas get to go to heaven?
How long will they mourn me? Bury me a motherfuckin' G
Bitch don't wanna die, then, don't fuck with me
It's kinda hard to be optimistic
When your homie's lyin' dead on the pavement twisted
Y'all don't hear me doe, I'm tryin' hard to make amends
But I'm losin' all my motherfuckin' friends, damn
They should've shot me when I was born
Now I'm trapped in the motherfuckin' storm
How long will they mourn me?
I wish it would have been another
How long will they mourn me?
How long, will they mourn my brother (half them niggas all dead and shit)
How long will they mourn me?
I wish it would have been another
(Dedicated this to Kato nigga, and every thug)
How long will they mourn me?
How long, will they mourn my brother
How long will they mourn me?
Every motherfuckin' day homie
You stayed down when the other niggas didn't know me
From my heart to the trigger, you my fuckin' nigga
And things won't be the same without ya, nigga
I remember kickin' back, you wanted a 'llac
And goin' half on a motherfuckin' hundred sack
Smokin' blunt after blunt, and steady drinkin'
Hung around so much, you knew what I was thinkin'
Tell me Lord, why you take Big Kato?
So confused not knowing which way to go
I'm goin' crazy and runnin' out of fuckin' time
I can't take it, I'm losin' my fuckin' mind
So day after day, ride after ride
We'll hook up on the other side
Watch over your family and your newborn
'Til we meet again, homie
How long will they mourn me?
I wish it would have been another (Big Kato)
How long will they mourn me?
How long, will they mourn, my brother (it's still on, nigga)
How long will they mourn me?
I wish it would have been another (yeah)
How long will they mourn me?
How long will they mourn, my brother (rated R, Double Jeopardy, MAC-10)
Damn, a nigga tired of feelin' sad
I'm tired of puttin' in work
I'm tired of cryin' watchin' my homies leave the earth
I know soon one day I'll be in the dirt
And my peoples'll be mournin'
When they get a call from the coroner
All niggas can say is, "That's fucked up"
And get tossed up, reminiscin' how we grew up (my nigga)
Rest and love to my nigga Kato
See you in the crossroads real soon
For now let me pour out some brew
I'll be always thinkin' of ya, homie
Rest in peace, how long will they mourn me?
We know life's a fuckin' trip
And everybody gotta go
But why the fuck it have to be my nigga Kato?
Another nigga fell victim to the chrome
It's enough to make you crazy, it's fuckin' with my dome
You only live once on this earth, a nigga had it bad
Since the day, of my motherfuckin' birth (uh)
But niggas say they down and they always be my homie
But when a nigga gone, how long will ya mourn me?
(Yeah) I wish it would have been another (MAC-10 in this motherfucker, yeah)
How long will you mourn me?
How long, will they mourn my brother (Thug Life boy, Nate, blowin' that shit)
I wish it would have been another (Nate Dogg do that shit nigga, yeah)
How long will you mourn me? (This for my nigga Kato, and all his kids)
How long will they mourn, my brother
How long will you mourn me?
I wish it would have been another
How long will you mourn my brother?
The lyrics to 2Pac & Nate Dogg's song How Long Will They Mourn Me express feelings of grief and sorrow for a deceased friend named Kato. The song reflects on the realities of the street life and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in violent and tragic circumstances. The lyrics convey a sense of pain and anger towards the violence that took the life of Kato and other individuals, as well as a sense of hopelessness in the face of a seemingly impossible struggle.
2Pac, also known as Tupac Shakur and one of the most influential hip hop artists of all time, raps about the violence and chaos of the streets and the difficulty of living a “thug life”. The lyrics describe the pain of losing friends in senseless violence and express the frustration of being trapped in the cycle of street life. The chorus, “How long will they mourn me? Bury me a motherfuckin’ G” is a call to action for those who remain to continue to remember and honor those who have lost their lives.
Nate Dogg provides a soulful and emotional hook that reinforces the message of the song, emphasizing the importance of coming together to mourn and remember those who have fallen. Together, 2Pac and Nate Dogg create a powerful and moving tribute to Kato and all those whose lives have been cut short by violence.
Line by Line Meaning
How long will they mourn me?
Asking how much time people will grieve for the person who has passed away.
Yeah! This for my nigga Kato
Dedicated to Kato, 2Pac's friend who died.
It's still on nigga, believe that
The fight for justice and revenge for Kato is still ongoing.
We live a Thug Life, Thugs for Life
The way of life for 2Pac and his crew is living as gangsters for eternity.
Yeah (How long will they mourn me?) We handle this shit for you bwoy Yeah nigga
Promising to take revenge for Kato's death and handle the situation for him.
2Pac in this motherfucker
2Pac is present and rapping on the track.
All my homies drinkin' liquor
Out of respect for the dead, all of 2Pac's friends are drinking alcohol.
Tears in everybody's eyes
Everyone is crying due to the sad occasion of a friend's death.
Niggas cried, to mourn a homie's homicide
The other members of the Thug Life group cried to honor and mourn Kato’s death.
But I can't cry, instead I'm just a shoulder
2Pac is unable to cry himself, but he's there for his friends to cry on his shoulder.
Damn, why they take another soldier?
Anger and frustration at the loss of yet another friend to violence.
I load my clip before my eyes blurry, don't worry
2Pac prepares for revenge despite being emotional and distraught.
I'll get them suckers back before your buried (shit)
2Pac promises to get revenge before Kato's burial.
Retaliate and pull a one-eight-seven
Seeking vengeance by killing the people responsible for Kato's death.
Do real niggas get to go to heaven?
Questioning if a life of crime and killing would exclude someone from going to heaven.
Bury me a motherfuckin' G
2Pac wants to be buried as a gangster, reflecting his thug persona.
Bitch don't wanna die, then, don't fuck with me
Warning others not to mess with him, as it could lead to death.
It's kinda hard to be optimistic
Being pessimistic and finding it difficult to be positive after the death of a friend.
When your homie's lyin' dead on the pavement twisted
Describing the gruesome aftermath of Kato’s death.
Y'all don't hear me doe, I'm tryin hard to make amends
2Pac is trying to repair his relationships with his friends and make things right.
But I'm losin' all my motherfuckin' friends, damn!
Despite his efforts, 2Pac is still losing friends due to violence and crime.
They should've shot me when I was born
Feeling as if he was destined to always live a life of violence and pain.
Now I'm trapped in the motherfuckin' storm
Feeling trapped in a violent cycle of life and death.
I wish it would have been another
Wishing that Kato didn't have to be the one to die.
Every motherfuckin' day homie
Thinking about and missing his friend Kato every day.
You stayed down when the other niggas didn't know me
Kato was a true friend and stayed with 2Pac even when he was unknown.
From my heart to the trigger you my fuckin' nigga
From deep emotions and feelings to pulling the trigger, Kato was still considered a true friend.
And things won't be the same without ya nigga
Life will be different without Kato, and he'll be missed.
Tell me Lord, why you take big Kato?
Questioning God about why he took Kato away in such a violent manner.
So confused not knowing which way to go
Feeling lost and unsure of what to do after Kato’s death.
I'm goin' crazy and runnin' out of fuckin' time
Feeling unstable and running out of time to make things right.
I can't take it, I'm losin' my fuckin' mind
Feeling like he's going crazy and losing his sanity due to the loss of his friend.
So day after day, ride after ride
Heading towards the unknown future without Kato, every day and every ride.
We'll hook up on the other side
Believing that he'll see Kato again in the afterlife.
Watch over your family and your newborn
Asking Kato to watch over his family, especially his newborn child.
Till we meet again homie
Promising to see Kato again in the future.
Damn, a nigga tired of feelin' sad
Being tired of feeling sad about the loss of Kato and other friends.
I'm tired of puttin' in work
Being tired of living a life of crime and putting in work for the Thug Life crew.
I'm tired of cryin' watchin' my homies leave the earth
Tired of crying over friends dying and leaving this world.
I know soon one day I'll be in the dirt
Knowing that he'll also meet the same fate of death someday.
And my peoples'll be mournin' when they get a call from the coroner
Realizing that his friends and family will also mourn his death when they receive the news.
All niggas can say is that's fucked up
Their reaction to hearing about someone’s death is that it's terrible and messed up.
And get tossed up, reminiscin' how we grew up (my nigga)
Getting together and remembering how they grew up with memories of their friends who have passed.
Rest and love to my nigga Kato
Showing respect and love to Kato, who is no longer with them.
See you in the crossroads real soon
Believing that he'll meet Kato at the intersection of life and death in the afterlife.
For now let me pour out some brew
As a symbolic gesture, he pours out some alcohol to honor Kato's memory.
I'll be always thinkin' of ya homie
Promising to always keep Kato in his thoughts and memories.
Rest in peace, how long will they mourn me?
Wishing Kato and other friends a peaceful rest in death, while still questioning how long they would be remembered and mourned.
It's enough to make you crazy, it's fuckin' with my dome
The death of his close friend is making him feel like he's losing it, and it's affecting his head.
You only live once on this earth a nigga had it bad
Believing that life is short and precious, and he's had a rough life.
Since the day, of my motherfuckin' birth (uh)
Feeling like he's had it bad since the day he was born, due to the circumstances of his upbringing and life in general.
But niggas say they down and they always be my homie
Some people claim to be his friend and never leave him, but that's not always the case.
But when a nigga gone, how long will ya mourn me?
Asking how long people would truly mourn and remember him when he's gone.
(Yeah!) I wish it would have been another
Wishing that his life and the lives of his friends could be different, and no one had to die so young.
How long will you mourn me?!
Asking if they'll miss him when he's gone, and how long they'll remember him after he's passed away.
Lyrics © Regard Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Missing Link Music
Written by: Daryl Rivers, James D. Gass, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Tyruss Gerald Himes, Walter Burns, Warren Griffin, Warren Iii Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Agent Bosconian
on So Many Tears - Live
I fear only God and no human being
Even in the face of danger, I will stay strong
I have cried so much and fear that I might die soon
God, please guide me and take me to heaven if I die
I grew up in a sad, and lonely environment and it affected me in a gravely manner
I was abandoned; all alone and grew up in a community that was doomed to fail
My mind was greatly troubled and I couldn't be able to find my inner peace
I found solace and comfort in adopting a tough and rebellious lifestyle
Do you understand my pain and sorrow? I don't ever dwell on the past memories
To survive in a dangerous environment, you must react aggressively and quickly; in order to stay alive
I will always remember my friend, Kato. A good friend who has tragically died, and is no longer with us, anymore
I witnessed the day Kato perished on the streets and was calling for help
May Kato, and those who died before him, truly find peace in death
Is there really a place in heaven for a gangster like me? Always think and never forget about me
The friends that I once shared my laughter with; are now buried in their graves in the cemetery. I continue to shed countless tears for them; as I grieve for them
As I face many difficulties in the music industry, I will do whatever it takes to overcome it
People call me greedy and selfish for making money, yet they rarely can see me
I feel like I'm being cursed by the world and havin' disturbing; yet horrible premonitions
I have a fear that I will die and lie inside a coffin on a hearse, and want God's guidance and empathy
I want to escape from the problems, stress and the hurting of life
I yearned; longing for happiness and clarity in my troubled life
I'm trapped in jail and my life is in shambles
I feel like I'm doomed to go to Hell, but I don't know why
I'm in denial about my life, and I'm scared of death
If I go to hell, I will be in eternal pain and cry so much
I'm lost and tired, and I've cried so much
I'm contemplating suicide, so stay away from me
I'm intentionally moving towards death
I'm ready to die, and I feel like I have nothing to live for
The streets were ruthless, and I couldn't find peace
I'm on the verge of breaking down, and I long for peace
I lost my soul and my identity, but I was unaware
I had demons in my mind that were taking over
The demons inside me grew and ignited a fire
My head felt like a bomb ready to explode, it was a nasty game
I have no happy memories, only pain and sadness
I imagine my enemies murdering me in my sleep
I wonder if I'll live to see the next day
I ask God to pardon me for my wrongs as death approaches
God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed
I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings
I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by
I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort
I don't want this life, I want something different
There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence
I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze
Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind
I've been disillusioned and now want a family
I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past
I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us
I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it
I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven
I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven
I've lost so many years and cried so many tears
God, I lost so many friends and associates, and...
God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed
I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings
I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by
I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort
I don't want this life, I want something different
There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence
I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze
Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind
I've been disillusioned and now want a family
I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past
I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us
I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it
I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven
I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven
I've lost so many years and cried so many tears
God, I lost so many friends and associates, and cried so many tears
Aliyu
on 'Pac's Life
Nice
A.Bosconian
on So Many Tears
I am not afraid of anything or anyone other than God.
Even when I am in the darkest of times and places.
I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.
I ask God to guide me and be with me in my journey through life.
Even as a child in elementary school, I found myself attracted to and surrounded by sadness and hopelessness.
I was abandoned and grew up among a generation of people who were doomed to fail.
My mind was constantly struggling, and I could not find a sense of peace or comfort anywhere.
I found a sense of identity and belonging when I got the tattoo of 'Thug Life' on my chest.
Do you understand the struggles and pain that I have experienced in my life?
I am not dwelling on my past mistakes, and if you want to be successful, you shouldn't be either.
In order to defend yourself and your community from violence, you must be the first one to take action. We should never forget Kato, who was killed due to senseless violence.
Kato is no longer with us and has passed away.
I witnessed violent crimes, and I've seen the aftermath of people being killed on the streets.
I hope Kato, and all those who have passed before him, are resting in peace.
Is there a place in heaven for someone like me, who has lived a life of violence and crime?
Remember me and all of my friends who have died and are now buried in the cemetery.
I address God.
I have experienced a lot of suffering throughout my life.
I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.
Now that I am struggling in the music industry.
I will do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means being labeled as greedy and only focused on making money.
Even though I am chasing success, I rarely get to enjoy it or be seen by others.
I feel cursed and have a negative outlook on the world.
I am having visions of dying and leaving this world in a coffin.
I ask God if he can understand what I am going through and help me.
I want to be relieved of all the stress and suffering I feel.
I want to experience happiness again, which has been absent from my life for some time.
I feel like I am losing sight of what's important in my life.
I feel trapped in my current situation, and my quality of life is suffering as a result.
I already feel like I am destined to go to hell, and I question where I went wrong in my life.
I am unable to come to terms with my reality.
When I die, I fear that I will be punished forever in the afterlife.
I feel lost and tired.
I have cried so much that I am now having suicidal thoughts, so please don't be near me.
Everything I do feels like a complicated and difficult step.
To bring me closer to what I want to achieve.
I am prepared to accept death at any moment since I feel like I have nothing to live for.
Things were very rough and merciless on the streets.
I was never able to find peace or rest in that environment.
I am close to falling apart and screaming for peace.
Even though I was empty and lost, I couldn't understand or recognize it at the time.
My mind was plagued with negative thoughts and emotions, which were trying to escape constantly.
The negative thoughts and emotions had been planted long ago and have now taken root, and the flame of negativity is now growing stronger.
Just like a match can light a fire, the negative thoughts in my brain can also do the same, causing pain and suffering.
I have no good memories to comfort me, only sadness and suffering.
I am afraid of being attacked and killed by the people who hate me, even in my sleep.
I wonder if I will survive through the night to see the light of the new day?
I ask God for forgiveness for my past mistakes and wrongdoings.
I am trying to face my problems and come out stronger and better.
The Lord knows I have tried my best, and I have witnessed violent deaths in my community.
Drive-by shootings have resulted in the loss of many lives, including innocent children.
I wonder why these tragedies are happening in my community as I walk around and see the devastation.
I am saddened as I look at the markings on the pavement where someone has been killed, and the only way I can deal with this pain is by getting high.
I understand that this isn't the kind of life that I want for myself, and I want to change it.
I want to change my life for the better.
I feel like there is no future for me, no matter how hard I try to change.
I am trapped in the cycle of crime and violence that exists in my community.
I am lost and confused about how to get out of this situation.
The alcohol has influenced me to act more recklessly and dangerously.
I have lost faith and become cynical about life recently.
I have been wanting to have children and start a family.
I want to see a better version of myself in my children, someone who isn't always involved in negative activities.
I don't fully trust my partner because of the negative influence of our environment.
My partner has also been affected by the negative influences of our environment, and I am hearing strange noises because of how paranoid I am.
I am paranoid that my partner is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle the stress anymore.
I am begging God to forgive me and let me into heaven when I die.
I have lost many friends and acquaintances to violence and death.
As a result of these losses, I have cried many tears and experienced a lot of sadness.
I have experienced a lot of pain and suffering throughout my life.
A.Bosconian
on So Many Tears
The lyrics of Tupac Shakur's song "So Many Tears" explore the themes of paranoia, pain, and death. The first verse of the song presents Tupac's fearlessness of men, but not of God. The rapper then describes his life growing up, where he felt like he was surrounded by misery but found a sense of identity and belonging in the Thug Life culture. He mourns the deaths of his friends, particularly Kato, who was murdered in the streets. Tupac questions to himself whether there is heaven for a "G" and reflects on the many homies who died; that are now in the cemetery.
In the second verse, Tupac reveals his struggles in the music industry, where he feels overwhelmed by the pressure and pain. He admits to being greedy and having a vision of dying young. Tupac requests God to free him from the pain and suffering he experiences in life. The final verse of the song sees Tupac lost, weary, and suicidal. He delves into his struggles with addiction, and he starts to hear voices and experience demons in his mind. Tupac desires to change, but he feels trapped in the game, and he is unsure of his lady's loyalty.
Overall, Tupac Shakur's "So Many Tears" is a poignant song that reflects the artist's tumultuous life and his struggles with death and paranoia. The lyrics also tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the ghetto and the impact that violence and loss have on the psyche of an individual.
Gabriel Benard Cote
on California Love - Original Mix (Explicit)
2 pac is the best