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.
2 Of Amerikanz Most Wanted
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ah shit, you done fucked up now (ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
You done put two of America's most wanted
In the same motherfuckin' place at the same motherfuckin' time (ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
Y'all niggas about to feel this
Break out the champagne glasses and the motherfuckin' condoms (ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
Picture perfect, I paint a perfect picture
Bomb the hoochies with precision, my intention's to get richer
With the S-N double-O-P, Dogg my fuckin' homie
You'se a cold-ass nigga on them hogs
Sho' 'nuff
I keep my hand on my gun, cause they got me on the run
Now I'm back in the courtroom waitin' on the outcome
Free 2Pac is all that's on a nigga's mind
But at the same time it seems, they tryin' to take mine
So I'mma get smart and get defensive and shit
And put together a Million March for some gangsta shit
So now they got us laced
Two multimillionare motherfuckers catchin' cases
Bitches get ready for the throw down, the shit's about to go down
Me and Snoop about to clown
I'm losin' my religion
I'm vicious on these stool pigeons
You might be deep in this game, but you got the rules missing
Niggas be actin' like they savage, they out to get the cabbage
I've got nothin' but love for my niggas living lavish
I've got a pit named P, she Nigerina
I've got a house out in the hills right next to Chino
And, I think I've got a black Bimmer
But my dream's to own a fly casino
Like Bugsy Siegel, and do it all legal
And get scooped up by the little homie in the Regal, uh
It feels good to you baby-bubba
You see, this is for the G's and the keys, motherfucker
Now follow as we ride
Motherfuck the rest, two of the best from the Westside
And I can make you famous
Niggas been dyin' for years so how could they blame us
I live in fear of a felony
I never stop bailin' these
Motherfuckin' G's
If you got it better flaunt it
Another warrant for 2 of America's most wanted
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Nothin' but a gangsta party
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Nothin' but a gangsta party
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Now give me fifty feet
Defeat is not my destiny, release me to the streets
And keep whatever's left of me
Jealousy is misery, suffering is grief
Better be prepared when you cowards fuck with me,
I bust and flee
"These niggas must be crazy, what?"
There ain't no mercy, motherfuckers who can't fade the thugs
You thought it was but it wasn't, now disappear
Bow down in the presence of a boss player
It's like cough blood gang-bangin'
Everybody in the party doin' dope-slangin'
You gotta have papers in this world
You might get your first snatch before your eyes swirl
You doin' your job every day
And then you work so hard 'til your hair turns gray
Let me tell you about life and about the way it is
You see, we live by the gun, so we die by the guns, kids
They tell me not to roll with my Glock
So now I gotta throw away
Floating in the black Benz, trying to do a show a day
They wonder how I live with five shots
Niggas is hard to kill on my block
Schemes for currency and dough-related
Affiliated with the hustlers, so we made it
No answers to questions, I'm trying to get up on it
My nigga Dogg with me, eternally the most wanted (Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Nothin' but a gangsta party
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Nothin' but a gangsta party
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Nothin' but a gangsta party
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party biatch!
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
"2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" is a collaboration between Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg that was released in 1996. The song is an anthem for gangsters and their lifestyle. In the intro, we hear Tupac inviting Snoop to join him in a gangsta party. The song is characterized by its hard-hitting beats and aggressive lyrics. Tupac's rap is focused on his legal troubles and how he intends to get back at the system that's trying to take everything away from him. He also brags about his lifestyle, his possessions, and his ambitions. Snoop's rap, on the other hand, is more laid-back, with clever wordplays and a slower flow.
The chorus of the song repeats the line, "Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party" over and over again, emphasizing the rebellious nature of the song. Tupac's rap reflects his attitude of not taking any crap from anyone and fighting back. He talks about being on the run and how he has to be ready to defend himself at any time. He also mentions how the system is trying to take away his freedom and how he plans to organize a Million March for gangsta rights. Snoop's rap is less confrontational and more focused on his swag and his love for his crew.
Line by Line Meaning
Up out of there
Let's go, let's get out of here
Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party
This is a party for gangsters, where we can have fun and be ourselves without fear or judgment
Ah shit, you done fucked up now (ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
Oh no, you've messed up and now you're in trouble. But don't worry, this is still just a party for us gangsters
You done put two of America's most wanted
In the same motherfuckin' place at the same motherfuckin' time (ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
You've brought together two of the most notorious and wanted criminals in America, but we're still just here to have a good time
Y'all niggas about to feel this
You are all about to experience something incredible
Break out the champagne glasses and the motherfuckin' condoms (ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
Let's celebrate with champagne and get ready for some sexual activity, because we're all here to have a wild time
Have one on us aight (ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
We're offering you a drink, on us, to enjoy at this gangsta party
Picture perfect, I paint a perfect picture
I have a clear image of what I want to convey and I do it flawlessly
Bomb the hoochies with precision, my intention's to get richer
I'm seducing women (hoochies) with calculated precision in order to gain wealth
With the S-N double-O-P, Dogg my fuckin' homie
I'm with Snoop Dogg, who is my close friend
You'se a cold-ass nigga on them hogs
Sho' 'nuff
You're a tough guy when riding your motorcycle, that's for sure
I keep my hand on my gun, cause they got me on the run
I'm always ready to defend myself because I'm being chased by the authorities
Now I'm back in the courtroom waitin' on the outcome
I'm waiting to hear the verdict of my trial in court
Free 2Pac is all that's on a nigga's mind
But at the same time it seems, they tryin' to take mine
I'm desperate to be released from prison, but it feels like the system is trying to take away my freedom and my life
So I'mma get smart and get defensive and shit
And put together a Million March for some gangsta shit
I'm going to be strategic and defensive, and organize a massive public march to fight for gangster rights
So now they got us laced
Two multimillionare motherfuckers catchin' cases
Now we are both caught up in legal trouble as rich and powerful individuals
Bitches get ready for the throw down, the shit's about to go down
Me and Snoop about to clown
Women, get ready for some intense action because Snoop and I are about to show off and have fun
I'm losin' my religion
I'm losing my faith in society and its institutions
I'm vicious on these stool pigeons
You might be deep in this game, but you got the rules missing
I am aggressive towards those who betray their peers (stool pigeons) and people who seem to be involved in the gangster life but are ignorant of its true rules and culture
Niggas be actin' like they savage, they out to get the cabbage
I've got nothin' but love for my niggas living lavish
Some guys act like they're tough and ruthless, only interested in money (cabbage). But I truly care for my friends who live luxurious lives
I've got a pit named P, she Nigerina
I've got a house out in the hills right next to Chino
And, I think I've got a black Bimmer
But my dream's to own a fly casino
I have a pet dog named P who is a Pitbull breed from Nigeria. I own a luxurious property in the hills of California, close to Chino. Also, I have a sleek black BMW car, but my ultimate goal/dream is to own a stylish and fancy casino
Like Bugsy Siegel, and do it all legal
And get scooped up by the little homie in the Regal, uh
I want to emulate legendary gangster Bugsy Siegel and create a casino legally with no legal entanglements. Then, my younger associate (little homie) can pick me up in a stylish car (Regal) as a sign of my success
It feels good to you baby-bubba
You see, this is for the G's and the keys, motherfucker
This lifestyle and success feels great to you, baby. That's why this is for the gangsters who are successful and powerful
Now follow as we ride
Motherfuck the rest, two of the best from the Westside
And I can make you famous
Follow us as we travel, as we are the best and most famous duo representing the West side. And, in fact, I can make you famous too
Niggas been dyin' for years so how could they blame us
People have been dying in gang related activity for a long time, so why are we being blamed for it?
I live in fear of a felony
I never stop bailin' these
Motherfuckin' G's
If you got it better flaunt it
I'm constantly paranoid about being caught doing something illegal, but I still support my fellow gangsters. If you have success and money, don't be afraid to show it off
Another warrant for 2 of America's most wanted
There is another warrant out for the arrest of both of us, who are considered to be two of the most wanted criminals in America
It's like cough blood gang-bangin'
Everybody in the party doin' dope-slangin'
This is like violent and bloody gang activity. Everyone at this party is involved in drug dealing and use
You gotta have papers in this world
You might get your first snatch before your eyes swirl
In this society, you need official documents to prove yourself and succeed. In fact, you might even sleep with someone (snatch) before you can even fully see and understand the world
You doin' your job every day
And then you work so hard 'til your hair turns gray
You go to work every day, and keep doing it until your life feels like it's lost all its color and joy
Let me tell you about life and about the way it is
You see, we live by the gun, so we die by the guns, kids
Let me enlighten you on what life is really like. We gangsters live our lives with the constant threat of violence and death, and ultimately, that is the path our lives will take
They tell me not to roll with my Glock
So now I gotta throw away
Floating in the black Benz, trying to do a show a day
People advise me not to carry my gun anymore, so now I have to get rid of it. Meanwhile, I am traveling around in my black Mercedes Benz, and performing in concerts every day
They wonder how I live with five shots
Niggas is hard to kill on my block
Schemes for currency and dough-related
Affiliated with the hustlers, so we made it
People are amazed that I'm able to keep living after being shot five times. But, living is hard for everyone where I'm from. So, we depend on schemes to make money and are connected to a network of people trying to hustle and get ahead in life
No answers to questions, I'm trying to get up on it
My nigga Dogg with me, eternally the most wanted (Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party)
I don't have all the answers, but I'm trying to figure things out. My friend, Snoop Dogg, is always with me, and we'll always be considered two of the most wanted gangsters
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party
This is simply a gathering of gangsters, where we can relax, have fun, and be ourselves
Nothin' but a gangsta party
Once again, this is just a party for us gangsters
It ain't nothin' but a motherfucking gangsta party biatch!
Again, I emphasize that this is just a party for us gangsters, and nothing else matters but enjoying ourselves in this moment
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Missing Link Music
Written by: TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR, DELMAR DREW ARNAUD, CALVIN CORDOZAR BROADUS
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