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.
Ambitionz az a ...how
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't wanna fuck with me
Got the police bustin' at me
But they can't do nothing to a G
Let's get ready to rumble
Now you know how we do it like a G
What really go on in the mind of a nigga
Constantly, money over bitches
Not bitches over money
Stay on your grind, nigga
My ambitions as a ridah
My ambitions as a ridah
So many battlefield scars while driven in plush cars
This life as a rap star is nothing without heart
Was born rough and rugged, addressing the mass public
My attitude was "fuck it", 'cause motherfuckers love it
To be a soldier, must maintain composure at ease
Though life is complicated, only what you make it to be
Uh, and my ambitions as a ridah to catch her
While she hot and horny, go up inside her
Then I spit some game in her ear, "Go to the telly, ho"
Equipped with money in a Benz, 'cause bitch, I'm barely broke
I'm smoking bomb ass weed, feeling crucial
From player to player, the game's tight, the feeling's mutual
From hustling and prayers, to breaking motherfuckers to pay up
I got no time for these bitches, 'cause these hoes try to play us
I'm on a meal ticket mission, want a mill', so I'm wishing
Competition got me ripped, on that bullshit they stressing (booyah)
I'ma rhyme though, clown hoes like it's mandatory
No guts no glory, my nigga, bitch got the game distorted
Now it's on and it's on because I said so
Can't trust a bitch in the business so I got with Death Row
Now these money hungry bitches getting suspicious
Started plotting and planning on schemes, to come and trick us
But thug niggas be on point and game tight
Me, Syke and Bogart, strapped up the same night
Got problems then handle it, motherfuckers see me
These niggas is jealous 'cause deep in they heart they wanna be me
Uh, yeah, and now ya got me right beside ya
Hoping you listen I catch you paying attention
To my ambitions as a ridah
I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah
You don't wanna fuck with me (my ambitions as a ridah)
Got the police bustin' at me
But they can't do nothing to a G
It was my only wish to rise
Above these jealous coward motherfuckers I despise
When it's time to ride, I was the first off this side, give me the nine
I'm ready to die right here tonight, and motherfuck they life (yeah, nigga)
That's what they screaming as they drill me, but I'm hard to kill
So open fire, I see you kill me, witness my steel
Spitting at adversaries, envious and after me
I'd rather die before they capture me, watch me bleed
Mama come rescue me I'm suicidal, thinking thoughts
I'm innocent, so there'll be bullets flying when I'm caught (shoot)
Fuck doing jail time, better day, sacrificing
Won't get a chance to do me like they did my nigga Tyson
Thugging for life, and if you right, then nigga die for it
Let them other brothers try, at least you tried for it
When it's time to die, to be a man, you pick the way you leave
Fuck peace and the police, my ambitions as a ridah
I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah
You don't wanna fuck with me (my ambitions as a ridah)
Got the police bustin' at me
But they can't do nothing to a G
My murderous lyrics equipped with spirits of the thugs before me
Pay off the block, evade the cops 'cause I know they coming for me
I been hesitant to reappear, been away for years
Now I'm back my adversaries been reduced to tears
Question my methods to switch up speeds, sure as some bitches bleed
Niggas'll feel the fire of my mother's corrupted seed
Blast me but they didn't finish
Didn't diminish my powers
So now I'm back to be a motherfucking menace, they cowards
That's why they tried to set me up
Had bitch ass niggas on my team, so indeed, they wet me up
But I'm back reincarnated, incarcerated
At the time I contemplate the way that God made it
Lace 'em with lyrics that's legendary, musical mercenary
For money, I'll have these motherfuckers buried (I been)
Getting much mail in jail, niggas telling me to kill it
Knowing when I get out, they gon' feel it
Witness the realest, a hoo-ridah when I put the shit inside
The cry from all your people when they find her
Just remind ya, my history'll prove authentic
Revenge on them niggas that played me
And all the cowards that was down with it
Now it's yo nigga right beside ya
Hoping you listening, catch you paying attention
To my ambitions as a ridah
I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah
You don't wanna fuck with me (my ambitions as a ridah)
Got the police bustin' at me
But they can't do nothing to a G
I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah
You don't wanna fuck with me
Got the police bustin' at me
But they can't do nothing to a G
I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah
You don't wanna fuck with me
The lyrics of 2Pac's song Ambitionz az a Ridah reflect the rapper's self-image as a "straight ridah" or a hardcore gangster willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in life. He boasts about his street credibility and his ability to handle police pressure, and he emphasizes the importance of money and power over love and loyalty. Pac's ambition to succeed as a rapper is also apparent in the song, as he compares himself to other successful rappers and expresses his desire to be the best. However, he also acknowledges the dangers of his lifestyle, including the risk of death or imprisonment, and he confronts his enemies directly, declaring his readiness to die for his gangsta lifestyle.
The song features a strong beat and a catchy hook that emphasizes the "ridah" theme, making it a popular choice for rap fans and a testament to 2Pac's unique style. The lyrics reveal Pac's confidence and bravado, as he refrains from self-censorship and reflects his own values and beliefs. Overall, Ambitionz az a Ridah is a testament to the enduring legacy of 2Pac as an artist and a cultural icon, and a reflection of the contradictions and complexities of his personality.
Line by Line Meaning
I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah
I am not hiding or pretending, I am a fearless individual who lives life on my own terms
You don't wanna fuck with me
You do not want to engage or challenge me, as I am a formidable adversary
Got the police bustin' at me
Law enforcement is actively pursuing me and attempting to apprehend me
But they can't do nothing to a G
However, their efforts are futile because I am resilient and cannot be easily defeated
Let's get ready to rumble
Let us prepare for a intense confrontation or conflict
Now you know how we do it like a G
Now you understand and can witness our actions and behavior, which is characteristic of a respected and street-smart individual
What really go on in the mind of a nigga
What truly happens in the thoughts and mindset of an individual like me
That get down for theirs
Who are dedicated to pursuing their own interests and ambitions
Constantly, money over bitches
Consistently prioritizing wealth and success over romantic relationships
Not bitches over money
Unlike others who prioritize romantic pursuits over financial gain
Stay on your grind, nigga
Remain focused and dedicated to your hustle and success, my friend
My ambitions as a ridah
My aspirations and goals as an individual who embraces a rebellious and fearless lifestyle
So many battlefield scars while driven in plush cars
I have endured numerous struggles and challenges while enjoying the luxuries and comforts of success
This life as a rap star is nothing without heart
Being a famous rapper means nothing if one does not have passion and integrity
Was born rough and rugged, addressing the mass public
I come from a tough background and express my experiences and thoughts to the larger audience
My attitude was 'fuck it', 'cause motherfuckers love it
I adopted a carefree and rebellious attitude because others appreciate and resonate with it
To be a soldier, must maintain composure at ease
In order to be strong and resilient like a soldier, one must remain calm and composed in any situation
Though life is complicated, only what you make it to be
Despite the complexities of life, ultimately it is our choices and actions that shape our experiences
Uh, and my ambitions as a ridah to catch her
My goals and desires as an individual who embraces a rebellious lifestyle involve attracting and seducing women
While she hot and horny, go up inside her
When the woman is sexually aroused, I engage in sexual intercourse with her
Then I spit some game in her ear, 'Go to the telly, ho'
Afterwards, I charm and persuade her to go to a hotel room with me
Equipped with money in a Benz, 'cause bitch, I'm barely broke
Driving a luxurious car and carrying money, as I am wealthy and far from being financially struggling
I'm smoking bomb ass weed, feeling crucial
I am consuming high-quality marijuana and feeling confident, important, and influential
From player to player, the game's tight, the feeling's mutual
Engaging and interacting with other smooth and successful individuals, we recognize and appreciate each other's talents and skills
From hustling and prayers, to breaking motherfuckers to pay up
Transitioning from working hard and praying for success to taking strong action and making others fulfill their financial obligations
I got no time for these bitches, 'cause these hoes try to play us
I have no patience or tolerance for manipulative and deceitful women who attempt to take advantage of us
I'm on a meal ticket mission, want a mill', so I'm wishing
My main goal is to acquire a substantial amount of money, and I am actively working towards it
Competition got me ripped, on that bullshit they stressing (booyah)
The competitive nature of the industry has caused me stress, but I remain strong and focused despite their attempts to bring me down
I'ma rhyme though, clown hoes like it's mandatory
I am dedicated to rapping and making fun of foolish and untrustworthy women, as it is an essential part of my craft
No guts no glory, my nigga, bitch got the game distorted
Without taking risks, there can be no significant success or achievement. Some women have corrupted and distorted the dynamics of the game
Now it's on and it's on because I said so
Now there is no turning back or avoiding the conflict because I have made my decision to proceed
Can't trust a bitch in the business so I got with Death Row
I have realized that women cannot be trusted in the music industry, so I aligned myself with Death Row Records
Now these money hungry bitches getting suspicious
Now these women who are only interested in money are becoming skeptical and distrustful
Started plotting and planning on schemes, to come and trick us
They have begun devising schemes and plans to deceive and manipulate us
But thug niggas be on point and game tight
However, we, as fearless individuals, remain vigilant and focused on our goals
Me, Syke and Bogart, strapped up the same night
Myself, Syke, and Bogart armed ourselves on the very same night
Got problems then handle it, motherfuckers see me
If someone has any issues with us, they should confront us directly instead of spreading rumors or plotting behind our backs
These niggas is jealous 'cause deep in they heart they wanna be me
These individuals are envious because deep down, they desire to possess the qualities and success that I have
Uh, yeah, and now ya got me right beside ya
Yes, now you have me right next to you, ready to support and defend you
Hoping you listen I catch you paying attention
I am hopeful that you are actively listening to me and focusing on what I am saying
To my ambitions as a ridah
To my goals and aspirations as an individual who embraces a rebellious and fearless lifestyle
It was my only wish to rise
My ultimate desire was to elevate and achieve success
Above these jealous coward motherfuckers I despise
To surpass and prove superior to these individuals who are filled with envy and lack courage
When it's time to ride, I was the first off this side, give me the nine
When it is time for action or confrontation, I am always the first to be involved and I carry a weapon for protection
I'm ready to die right here tonight, and motherfuck they life
I am prepared to sacrifice and risk my life in that very moment, disregarding the value of theirs
That's what they screaming as they drill me, but I'm hard to kill
That is what they shout as they attempt to harm me, but I am resilient and difficult to eliminate
So open fire, I see you kill me, witness my steel
Go ahead and shoot at me, because even if you succeed in killing me, my legacy and impact will remain
Spitting at adversaries, envious and after me
I am confidently and provocatively challenging those who envy and pursue me
I'd rather die before they capture me, watch me bleed
I would prefer to die rather than allow them to imprison or subdue me, so they can witness my defiance and resilience
Mama come rescue me I'm suicidal, thinking thoughts
Mother, please come save me, as I am feeling extremely desperate and have thoughts of self-destruction
I'm innocent, so there'll be bullets flying when I'm caught (shoot)
I am falsely accused, so when they eventually capture me, there will be intense gunfire and chaos
Fuck doing jail time, better day, sacrificing
I refuse to spend my life in prison and would rather die than surrender my freedom
Won't get a chance to do me like they did my nigga Tyson
They will not have the opportunity to mistreat me as they did to my friend Tyson
Thugging for life, and if you right, then nigga die for it
I am devoted to a life of rebellious and criminal activity, and if you believe in it, you must be willing to die for it
Let them other brothers try, at least you tried for it
Let others attempt to achieve and prove themselves, but at least you made the effort
When it's time to die, to be a man, you pick the way you leave
When the time comes for you to die, as a man you have the power to choose your legacy and how you will be remembered
Fuck peace and the police, my ambitions as a ridah
I reject the idea of peace and authority figures such as the police, as my goals and desires as an individual who embraces a rebellious lifestyle take precedence
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Delmer Drew Arnaud, Tupac Shakur
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KapilSingh410
Come back Tupac!
@BobLimb
Fr
@user-se9qc2yz6q
And biggie also come back
@loudnxtdoor
Tupac was ahead of his time. This rides out to this day! Who’s listening 2024? 👀
@williamsrblx2628
It's 2021 dummy
@hambone2740
People that refer to classic hip hop as being ahead of it's time as if implying the music back in the day is antiquated or obsolete clearly haven't listened to much from the past.
@loudnxtdoor
@@hambone2740 The 90’s hip hop sound will always sound good, but if we’re comparing it to the current sound of music, it is definitely antiquated. Tupac is an exception to this, considering his style inspired many of the current artists, and that songs such as these are still heavily streamed compared to most of the 90’s rappers.
@ashleynewman8609
I'm 36 now loved his music since 1994 legend
@romainemontrelle9632
Pac 4 life 💪🏽💪🏽💯
@mattyjay8896
This man wrote this entire song in 45 minutes!😳😳 Mans was a genius and that's undeniable.