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.
Bomb First
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In today's music news: the ever controversial Tupac Shakur has
Just released another album under the alias Makaveli.
Music insiders are running wild trying to rearrange other artist
Street dates, in fear of a wipe out in retail interchart movement.
Although no one knows the exact 'cause of the new album;
Resources tell me a number of less fortunate rappers
Have joined together in conspiracy to assassinate the character
Nas, the alleged ring leader of it, is furious at Tupac
Excuse me Makaveli's verbal assault
On Mobb Sleep, Notorius P.I.G., and several other New York rappers
Jay-Z, from "Hawaiian Sophie" fame, Big Little whatever
And several other corny sounding motherfuckers
Are understandably shaken up by this release.
The question everbody wants to know is,
Why'd they get this nigga started?
Tupac, rather Makaveli, was not available for comment
But released this statement:
It's not about East or West
It's about niggas and bitches, power and money,
Riders and punks. Which side are you on?
These niggas is still fuckin' talkin?
You niggas still breathin? fuckin' roaches, aight
Aight, it's the Raid for your cockroaches
(All day, everyday)
It's the raid for you punk motherfuckers
(The pump in yo' ass)
This is it nigga! Killuminati style
(Outlaw lifestyle)
Makaveli the Don, solo shit, bring it!
Allow me to introduce first Makaveli the Don
Hysterical, spiritual lyrics like the holy Qu'Ran
Niggas get shook like 5-0
My forty-five gun's next to me when we ride, for survival
Money makin' plans, pistol close at hand, swollen pockets
Let me introduce the topic, then we drop it
Expose snakes 'cause they breath freely, see me ride?
Located world wide like the art of graffiti
I think I'm tougher than Nitti, my attitude is shitty
Born on a dope fiend's titty, huh
In every city you'll find me
Look for trouble right behind me
My Outlaw niggas down to die for me, knahmean?
I hit the scene niggas duckin from my guillotine stare
I'm right there; my every word, a fuckin' nightmare
Get me high, let me see the sun rise and fall
This for my dogs down to die for yours
Extreme venom, no mercy when we all up in 'em
Cut 'em down.. to Hell is where we send 'em
My whole team, trained to explode ride or die
Murder motherfuckers lyrically, and I'm not gon' cry
Me - a born leader never leave the block without my heater
Two big pits, I call them my bitch nigga eaters
And not a whimper 'til I'm gone
Thug Life runnin' through my veins so I'm strong
(Ha ha ha)
Bye bye bye, let's get high and ride
Oh, how do we do these niggas but I'm not gon' cry
I'm a Bad Boy killa, Jay-Z die too
Lookin' out for Mobb Deep, nigga when I find you
Weak motherfuckers don't deserve to breathe
How many niggas down to die for me? Yeahh-yeayy!
West coast ridah, comin' right behind ya
Should've never fucked wit me
I want money hoes sex and weed
I wont rest till my road dawgs free, bomb first!
We, bomb first when we ride
Please, reconsider 'fo you die
We ain't even come to hurt nobody tonight
But it's my life or yo' life, and I'ma bomb first
We, bomb first when we ride
Please, reconsider 'fo you die
We ain't even come to fight tonight
But it's my life or yo' life, and I'ma bomb first
For so many days and some many ways we've been duckin strays
They delivers, but we still some Bad Boy killers
Got nothin' to lose, I gots no where to go
I only got one home, see me stranded on Death Row
With Outlawz, it's Makaveli, be the general
And I be a soldier on a mission
Sent to do, what you'll never do
And that's ride for the cause
Yes I'll die for the cause
Ya best believe if I'ma leave this bitch
Yo I'm dyin with yours
Kamikaze, sicker than a muh'fuckin' Nazi
Got a little question for that nigga that made "Paparazzi"
If you ain't in this rap game, for the motherfuckin' cash mayne
Then what is your motherfuckin' purpose? None can serve us
E.D.I. Amin born worthless
That's until the day, I decided to bomb first biatch!
Your style wack as ever, like you was rockin patent leather
Causin' massive terror, y'all niggas lack, you ain't thorough
Half rapper half drug kingpin
Yer tellin' fairy tales dunn
"King of New York," like you the motherfuckin one?
But I'm from Jerz and we don't play that shit
From the Claire down to Newark Bricks, all my niggas flippin chips
Gettin' rich, even though it's hard
Tryin' to creep through these halls and brawls
Without scarred by a revolv'
With no warnin' signs, 'cause yo my man took five
Now I'm the young one with the nine, ready to put in my time
Shoot first, look at they head burst bleedin'
Don't want to hear no shit this evenin', believe me
We, bomb first when we ride
Please, reconsider 'fo you die
G's, and thug niggas on the rise
Plan-plot-strategize, and bomb first
We, bomb first when we ride
Please, reconsider 'fo you die
G's, and thug niggas on the rise
Plan-plot-strategize, and bomb first
The lyrics to 2Pac's "Bomb First" showcase the rapper's signature aggressive, confrontational style. The song is believed to be a response to a group of East Coast rappers who were critical of Tupac's (or "Makaveli's," as he refers to himself in the song) verbal attacks on their music. The verses paint a picture of Tupac as a fearless leader of a group of "Outlawz" who are committed to defending their honor at all costs. The chorus, "We bomb first when we ride," establishes the idea that they are not afraid to take the first shot if necessary.
Tupac's lyrics also touch on themes of power, money, and loyalty. He emphasizes that these issues are universal, not just confined to the East or West Coast hip-hop scenes. He refers to the other rappers as "weak motherfuckers" who don't deserve to breathe and warns them that he's coming for them. The repeated line "It's my life or yo' life" shows that Tupac is willing to risk everything to come out on top.
Overall, "Bomb First" is a song that showcases Tupac's bravado and uncompromising attitude. It's a glimpse into the mind of an artist who is not afraid to take risks or stand up for what he believes in.
Line by Line Meaning
Suge Shot Me
Tupac claims Suge Knight was involved in his shooting in New York City
In today's music news: the ever controversial Tupac Shakur has
Just released another album under the alias Makaveli.
Tupac has released a new album under his new alter ego Makaveli
Music insiders are running wild trying to rearrange other artist
Street dates, in fear of a wipe out in retail interchart movement.
Music industry professionals are worried that Tupac's new album will have a sizable impact on retail sales of other artists
Although no one knows the exact 'cause of the new album;
Resources tell me a number of less fortunate rappers
Have joined together in conspiracy to assassinate the character
Of not only Mr. Shakur, but of Death Row Records as well.
Sources claim that several rappers who are jealous of Tupac's success are working together to ruin his reputation and the reputation of his record label
Nas, the alleged ring leader of it, is furious at Tupac
Excuse me Makaveli's verbal assault
On Mobb Sleep, Notorius P.I.G., and several other New York rappers
Nas is accused of being the main person behind the conspiracy to damage Tupac's reputation, and Tupac is calling out several New York rappers in his songs
Jay-Z, from "Hawaiian Sophie" fame, Big Little whatever
And several other corny sounding motherfuckers
Are understandably shaken up by this release.
Jay-Z and other rappers who Tupac believes are lacking in talent are probably intimidated by his new album
The question everbody wants to know is,
Why'd they get this nigga started?
People are curious as to why these other rappers decided to start a feud with Tupac
Tupac, rather Makaveli, was not available for comment
But released this statement:
It's not about East or West
It's about niggas and bitches, power and money,
Riders and punks. Which side are you on?
Tupac believes that the feud between East and West Coast rappers is a distraction from bigger issues like power and money, and he's asking people to decide where they stand
These niggas is still fuckin' talkin?
You niggas still breathin? fuckin' roaches, aight
Aight, it's the Raid for your cockroaches
(All day, everyday)
It's the raid for you punk motherfuckers
(The pump in yo' ass)
This is it nigga! Killuminati style
(Outlaw lifestyle)
Tupac is expressing his anger towards his rivals and promising that he and his Outlawz will attack them relentlessly
Makaveli the Don, solo shit, bring it!
Tupac is declaring that he is bringing his best as Makaveli the Don in his solo work
Allow me to introduce first Makaveli the Don
Hysterical, spiritual lyrics like the holy Qu'Ran
Tupac introduces his new persona Makaveli the Don and compares his music to the spiritual text of the Qu'Ran
Niggas get shook like 5-0
My forty-five gun's next to me when we ride, for survival
Money makin' plans, pistol close at hand, swollen pockets
Let me introduce the topic, then we drop it
Tupac is always prepared for danger and his lyrics focus on making money and survival
Expose snakes 'cause they breath freely, see me ride?
Located world wide like the art of graffiti
I think I'm tougher than Nitti, my attitude is shitty
Born on a dope fiend's titty, huh
Tupac is warning of the dangers of people who breathe freely and says he is tough and has a bad attitude because of his upbringing
In every city you'll find me
Look for trouble right behind me
My Outlaw niggas down to die for me, knahmean?
Tupac is saying that he is known in every city and his crew is loyal to him
I hit the scene niggas duckin from my guillotine stare
I'm right there; my every word, a fuckin' nightmare
Get me high, let me see the sun rise and fall
This for my dogs down to die for yours
Tupac's presence unnerves people and his music is intense and powerful. He dedicates his songs to his loyal friends
Extreme venom, no mercy when we all up in 'em
Cut 'em down.. to Hell is where we send 'em
My whole team, trained to explode ride or die
Murder motherfuckers lyrically, and I'm not gon' cry
Tupac's crew is merciless towards their enemies and they are prepared to take them down by any means necessary
Me - a born leader never leave the block without my heater
Two big pits, I call them my bitch nigga eaters
And not a whimper 'til I'm gone
Thug Life runnin' through my veins so I'm strong
Tupac sees himself as a natural born leader and always carries weapons. He also has two loyal dogs he calls his "bitch nigga eaters"
(Ha ha ha)
Bye bye bye, let's get high and ride
Oh, how do we do these niggas but I'm not gon' cry
Tupac laughs at his opponents and celebrates with his friends while he continues to attack them through his music
I'm a Bad Boy killa, Jay-Z die too
Lookin' out for Mobb Deep, nigga when I find you
Weak motherfuckers don't deserve to breathe
How many niggas down to die for me? Yeahh-yeayy!
Tupac is targeting Bad Boy Records, Jay-Z, and Mobb Deep in his music and questioning who is truly prepared to defend him
We, bomb first when we ride
Please, reconsider 'fo you die
We ain't even come to hurt nobody tonight
But it's my life or yo' life, and I'ma bomb first
Tupac's crew always strikes first when they encounter their enemies, but he warns them to reconsider before they are killed
We ain't even come to fight tonight
For so many days and some many ways we've been duckin strays
They delivers, but we still some Bad Boy killers
Got nothin' to lose, I gots no where to go
Tupac's crew is always ready to fight, but tonight they aren't looking for trouble. Despite being targeted themselves, they are still pursuing Bad Boy Records
I only got one home, see me stranded on Death Row
With Outlawz, it's Makaveli, be the general
And I be a soldier on a mission
Sent to do, what you'll never do
And that's ride for the cause
Yes I'll die for the cause
Ya best believe if I'ma leave this bitch
Yo I'm dyin with yours
Tupac feels stranded on Death Row but he is loyal to his crew and willing to die for their cause. He is on a mission to do what his rivals will never do
Kamikaze, sicker than a muh'fuckin' Nazi
Got a little question for that nigga that made "Paparazzi"
If you ain't in this rap game, for the motherfuckin' cash mayne
Then what is your motherfuckin' purpose? None can serve us
E.D.I. Amin born worthless
That's until the day, I decided to bomb first biatch!
Tupac compares himself to a kamikaze and questions the motivations of other rappers who are not in it for the money. He also mentions Outlawz member E.D.I. Amin
Your style wack as ever, like you was rockin patent leather
Causin' massive terror, y'all niggas lack, you ain't thorough
Half rapper half drug kingpin
Yer tellin' fairy tales dunn
"King of New York," like you the motherfuckin one?
But I'm from Jerz and we don't play that shit
From the Claire down to Newark Bricks, all my niggas flippin chips
Gettin' rich, even though it's hard
Tryin' to creep through these halls and brawls
Without scarred by a revolv'
With no warnin' signs, 'cause yo my man took five
Now I'm the young one with the nine, ready to put in my time
Shoot first, look at they head burst bleedin'
Don't want to hear no shit this evenin', believe me
G's, and thug niggas on the rise
Plan-plot-strategize, and bomb first
Tupac is criticizing another rapper's style and claims that he is not truly powerful or thorough. He talks about his own crew's tough upbringing and their dedication to making money. He is ready to fight back against anyone who threatens his crew
Lyrics © DELLA MUSIC PUBLISHING, LLC
Written by: REGGIE NOBLE
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