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.
Califórnia
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
California knows how to party
California knows how to party
In the city of L.A.
In the city of good ol' Watts
In the city, the city of Compton
We keep it rockin', we keep it rockin'
A state that's untouchable like Eliot Ness
The track hits your eardrum like a slug to your chest
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
We in that Sunshine State where the bomb-ass hemp be
The state where you never find a dance floor empty
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
Lean mean money-making-machines servin' fiends
I been in the game for ten years makin' rap tunes
Ever since honeys was wearin' Sassoon
Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
Diamonds shinin', lookin' like I robbed Liberace
It's all good, from Diego to the Bay
Your city is the bomb if your city makin' pay (uh)
Throw up a finger if you feel the same way
Dre puttin' it down for Californ-i-a
California (California) knows how to party (knows how to party)
California (West Coast) knows how to party (yes, they do, that's right)
In the city of L.A. (city of L.A.)
In the city of good ol' Watts (good ol' Watts)
In the city, the city of Compton (city of Compton)
We keep it rockin' (keep it rockin'), we keep it rockin'
(Yeah, now make it shake, c'mon)
Shake, shake it, baby
Shake, shake it, shake it, baby
Shake, shake it, mama
Shake it, Cali (shake it, Cali)
Shake, shake it, baby (that's right, uh)
Shake, shake it
Shake, shake it, mama
Shake it, Cali
Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin'
Soon as I step on the scene, I'm hearin' hoochies screamin'
Fiendin' for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player
Where cowards die and the strong ball
Only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die
In L.A. we wearin' Chucks, not Ballys (yeah, that's right)
Dressed in Locs and Khaki suits, and ride is what we do
Flossin' but have caution, we collide with other crews
Famous because we throw grams
Worldwide, let 'em recognize from Long Beach to Rosecrans
Bumpin' and grindin' like a slow jam
It's Westside, so you know the Row won't bow down to no man
Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre
Let me serenade the streets of L.A.
From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down
Cali is where they put their mack down, give me love
California (California) knows how to party (really knows how, baby)
California knows how to party
In the city of L.A. (South Central)
In the city of good ol' Watts (uh, that's right)
In the city, the city of Compton (yup, yup)
We keep it rockin' (keep it rockin'), we keep it rockin'
(Yeah, yeah, now make it shake, uh)
Shake, shake it, baby (uh)
Shake, shake it (uh, yeah)
Shake, shake it, mama
Shake it, Cali (shake it, Cali)
Shake, shake it, baby (shake it, Cali)
Shake, shake it
Shake, shake it, mama (West Coast)
Shake it, Cali
Uh, yeah, uh, uh, Long Beach in the house
Uh, yeah, Oaktown
Oakland definitely in the house (hahaha)
Frisco (yeah), Frisco
And you know L.A. up in this
Pasadena, where you at?
Yeah, Inglewood
Inglewood always up to no good
Even Hollywood tryna get a piece, baby
Sacramento, Sacramento where you at?
Yeah
Throw it up, y'all, throw it up, throw it up
I can't see ya
California love (uh, uh, uh)
Let's show these fools how we do it on this Westside
'Cause you and I know it's the best side
Yeah, that's right
West Coast, West Coast
Uh, California love
California love, yeah
California (California) knows how to party (yeah, yeah)
California knows how to party (uh, uh, where they at? Uh)
In the city of L.A. (South Central, uh)
In the city of good ol' Watts (yeah, yeah, ah)
In the city, the city of Compton (in the city of Compton)
We keep 'em rockin', we keep 'em rockin'
Just come on shake, shake it, baby
Baby, baby, shake it, mama, shake it, mama, shake it, mama
The song "California Love" by 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman is an anthem for the state of California. The lyrics describe how California is the place to be for anyone seeking a good time. The song starts by praising California's party scene, mentioning cities like L.A, Watts, and Compton where the party never stops. 2Pac then welcomes everyone to the "Wild Wild West", highlighting how California is untouchable like Eliot Ness. He then talks about the state's love for money-making, with pimps serving addicts and people defining themselves by the amount of money they make. The chorus repeats how California knows how to party, emphasizing its position as the headquarters of entertainment.
2Pac continues his verse by describing his story in the music industry, how he has been making rap tunes for a decade, and how he's being watched and people envy him. He also notes how different cities come together to enjoy a good party and how people in California are not afraid to riot. He then mentions how people wear Chucks instead of Ballys, Locs and Khaki suits, expressing his love for the West Coast. Dr. Dre comes in with a verse that talks about where he's from, mentioning Long Beach and Oakland, Frisco, and L.A. He adds that the West Coast is the best side and that California love is a symbol of how much everyone enjoys living there.
Line by Line Meaning
California love
The deep affection for California is expressed through the music.
California knows how to party
California knows how to throw an amazing party with great music and lively atmosphere.
In the city of L.A
Los Angeles, the largest city in California, is the place where the party is happening.
In the city of good ol' Watts
Watts, a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, is known for its unique culture and rich history.
In the city, the city of Compton
Compton, a city in the southern part of Los Angeles County, has become an important center of West Coast hip-hop culture.
We keep it rockin', we keep it rockin'
We maintain the lively and upbeat atmosphere of the party.
Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild Wild West
Let me introduce you to the carefree West Coast lifestyle and the upbeat culture of California.
A state that's untouchable like Eliot Ness
California is invincible and has an unbeatable reputation that's incomparable to others.
The track hits your eardrum like a slug to your chest
The music is so powerful and overwhelming that it's like getting hit hard in the chest.
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
To protect your beloved, you need to pack condoms in the city of sex, a reference to Los Angeles being associated with the porn industry.
We in that Sunshine State where the bomb-ass hemp be
We're in California, known as the Sunshine State, where high-quality marijuana can be found.
The state where you never find a dance floor empty
California is known for its vibrant nightlife, where dance floors are always full with party-goers.
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
Pimps are always in pursuit of wealth and money in California's highly capitalistic society.
Lean mean money-making-machines servin' fiends
Pimps are focused on making money and are willing to do whatever it takes to serve their customers who are addicted to drugs.
I been in the game for 10 years makin' rap tunes
I've been making rap music for 10 years and have become an established artist.
Ever since honeys was wearin' Sassoon
I've been making music since the 80s when women were wearing Sassoon jeans, expressing that he has been in the rap game for a long time.
Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
In the year 1995, people are keeping a close eye on his actions and movements.
Diamonds shinin', lookin' like I robbed Liberace
My expensive diamond jewelry is so bright that he looks like he has stolen it from the notable pianist, Liberace.
It's all good, from Diego to the Bay
From San Diego to San Francisco Bay, everything is great and enjoyable in California.
Your city is the bomb if your city makin' pay
Your city is amazing when it's making a lot of money, showing that wealth has a significant impact on the perception of different cities.
Throw up a finger if you feel the same way
Show your agreement by raising a finger high in the air.
Dre puttin' it down for Californ-i-a
Dre is representing and showing appreciation for California's culture through his music.
Shake, shake it, baby
Move and shake your body, baby.
Shake, shake it, shake it baby
Shake your body with rhythmic movements.
Shake, shake it, mama
Mothers, shake your body with rhythmic movements.
Shake it, Cali
Shake your body, California.
Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin'
I'm free from jail on bail and thinking of the good life in California.
Soon as I step on the scene, I'm hearin' hoochies screamin'
As soon as I arrive on the scene, the women are screaming out of excitement.
Fiendin' for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player
Addicted to money and alcohol, living a flashy lifestyle as a West Coast gangsta.
Where cowards die and the strong ball
Only the fearless and strong thrive while the weak are vanquished in this ruthless lifestyle.
Only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die
Only in California do we riot and protest, not attend peaceful rallies, as we fight for our lives and well-being within the system.
In L.A. we wearin' Chucks, not Ballys (yeah, that's right)
In Los Angeles, we wear Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, not premium Italian Ballys shoes, showcasing the rebellious and anti-establishment style of the city.
Dressed in Locs and Khaki suits, and ride is what we do
We wear sunglasses known as 'Locs' and khaki suits while cruising around in cars, the epitome of a West Coast gangsta lifestyle.
Flossin' but have caution: we collide with other crews
We show off our wealth and success, but we need to be careful as we may encounter dangerous rival gangs.
Famous because we program
We gained fame and influence because we created the rap and hip-hop genre that has changed the music industry.
Worldwide, let them recognize from Long Beach to Rosecrans
Our influence and presence are recognizable worldwide, from Long Beach to Rosecrans, two notable areas in California.
Bumpin' and grindin' like a slow jam
Moving and grooving together rhythmically like a romantic slow jam song.
It's Westside, so you know the Row won't bow down to no man
Because we're representing the West Coast, we are proud and won't submit or surrender to anyone else, demonstrating loyalty to California's gang culture.
Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre
Regardless of what you might say, the one thing we all want is the incredible beats created by Dr. Dre.
Let me serenade the streets of L.A
Allow me to show my appreciation for the city through my music as I play my songs for everyone to hear.
From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down
From Oakland to Sacramento, from the Bay Area to Southern California, the love for California is spread far and wide.
Cali is where they put their mack down; give me love!
California is known for being the home of pimps and player's, so give me love while I flourish in this environment.
Uh, yeah, uh, uh, Long Beach in the house
Representing Long Beach, one of the many California cities where the hip-hop culture is prominent.
Oakland definitely in the house
Oakland, a city in the Bay Area with a strong African American culture, is definitely well represented in this song.
Frisco, Frisco
San Francisco, or Frisco, is another iconic city in California that is included in the song.
And you know L.A. up in this
Los Angeles is without a doubt very prominent in this song.
Pasadena, where you at?
Even the city of Pasadena, known for its high-class living and influential residents, is given a shout-out.
Yeah, Inglewood
Inglewood, a city in the South Bay region known for its sports and entertainment venues, is also included in this celebratory song.
Inglewood always up to no good
As the line suggests, Inglewood has a reputation for being involved in many illegal activities.
Even Hollywood tryin' to get a piece, baby
Even Hollywood, known for its entertainment industry, is trying to fit into the West Coast culture represented in this song.
Sacramento, Sacramento where you at?
Sacramento, the capital city of California, is included in the song as well.
Throw it up, y'all! Throw it up, throw it up!
Raise your hands high with excitement and throw them up in the air.
I can't see ya
The celebration is so wild and energetic that the artist can't even see the crowd anymore.
Let's show these fools how we do it on this Westside
Let's show others who disregard our culture how we celebrate life and party on the West Coast.
'Cause you and I know it's the best side
California's West Coast, where the hip-hop culture thrives, is the best side of the country.
West Coast, West Coast
The West Coast is where the celebration is happening.
California love
The love for California and its culture is deeply rooted in this song.
California knows how to party
California is excellent at throwing great parties and maintaining a lively atmosphere.
Shake, shake it, baby
Move and shake your body with rhythmic movements, baby.
Shake, shake it
A call to shake your body to the dance movements being played.
Shake, shake it mama
Mothers, shake your body with rhythmic movements as well.
Shake it, Cali
Join in the fun and shake your body, California!
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Andre Romell Young, Roger Troutman, Larry Troutman, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Christopher Stainton, Ronnie Hudson, Mikel Hooks, Joe Cocker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vnxck6173
its funny how I miss someone who died before i was born
@Classic_Re-creation
That is crazy I'm 29 so pac was alive when I was born but I didn't know about Tupac untill I was about 10, so when I recognised him and who he was he had allready been dead for around 5 years and it's the same with mei feel like a miss him even tho he was never their
@Classic_Re-creation
Makes me feel super old tho when I see that this track is 25 years old, that means some of tupacs music will be 30+ years old
@roopeshsharma6769
agreed .. feels like a personal loss 😢😭
@craneindolent1617
Same
@jameskirkland9457
Me too
@lenalee5516
I just love how jjk characters are collecting songs for their own
@phototyme4962
Literally half the reason im here rn 🤭
@theblue9534
INO TAKUMI OWNS 🗣️🔥🔥‼️‼️
@Euphoria2381
THAT ONE EDIT OF TAKUMA - INO BROUGHT ME HERE 🖤