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 CoastโWest 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 Tรบpac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, Tรบpac 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.
California Love (Ft. Dr. Dre &
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
In his hit single California Love, 2Pac paints a vivid picture of California as a state that knows how to party. The first verse begins with the declaration that California knows how to party and sets the scene of the party in different parts of the state, including LA, Watts, and Compton. The chorus reinforces the statement that California is the place to be if you want to party and introduces the West Coast as the place to find the best parties. The second verse begins with a welcome to the Wild West and describes the state's untouchable status before going on to explain that the state is well-known for its hemp, parties, and pimps. The verse also mentions 2Pac's status as a rapper and his success in the industry. The chorus returns, this time with an emphasis on partying on the West Coast. The last verse, packed with references to California's cities and streets, tells a more serious story of the challenges faced by young people in the state, including riots and gangs.
Line by Line Meaning
California love
An appreciation of the state of California and the lifestyle it embodies.
California knows how to party
California has a reputation for knowing how to party.
In the city of L.A.
Referring to Los Angeles, one of the biggest cities in California.
In the city of good ol' Watts
Watts is a neighborhood in Los Angeles with a rich history.
In the city, the city of Compton
Compton is a city located in the south-central part of Los Angeles county.
We keep it rockin', we keep it rockin'
The people in California always keep the party going.
Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild Wild West
Introducing the listener to the vibrant and free-spirited culture of the Western United States.
A state that's untouchable like Eliot Ness
Comparing California to Eliot Ness, a legendary Federal Agent known for being untouchable and catching notorious gangsters like Al Capone.
The track hits your eardrum like a slug to your chest
The music's bass is intense and hits the listener with strong force.
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
Suggesting that people wear protective gear when out at night in the city for safety.
We in that Sunshine State where the bomb-ass hemp be
California is a sunny state, and marijuana is a popular substance.
The state where you never find a dance floor empty
People in California always know how to dance and have fun.
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
Pimps in California are focused on making money.
Lean mean money-making-machines servin' fiends
Drug dealers in California are also focused on making money.
I been in the game for ten years makin' rap tunes
2Pac has been making music for ten years.
Ever since honeys was wearin' Sassoon
2Pac has been making music for a long time, even when Sassoon jeans were trendy.
Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
2Pac is now famous, and people are paying close attention to him.
Diamonds shinin', lookin' like I robbed Liberace
2Pac has a lot of expensive jewelry on, which makes him look like he stole it from Liberace.
It's all good, from Diego to the Bay
Everything is great in California from San Diego to San Francisco.
Your city is the bomb if your city makin' pay (uh)
A city in California is great if it's profitable.
Throw up a finger if you feel the same way
Raise your finger up in agreement.
Dre puttin' it down for Californ-i-a
Dr. Dre is making great music for California.
Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin'
Referring to 2Pac's time in jail and his desire to make it big in California.
Soon as I step on the scene, I'm hearin' hoochies screamin'
As soon as 2Pac emerged, women were screaming for him.
Fiendin' for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player
People in California have a desire for money and alcohol and are treated like players.
Where cowards die and the strong ball
California is a place where only the strong survive.
Only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die
People in California are passionate about their beliefs, demonstrated more in riots than rallies.
In L.A. we wearin' Chucks, not Ballys (yeah, that's right)
In Los Angeles, people are more likely to wear Converse shoes than high-end Bally shoes.
Dressed in Locs and Khaki suits, and ride is what we do
Describing the fashion and car culture of California.
Famous because we throw grams
Being famous in California is all about how much drugs you sell.
Worldwide, let 'em recognize from Long Beach to Rosecrans
People all over the world know about California, from Long Beach to Rosecrans.
Bumpin' and grindin' like a slow jam
Referring to a form of slow dancing.
It's Westside, so you know the Row won't bow down to no man
Being from the Westside of LA means never backing down from anyone.
Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre
Dr. Dre's production makes great music.
Let me serenade the streets of L.A.
I want to make music that is tailored for LA streets.
From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down
Describing the geography of California.
Cali is where they put their mack down, give me love
California is where people go to make a fortune and find love.
Just come on shake, shake it, baby
Encouraging people to dance and have fun.
Baby, baby, shake it, mama, shake it, mama, shake it, mama
Repeating the message to keep moving and dancing.
Lyrics ยฉ 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
@farrel__6188
1996 : Tupac still in our heart
1997 : Tupac still in our heart
1998 : Tupac still in our heart
2000 : Tupac still in our heart
2002 : Tupac still in our heart
2004 : Tupac still in our heart
2006 : Tupac still in our heart
2008 : Tupac still in our heart
2009 : Tupac still in our heart
2010 : Tupac still in our heart
2011 : Tupac still in our heart
2012 : Tupac still in our heart
2013 : Tupac still in our heart
2015 : Tupac still in our heart
2016 : Tupac still in our heart
2017 : Tupac still in our heart
2018 : Tupac still in our heart
2020 : Tupac still in our heart
R.I.P. Tupac Shakur๐๐๐
@Oldschoolrap91
Pac was such a beautiful soul. His spirit and way through his life were so human, so aware of his existence, so consciously living until the very last breath as far as I can tell. His physical death, yet his mind and spirit live on. His message and way to take on his life no matter what he was facing, that's rare. So rare that his young body of 25 contained a soul older than the wise old man.
He said in one of his interviews " I got the whole world fear me, at 23, weighing 160 lbs and I haven't even started, I haven't even write out my plan yet."
So powerful. He had no filters, no masks, just a pure, direct, honest, open and fully real human being. And he did what he thought best with his life and was so open and pure with his feelings and emotions ...
He definitely is the closest person I've never met physically, but spiritually yes.
Poet, actor, rapper, activist, socially aware.
Thriving on so many levels with everything life threw at him. Inspirational and example for many.
He fought for what he believed in and lived. He faced all his fears and laid them bare in his life, all there in the open. His songs, acting roles, interviews, poems, the way he lived.
That recent docu series called Dear Mama is a gem on so many levels.
The name says it all. Afeni, the reason Tupac Amaru Shakur excited in the first place. And I mean him as a person, his name, and his character and power to take on life and all challenges. A combination of life, societies child that society also formed him as he said and of course such a big main part goes to his mom, Afeni. Her life, what she did and how she raised him.
There is so much to say, so let's keep their spirit and message alive and spread it.
Honor these beautiful souls and share it. Spirits like these 2 we definitely need in this world.
@saragora3331
To the generation listening to this in 2095 I died many years ago. The 90's was one of the best decades in human history. One love.
@johnnymcblaze
Youtubes not going to be around in 2095. Paying hackers to destroy your competition can't be sustainable for their parent company.
@ditackett
And they said in the early 2000s that music of the 90s was the most un information non essential. Now 2021 they are saying that u had many more different types of genres to choose from then ANY other era. So true
From gangster rap, punk, Seattle, Rock hard and casual to Country
@sdach3sach167
Good isnโt it?
@adanacman666
The 70s and the 90s kicked ass musically no other era even comes close
@adanacman666
@@ditackett well said and so true
@MrZahsome
If Pac was alive today, we all would have seen the man perform this song at the Superbowl.
@Blorpyo
โ๐ฟ๐ฟ
@Bigln8r
If they wanted to deem that the greatest halftime show of all time they should have brought his hologram to do this song in California!!
@rheathesecond
@@Bigln8r Yeah that's what I was thinking, because I saw those 2Pac hologram videos on YouTube. Why can't they make it more big since The Weeknd did it without the audience last year?