Tupac Amaru Shakur (born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13… Read Full Bio ↴Tupac Amaru Shakur (born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), better known by his stage name 2Pac and later by his alias Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Considered one of the most influential rappers of all time, Shakur is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Much of Shakur's music has been noted for addressing contemporary social issues that plagued inner cities, and he is considered a symbol of activism against inequality.

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.

Can U C The Pride In The Panther?
2Pac Lyrics

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Can u c the pride in the pantha
As he glows in splendor and grace
Toppling OBSTACLES placed in the way
Of the progression of his race

Can u c the pride in the Pantha
As she nurtures her young all alone
The seed must grow regardless

Of the fact that it's planted in stone

CAN'T u c the Pride in the panthas
As they unify as one

The flower blooms with brilliance
And outshines the ray of the Sun

Overall Meaning

In these powerful lyrics from 2Pac's song, "Can U C The Pride In The Panther," the rapper reflects on the strength and resilience of the Black community in the face of adversity. The panther symbolizes pride, power, and determination as it navigates obstacles placed in its path. By using this majestic animal as a metaphor, 2Pac highlights the beauty and grace in overcoming challenges and injustices that have historically hindered the progress of the Black race.

The imagery of a panther glowing in splendor and grace speaks to the innate beauty and majesty found within the Black community. Despite facing systemic barriers and oppression, the panther exudes pride and strength in its ability to rise above challenges. 2Pac addresses the resilience and perseverance of Black individuals who continue to strive for progress and equality despite the obstacles placed before them.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of motherhood and nurturing within the Black community. The imagery of a female panther nurturing her young symbolizes the strength and endurance of Black women who often shoulder the burden of raising and protecting their children alone. The seed, representing the next generation, must grow and thrive despite the harsh conditions it is planted in, emphasizing the tenacity and determination of the Black community to flourish and prosper.

Furthermore, 2Pac emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity within the Black community. By coming together as one, the panthers shine with brilliance and outshine even the sun. This unity and collective strength enable the community to overcome adversity and oppression, illuminating the beauty and power that emerges when individuals stand together in pride and solidarity. The lyrics celebrate the resilience, pride, and unity of the Black community, emphasizing the strength and beauty that arise from facing challenges head-on and standing together in solidarity.

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