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.
Crooked Nigga Too )
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got a big fat lawsuit and everything
Niggas just wanna know
If you still gon' be on some crooked-ass sheeeit
Please tell me what's a nigga to do, and it's true
Ain't nuttin new, so I do, what I can to get through
Now first they had me trapped and now I'm pissed
One motherfucker from the Underground
And Big Stretch buckin niggas if they fuck around
Yo why I got beef with police?
Ain't that a bitch that motherfuckers got a beef with me
They make it hard for me to sleep
I wake up at the slightest peep, and my sheets are 3 feet deep
I guess it's hard for you to see
But now I'm pointin the finger at police
Instead of them motherfuckers blamin me
I got the right to bear a pistol
And when the punk motherfuckers get to trippin I got shit too
And maybe then you'll see the truth (hell yeah)
But until then, I gotta do what I do
And stay a crooked nigga too
I've got to do, what I'm gon' do
I'm gon' say what I'm gon' say
I'm gon' live how I live, how else you want a nigga to live?
I'm gon' do, what I do
I'm gon' say, what I say
I'm gon' live how I live, how do you want a nigga to live?
Y'know you really can't say that ya blame niggas
Fuck bein tame, set aflame, time to aim triggers
2Pac'll spark a revolution, fuck the Constitution
I want my bucks for restitution
This time you got a bigger problem
Time to face the niggas from South Central, Oakland, Brooklyn and Harlem
And we ain't shootin at each other
That's my motherfuckin brother, so Dave Duke, run for cover
And all the bitches from the Klan
Come feel the wrath of a black man that doesn't smoke crack and
I don't drink St. Ides (fuck that!)
Genuine Draft, ganja ganja, and my fuckin tec-9
They know they scared to see us sober
Stop drinkin King Cobra, and niggas'll take the world over
It's all up to you (up to you)
Blame the Korean, blame the jew, or be a crooked nigga too
I've got to do, what I'm gon' do
I'm gon' say what I'm gon' say
I'm gon' live how I live, how else you want a nigga to live?
I'm gon' do, what I do
I'm gon' say, what I say
I'm gon' live how I live, how do you want a nigga to live?
Aiyyo! Why me? Play like Jasmine Guy and try me
I'll be damned if I die, come look at the rage in my eyes G
They got my homies in a jail cell
And it's the Rebel and the Devil, and one of us is goin to Hell
I got the whole place covered, with loc'd out brothers
And nuttin but love for each other
So motherfucker make a motion
I give a fuck, slice you up, and throw your ass in the ocean
Temperatures drop; see it's cool to shoot a nigga
But they hate it when we pop the cops
That's when they gettin petrol
You better watch your step or you'll be left on death row
But I learn to look ahead of me
Stay strapped watch your back keep your eyes on the enemy
We blowin up precincts and OOOH
You can't fuck with the crew, of crooked nigga too
I've got to do, what I'm gon' do
I'm gon' say what I'm gon' say
I'm gon' live how I live, how else you want a nigga to live?
I'm gon' do, what I do
I'm gon' say, what I say
I'm gon' live how I live, how do you want a nigga to live?
It's the coldest town from here to Georgia
(I'm a crooked nigga too)
It's the coldest town from here to Georgia
It's the coldest town from here to Georgia
(I'm a crooked.. crooked nigga too)
It's the coldest town from here to Georgia
Y'all gon' stop fuckin with me
I've got to do, what I'm gon' do
I'm gon' say what I'm gon' say
I'm gon' live how I live, how else you want a nigga to live?
I'm gon' do, what I do
I'm gon' say, what I say
I'm gon' live how I live, how do you want a nigga to live?
The lyrics to 2Pac's "Crooked Nigga Too" address police brutality and the unjust treatment of black people in America. In the opening lines of the song, someone asks if 2Pac is still going to be on some "crooked-ass nigga shit" after he received a big lawsuit from the police for beating him up. 2Pac responds by querying what he is supposed to do given the systemic oppression that he faces every day. He feels trapped, and although he has a loaded AK-47 under his bed, he tries to get through each day without resorting to violence.
2Pac then reflects upon why he has beef with the police, stating that they have a problem with him even though he has done nothing wrong. He describes the paranoia that he feels, never being able to sleep and waking up at the slightest noise. Frustrated with the situation, he points the finger at the police for casting him as a "crooked nigga" instead of taking responsibility for their actions. He believes he has the right to bear a pistol to protect himself from unrepentant law enforcement officers who would try to harm him.
The song then turns to a call to arms, as 2Pac demands action and restitution for the injustices faced by black people in America. He calls for a revolution, disregarding the Constitution and asking for reparations. Communities come together under his leadership, and 2Pac's lyrics suggest that race is not a barrier between these different groups. He directly addresses white supremacist David Duke and threatens violence against him, stating that black people aren't only violent when they're under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The song concludes with 2Pac envisioning a world that is free from police brutality and systemic racism, but until that day comes, he feels he has no choice but to remain a "crooked nigga too."
Line by Line Meaning
Yo 'Pac
Hey 'Pac, what's up?
That's right, hehehe
Yes, that's correct with a playful chuckle
Yo, I heard you got beat up by the police
Hey, I heard that the police physically harmed you
Got a big fat lawsuit and everything
And as a result, you filed a large financial claim
Yeah
Niggas just wanna know
If you still gon' be on some crooked-ass nigga shit
People are curious if you are still going to behave in a deceitful, unscrupulous manner
Please tell me what's a nigga to do, and it's true
Ain't nuttin new, so I do, what I can to get through
I am genuinely asking for advice on how to cope with these recurring issues. It's not a new problem, so I do what I can to survive
Now first they had me trapped and now I'm pissed
At first, they had me in a difficult situation, but now I am angry
A loaded AK-47 lay under my head so I don't trip
There is a loaded AK-47 near me to help ensure I don't make any missteps
One motherfucker from the Underground
And Big Stretch buckin' niggas if they fuck around
I have the support of a person from the underground, and Big Stretch is ready to fight anyone who causes trouble
Yo why I got beef with police?
Ain't that a bitch, the motherfuckers got a beef with me
Why do I have problems with the police? It's ridiculous because they are the ones who have a problem with me
They make it hard for me to sleep
I wake up at the slightest peep, and my sheets are 3 feet deep
The police make it difficult for me to rest; I wake up from the slightest noise, and I have anxiety that goes as deep as my sheets
I guess it's hard for you to see
But now I'm pointin' the finger at police
Instead of them motherfuckers blamin' me
I suppose it's hard for some people to see, but I am now blaming the police instead of them blaming me
I got the right to bear a pistol
And when the punk motherfuckers get to trippin' I got shit too
I have the right to carry a gun, and when aggressive individuals cross me, I can defend myself as well
And maybe then you'll see the truth
But until then, I gotta do what I do
And stay a crooked nigga too
Perhaps people will understand my perspective when they see the truth, but until then, I am going to keep doing what I have to do and maintain my dishonest persona
It's all up to you, but until then I gotta do what I do
And maybe then you'll see the truth; OOOH!
But until then I gotta do what I do and stay a crooked nigga too
It's all up to anyone who is listening, but in the meantime, I am going to persist and continue being deceitful until someone sees things from my point of view.
You can't fuck with the crew, of crooked nigga too
You cannot mess with the likes of other dishonest individuals like myself
Y'know you really can't say that ya blame niggas
Fuck being tame, set a flame, time to aim triggers
You can't truly blame black individuals for their behavior. It's time to set things ablaze, discard being restrained, and aim our weapons
2Pac'll spark a revolution, fuck the Constitution
I want my bucks for restitution
I, 2Pac, will initiate a call to action for change, and I don't care about the Constitution. I want more money to make up for what I've lost
This time you got a bigger problem
Time to face the niggas from South Central, Oakland, Brooklyn and Harlem
And we ain't shootin' at each other (fuck no!)
That's my motherfuckin' brother, so Dave Duke, run for cover
This time, the problem is bigger. It's time to confront people representing South Central, Oakland, Brooklyn, and Harlem. We are not fighting each other. Instead, we have each other's back. Dave Duke, be afraid and hide.
And all the bitches from the Klan
Come feel the wrath of a black man that doesn't smoke crack and
Women who support the Klan should prepare to feel the intense anger of an African-American man who doesn't use drugs
I don't drink St. Ides (fuck that!)
Genuine Draft, ganja ganja, and my fuckin' TEC-9
I don't drink St. Ides but instead choose Genuine Draft beer and ganja, along with my TEC-9 firearm.
They know they scared to see us sober
(ahhhhhhh) Cobra, and niggas'll take the world over
They know that they're afraid to face us while we're sober. We, who are considered dangerous, are the superiors of the world.
It's all up to you (up to you)
Blame the Korean.. (fuck that) or be a crooked nigga too
It's all up to the listener to decide what they want to believe. People can either blame those of Korean descent for their problems, or follow my lead and become a dishonest criminal as well.
Why me? Play like Jasmine Guy and try me
I'll be damned if I die, come look at the rage in my eyes G
Why am I a target? You can try and test me like Jasmine Guy, but I won't back down or be defeated. Come and see the passion in my enraged gaze, my friend.
They got my homies in a jail cell
And it's the Rebel and the Devil, and one of us is goin' to Hell
While my friends are imprisoned, it's both me (the Rebel) and one of them (the Devil) who may end up in Hell
I got the whole place covered, with loc'd out brothers
And nuttin but love for each other
I have an entire group of loyal friends protecting me, all with long dreadlocks, and we only have love for each other
So motherfucker make a motion
I give a fuck, slice you up, and throw your ass in the ocean
If anyone tries to come for me, I will take action. I don't care if it means cutting you up and tossing you in the ocean
Temperatures drop; see it's cool to shoot a nigga
But they hate it when we pop the cops
That's when they gettin' petrol
As the temperature drops, it becomes acceptable to harm black individuals, but when we retaliate against cops, that's when things escalate to violence
You better watch your step or you'll be left on death row
But I learn to look ahead of me
Stay strapped watch your back keep your eyes on the enemy
You need to be careful in your actions, or you may be sent to death row. But I learned to not look back, keep focused on the future, and remain vigilant of potential adversaries
We blowin' up precincts and OOOH
And maybe then you'll see the truth, OOOH!
We are destroying police stations, and maybe then people will realize the truth, and stop oppressing us
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Deon Evans, Glenn Don Standridge, Randy Walker, Raphael Saadiq, Robert C. Ozuna, Tupac Shakur
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