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.
Definition Of A Thug Nigga
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nobody's, closin' me out of my business
My definition of a thug n****
(Nobody's, closin' me out of my business)
I played the cards I was given, thank God I'm still livin'
Pack my nine 'til it's time to go to prison
As I'm bailin' down the block where I come from, still gotta pack a gun
I guess I live life forever jugglin'
But I'll be hustlin' 'til the early mornin' 'cause I'm strugglin'
Like drinkin' liquor make the money come quicker
Gettin' pages from my b****, it's time to dick her
I ain't in love with her, I just wanna be the one to hit her
Drop off and let the next n**** get her
That's the way it goes, it's time to shake a hoe, make the dough
Break a hoe when it's time to make some mo'
I keep my finger on the trigger of my glock
Ridin' down the block lickin' shots at the punk-a**
And spittin' game through my mobile phone
The type of s*** to get them hoes to bone
My definition of a thug n****
'Tis the season to be servin', what you doin'?
Mob-mobbin' like a motherf***er
'Tis the season to be servin', what you doin'?
Mob-mobbin' like a motherf***er
'Tis the season to be servin', what you doin'?
Mob-mobbin' like a motherf***er
'Tis the season to be servin'
Well, I roll with a crew of zoo n****z
They're quick to pull a nine when it's time do n****z
Comin' through like I'm two n****z, a true n**** f*** a Zig Zag
Roll me a blunt and pa** that brew n****
I'm drivin' drunk on the freeway, so take it easy
Lookin' for a new face to skeeze me
Everybody's lookin' for a nut but I'm searchin' for the big bucks
Give a f*** rather die than be stuck
In a one-room shack and kickin' back
Daydreamin' with the nine in my lap
So how's that from the mind of a thug n****?
Bought a fo'-five 'cause I heard that the slug's bigger
Figure the first motherf***er to jump'll find hisself
Gettin' swept off his feet by the pump
I put that on my moms, word to the motherf***in' trigger
Before I go broke I'll be a drug dealer, a thug n****
'Tis the season to be servin', what you doin'?
Mob-mobbin' like a motherf***er
'Tis the season to be servin', what you doin'?
Mob-mobbin' like a motherf***er
'Tis the season to be servin', what you doin'?
Mob-mobbin' like a motherf***er
'Tis the season to be servin'
Short than a motherf***er snatched up by one-time
Make a phone call and be back to ball by lunchtime
So here we go, we in the inner city
I keep my hand on my gat and stay cool, my attitude is s***ty
N****z don't like me 'cause I'm makin' ends
Roll in a Benz and I blaze a blunt 'cause I'm all in
And any n**** tryin' to take what I got'll
Half the deal with the sixteen-shot glock
So here we go, I can't be faded
Happy in the motherf***er, finally made it
Got my money in my pocket, finger on the trigger
And I ain't takin' s*** from no n****z
I'm just tryin' to make some money right
Put some motherf***in' food in my tummy right
I'm feelin' good like I'm supposed to, ready to ball
Find a spot and we can serve 'em all
My definition of a thug n****
'Tis the season to be servin'
Mobbin' like a motherf***er every single day
(My definition of a thug n****)
'Tis the season to be servin'
Mobbin' like a motherf***er every single day
(My definition of a thug n****)
'Tis the season to be servin'
Mobbin' like a motherf***er every single day
(My definition of a thug n****)
'Tis the season to be servin'
Nobody's, closin' me out of my business
Nobody's, closin' me out of my business
Nobody's, closin' me out of my business
Nobody's, closin' me out of my business
In the song "Definition Of A Thug Nigga," 2Pac raps about his definition of a "thug nigga" and the struggles he faces as a man living in poverty. He starts off by asserting that nobody can close him out of his business, indicating his autonomy and self-sufficiency. He then reflects on his life and the cards he's been dealt, grateful to still be alive but constantly fearing that he will end up in prison. He talks about the violence he encounters in his neighborhood and how he must always carry a gun for protection.
2Pac also raps about his struggles with relationships, particularly with women. He drinks alcohol to make money quickly, and he receives pages from his girlfriend, but he does not have a connection with her and only wants to have sex with her. He views women as disposable and easily replaceable. He is more focused on making money and being successful through his drug dealing business. He mentions that he drives drunk and is always looking for new people to scam.
Throughout the song, 2Pac asserts his status as a "thug nigga," someone who is unafraid to engage in violence and drug dealing to get ahead. He states that he puts his finger on the trigger of his gun and is willing to kill anyone who crosses him. He concludes by saying that he is just trying to make money and survive, and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve these goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody's, closin' me out of my business
I am in control of my own life and nobody can interfere with it.
My definition of a thug n****
This is who I am, and I embrace it.
I played the cards I was given, thank God I'm still livin'
I have faced adversity in life, but I am grateful for the opportunity to keep going.
Pack my nine 'til it's time to go to prison
I always carry a gun because I know that danger could be around any corner.
As I'm bailin' down the block where I come from, still gotta pack a gun
Even though I have achieved some success, I will never forget where I came from and the dangers that still exist there.
'Case some young motherf***ers wanna play dumb
I am constantly aware of potential threats and will do what I need to in order to protect myself from harm.
I guess I live life forever jugglin'
Life is a constant struggle, and I am always trying to balance different challenges and responsibilities.
But I'll be hustlin' 'til the early mornin' 'cause I'm strugglin'
I work hard and long hours because I need to make ends meet and provide for myself and those I care about.
Like drinkin' liquor make the money come quicker
I know that alcohol and drugs will not solve my problems, but they provide temporary relief and escape.
Gettin' pages from my b****, it's time to dick her
I use women for my own pleasure and do not care about their feelings or well-being.
I ain't in love with her, I just wanna be the one to hit her
I do not have real emotional connections with women, only physical ones.
Drop off and let the next n**** get her
I use women and then move on to the next one without any remorse or loyalty.
That's the way it goes, it's time to shake a hoe, make the dough
I am willing to exploit women in order to make money and advance my own interests.
Break a hoe when it's time to make some mo'
I will do whatever it takes to make money and will not hesitate to use or hurt others in the process.
I keep my finger on the trigger of my glock
I am always ready to defend myself and will not hesitate to use violence if necessary.
Ridin' down the block lickin' shots at the punk-a**
I am not afraid to use my gun to intimidate or attack anyone who crosses me.
And spittin' game through my mobile phone
I use technology to communicate my messages and to attract women.
The type of s*** to get them hoes to bone
I use aggressive, manipulative tactics to get women to have sex with me.
'Tis the season to be servin', what you doin'?
I am always working and hustling, and I challenge others to do the same.
Mob-mobbin' like a motherf***er
I am always on the move, looking for opportunities to make money and advance myself.
Well, I roll with a crew of zoo n****z
I have a group of friends who are equally violent and dangerous and who share my values.
They're quick to pull a nine when it's time do n****z
My friends are always ready to use violence against anyone who threatens us or our interests.
Comin' through like I'm two n****z, a true n**** f*** a Zig Zag
I am confident and tough, and I do not care about the consequences of my actions.
Roll me a blunt and pa** that brew n****
I use drugs and alcohol to escape my problems and to enjoy myself.
I'm drivin' drunk on the freeway, so take it easy
I disregard the safety of myself and others when I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Lookin' for a new face to skeeze me
I am always searching for new women to use or exploit for my own pleasure and gain.
Everybody's lookin' for a nut but I'm searchin' for the big bucks
I am focused solely on making money and advancing my own interests, not on forming genuine relationships or connections with others.
Give a f*** rather die than be stuck
I am willing to risk my life for my own gain and will not allow anyone or anything to hold me back from achieving my goals.
In a one-room shack and kickin' back
I refuse to accept a life of poverty or limitation, and I will use any means necessary to escape it.
Daydreamin' with the nine in my lap
Even when I am relaxing or idle, I am still thinking about my gun and the violence it represents.
So how's that from the mind of a thug n****?
This is who I am and what I represent, and I will not apologize or back down from it.
Bought a fo'-five 'cause I heard that the slug's bigger
I am always looking to upgrade my weapons and to be as dangerous as possible.
Figure the first motherf***er to jump'll find hisself
I am not afraid to use violence against anyone who challenges or threatens me.
Gettin' swept off his feet by the pump
I am confident in my ability to use my gun to defeat anyone who tries to hurt me.
I put that on my moms, word to the motherf***in' trigger
I am sincere and honest about my intentions, and I will prove it with my actions and my willingness to use violence.
Before I go broke I'll be a drug dealer, a thug n****
I will do whatever it takes to make money and to achieve success, even if it means breaking the law or harming others.
Short than a motherf***er snatched up by one-time
I know that the police and the legal system are always a threat to me and my lifestyle, and I am always on my guard against them.
Make a phone call and be back to ball by lunchtime
I am confident in my ability to make money and to succeed, and I am always focused on my goals.
So here we go, we in the inner city
I am always surrounded by danger and by the struggles of urban life.
I keep my hand on my gat and stay cool, my attitude is s***ty
I am always prepared for violence and danger, and I do not care about the opinions or feelings of others.
N****z don't like me 'cause I'm makin' ends
Other people resent me because of my success and my willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it.
Roll in a Benz and I blaze a blunt 'cause I'm all in
I flaunt my wealth and my power, and I use drugs and alcohol to celebrate my success.
And any n**** tryin' to take what I got'll
I am always ready to defend my possessions and my status against anyone who challenges or threatens them.
Half the deal with the sixteen-shot glock
My gun is my most valuable possession, and I will use it to protect myself and to assert my dominance over others.
So here we go, I can't be faded
I am invincible and unstoppable, and I will not let anyone or anything hold me back.
Happy in the motherf***er, finally made it
I am proud of my success and my ability to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Got my money in my pocket, finger on the trigger
I am always ready for action and for danger, and I am always focused on my next move.
And I ain't takin' s*** from no n****z
I will not be intimidated or controlled by anyone, and I will always assert my dominance and my power.
I'm just tryin' to make some money right
My ultimate goal is to succeed and to gain wealth and status.
Put some motherf***in' food in my tummy right
I use money to fulfill my basic needs and desires and to enjoy the pleasures of life.
I'm feelin' good like I'm supposed to, ready to ball
I am confident and happy with my life and my success, and I am ready to enjoy it to the fullest extent.
Find a spot and we can serve 'em all
I am always on the lookout for opportunities to make money and to assert my dominance over others.
Mobbin' like a motherf***er every single day
I am always on the move and always hustling, and I will not rest until I have achieved my goals and secured my success.
(My definition of a thug n****)
This is who I am, and I will not apologize or compromise my values for anyone or anything.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TUPAC SHAKUR, WARREN GRIFFIN III, LARRY MIZELL
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