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.
Dusted
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bout when things is finna mature
So let me find me a nigga with a grip
And hit his ass quick with one of them whoops
(What's the definition of a lick?)
Taking a niggaz shit
(Hey put that on sumthin)
I put that on The Click, The Click
Back to fuckin work one of the homies jus got dusted
Time to do some dirt, uhh, I never trusted
Them bustas shot him in the shirt, dead on arrival
Now the town is funky, it's called survival
What why'all want to do? They got us scuffled
(bullet high, get in your eye) if this was a fifth well I be drunk
I'm heated, them niggaz cheated, played me false
We had em eatin, shit 'posed to been squashed
I noticed one killa on the double dribble and set him up why'all
She likes the Monie in the Middle, play tetherball
Thick ass bitch, high yellow city-slicker
Scarecrow creepin Southern bitches, aka Posie Pussyfictious
Nigga been holdin guts, but shit on hisself and a funky bill
Pullin out bills, frontin on material shit
That's when I get to killin shit (killin shit)
And settin 'I'm up and havin 'I'm catchin a couple of slugs
Sl-uh sl-uh slugs, trynta fuck with savage thug
Pistol pop in they ass, see niggaz be gettin this twisted
It's that bitch that killed ya
Took all your money peeled ya
Seven niggaz bust in the room with AK's
While a nigga be puttin on his jimmy
All of a sudden they shoot up your Vuitton
Before you can hit the broccoli
See money-a-made that nigga, that nigga didn't make that money
Left them niggaz jacked up, and the bitch she macked him
He's a busta, punk ass nigga, why'all know the streets
That's why that nigga naked layin dead in between some bloody sheets
It's just a part of the game he didn't feel
Bitches will kill, fuck a nigga, out his last d-uh dollar bill
You don't know that hoe main that bitch can't be trusted
Dusted and di-motherfuckin-sgusted
[Chorus: E-40]
Some cold hearted shit
Back to fuckin work, one of the homies jus got dusted
Whacha'll want to do, whacha'll want to do
Cold hearted bitches
Back to fuckin work, one of the homies jus got dusted
Whacha'll want to do, I never trusted them bustas
Some cold hearted shit
Back to fuckin work, one of the homies jus got dusted
I never trusted them bustas
And it's them cold hearted bitched
Back to fuckin work, one of the homies jus got dusted
Dusted and disgusted
Let's let of some two or threes on the other side of t-uh-town
Draw the attention on the other s-uh-side of town (other side of town)
And wait for the po-po shift to change, ghetto shootin range
Revenge on the are-uh-rebound, war games
Droughts, out, shhh lost clientele but I will prevail
By sellin the broccoli dank instead of the crack cocaine
Try not to steal narcotics
When these punk MC's and bitches be the reason why
The smoke be comin up out the chow, with my nigga Pac
Dear God, can you forgive me? My future's lookin sick
I'm in my rag hittin switches I'm suspicious of these bitches
I keep on, calllin, but ain't nobody pickin up
I think she's stallin, this evil bitch is tryin ta set me up
Came all alone if it's on then it's on
Where's my motherfuckin chrome, only jealous niggaz roam
It's a war zone (war zone) but I'm a man so with gun in hand
I'm on my way to see this hoe you know the fuckin plan
Can't understand, but the things ain't the same
You could die over these bitches if you slippin in the game
Niggaz gang bang, but bitches gang bang too
Give up that good thang, and put that pistol to your brain
If you was smart figure, don't have no love in your heart nigga
Any complications pull the trigger, dusted and disgusted
Bitches can't be trusted, you know the rules
They underhanded, she planned it, you fuckin fool
(These hoes out here tryin to hold a nigga's heart
So a nigga get his money fucked with
Almost in-laws)
Hey be proud of it when you turn these bitches upside down
What's gonna happen
(Uhh, three and a half dollars or probably fo' if a bitch ridin)
(Yeah main, them hoes talented
They be fuckin with mo' MC's at Jack the Rapper)
(Aight fuck it, what you say Mall?
Ay, fuck them sheisty ass bootches, nigga)
The California lifestyle that I live
Where the bitches is crooked and niggaz jus don't give
A flyin fuck, so I stay stuck, smokin on the tay-low
Bay Area playa, tryin ta have shit major
And a bitch won't save ya
So I ain't playin Captain Save a Hoe
I mob up in ya like a pro and then I'm gone
I'm like Sylvester Stallone, everyday is like a Cliffhanger
Action packed, I let the mini-mac smack that ass
Them hoes jacked that ass
Nigga woulda got smokin on that hash
Can't have my cash, better go and take your nigga stash
'Cause he's a busta, niggaz with clusters
Slippin in shit, betta jack that nigga 'fore I jack his ass bitch
Never was no love for the mark-ass, the lo pink (the lo pink)
You love them Bootsy bitches, can't let them pussy bitches
Gank that ass, betta hide your cash and check her fast
Pump your brakes nigga, slow your roll don't go too fast
'Cause bulletproof ain't doin no good no mo' no mo' no mo' no mo'
Now, niggaz comin up dead with they brains blew out on the fuckin floor
Damn, hollow points to flesh tears through the teflon vest
Now are-uh-rest
Pull a plug on a flatline over those, one nigga less
One nigga less, from coast to coast, to the East to the West
Crushin the flesh, dem bitches played a game of death
Look over your shoulder watch your back don't even trust it
I'm tryin to told ya end up dusted
[Chorus]
The song "Dusted" by 2Pac is one of his lesser-known tracks but it still packs a punch. The lyrics are a reflection of the dangers of life on the streets and the need to protect yourself at all costs. In the first verse, 2Pac talks about not being sure when things will mature, so he plans to find someone with money and take their things. He then defines a lick as taking someone's stuff. The chorus is a repeating line, "Back to f*ckin' work, one of the homies just got dusted." This is a reference to getting back to work after someone has been killed, as they need to make sure they are always protected.
The second verse of the song talks about a friend who was shot dead, and the town is now in survival mode. 2Pac doesn't trust anyone, and he's heated about the situation. He then talks about setting someone up and having them get shot. In the third verse, 2Pac discusses a woman setting him up and how he can't trust anyone. He talks about how bitches can't be trusted, and that it's just part of the game. The chorus repeats, and the song ends with 2Pac saying, "I'm tryin' to told ya end up dusted."
Overall, "Dusted" is a song about the dangers of life on the streets and the need to protect yourself at all costs. It's a powerful message that resonates with many people, even today.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm really not all that sure
I'm uncertain about what's going to happen
Bout when things is finna mature
About when things are going to develop
So let me find me a nigga with a grip
So let me find someone who has money
And hit his ass quick with one of them whoops
And take his money quickly with a robbery
(What's the definition of a lick?)
(What does it mean to rob someone?)
Taking a niggaz shit
Taking someone's belongings by force
(Hey put that on sumthin)
(Hey, swear on something meaningful)
I put that on The Click, The Click
I swear on my crew, The Click
Back to fuckin work one of the homies jus got dusted
Back to committing crimes, one of my friends just got killed
Time to do some dirt, uhh, I never trusted
Time to engage in illegal activities, I never trusted anyone
Them bustas shot him in the shirt, dead on arrival
Those attackers shot him in the chest, killing him instantly
Now the town is funky, it's called survival
Now the neighborhood is dangerous, we must fight to survive
What why'all want to do? They got us scuffled
What do you all want to do? Our enemies have us in a chaotic situation
(bullet high, get in your eye) if this was a fifth well I be drunk
(bullet flying, hitting your eye) if this situation was a fifth of alcohol, I would be intoxicated
I'm heated, them niggaz cheated, played me false
I'm angry, those guys betrayed me, deceived me
We had em eatin, shit 'posed to been squashed
We had them scared, the conflict was supposed to be resolved
I noticed one killa on the double dribble and set him up why'all
I observed one of the killers in a vulnerable position and planned to ambush him
She likes the Monie in the Middle, play tetherball
She enjoys being in control, manipulating others like a game of tetherball
Thick ass bitch, high yellow city-slicker
Curvy woman with a light skin tone who acts sophisticated
Scarecrow creepin Southern bitches, aka Posie Pussyfictious
Being sly and deceptive with Southern women
Nigga been holdin guts, but shit on hisself and a funky bill
The guy used to be brave, but now he's scared and broke
Pullin out bills, frontin on material shit
Showing off money, pretending to own expensive things
That's when I get to killin shit (killin shit)
That's when I engage in violent acts
And settin 'I'm up and havin 'I'm catchin a couple of slugs
And setting him up and having him get shot multiple times
Sl-uh sl-uh slugs, trynta fuck with savage thug
Bullets, bullets, bullets, trying to mess with a ruthless criminal
Pistol pop in they ass, see niggaz be gettin this twisted
Shooting them with a gun, some people misunderstand this
It's that bitch that killed ya
It's that woman who caused your death
Took all your money peeled ya
Took all your money and left you defenseless
Seven niggaz bust in the room with AK's
Seven guys burst into the room with AK-47 rifles
While a nigga be puttin on his jimmy
While a guy is putting on a condom
All of a sudden they shoot up your Vuitton
Suddenly, they shoot bullets through your Louis Vuitton bag
Before you can hit the broccoli
Before you can smoke marijuana
See money-a-made that nigga, that nigga didn't make that money
The person behind the scenes made that guy successful, he didn't earn that money himself
Left them niggaz jacked up, and the bitch she macked him
Left those guys beaten up, and the woman seduced him
He's a busta, punk ass nigga, why'all know the streets
He's a weakling, a coward, you all know how the streets work
That's why that nigga naked layin dead in between some bloody sheets
That's why that guy is dead and naked, covered in blood
It's just a part of the game he didn't feel
It's just a consequence of the street life that he didn't anticipate
Bitches will kill, fuck a nigga, out his last d-uh dollar bill
Women will murder, have sex with a guy to take his last dollar bill
You don't know that hoe main that bitch can't be trusted
You don't understand that woman, she cannot be relied upon
Dusted and di-motherfuckin-sgusted
Dead and extremely disgusted
Some cold hearted shit
Some extremely heartless behavior
Whacha'll want to do, whacha'll want to do
What do you all want to do, what do you all want to do
Cold hearted bitches
Heartless women
Whacha'll want to do, I never trusted them bustas
What do you all want to do, I never trusted those losers
Some cold hearted shit
Some extremely heartless behavior
Back to fuckin work, one of the homies jus got dusted
Back to engaging in criminal activities, one of my friends just got killed
Whacha'll want to do, I never trusted them bustas
What do you all want to do, I never trusted those losers
And it's them cold hearted bitched
And it's those heartless bitches
Back to fuckin work, one of the homies jus got dusted
Back to engaging in criminal activities, one of my friends just got killed
Dusted and disgusted
Dead and extremely disgusted
Let's let of some two or threes on the other side of t-uh-town
Let's shoot some guns on the other side of town
Draw the attention on the other s-uh-side of town (other side of town)
Divert the attention to the other side of town
And wait for the po-po shift to change, ghetto shootin range
And wait for the police shift to change, a shooting range in the hood
Revenge on the are-uh-rebound, war games
Seeking revenge when the opportunity arises, engaging in war-like activities
Droughts, out, shhh lost clientele but I will prevail
Shortages, no more customers, but I will overcome
By sellin the broccoli dank instead of the crack cocaine
By selling high-quality marijuana instead of addictive cocaine
Try not to steal narcotics
Avoiding stealing drugs
When these punk MC's and bitches be the reason why
When these weak rappers and women are the cause of problems
The smoke be comin up out the chow, with my nigga Pac
The commotion arises, with my friend Pac
Dear God, can you forgive me? My future's lookin sick
Dear God, can you forgive me? My future looks grim
I'm in my rag hittin switches I'm suspicious of these bitches
I'm driving my car lowering and raising it, I'm wary of these women
I keep on, calllin, but ain't nobody pickin up
I keep trying to call, but nobody is answering
I think she's stallin, this evil bitch is tryin ta set me up
I think she's delaying, this wicked woman is trying to trap me
Came all alone if it's on then it's on
I came alone and if things escalate, they escalate
Where's my motherfuckin chrome, only jealous niggaz roam
Where is my gun, only envious guys wander around
It's a war zone (war zone) but I'm a man so with gun in hand
It's a dangerous area, but I'm a man and I have a gun
I'm on my way to see this hoe you know the fuckin plan
I'm going to confront this woman, you know the plan
Can't understand, but the things ain't the same
Can't comprehend, but the situation has changed
You could die over these bitches if you slippin in the game
You could lose your life over these women if you make a mistake in the game
Niggaz gang bang, but bitches gang bang too
Guys participate in gang activities, but women do the same
Give up that good thang, and put that pistol to your brain
Give up that valuable thing, and put a gun to your head
If you was smart figure, don't have no love in your heart nigga
If you're smart, don't have any emotional attachment, man
Any complications pull the trigger, dusted and disgusted
If there are any problems, shoot, dead and extremely disgusted
Bitches can't be trusted, you know the rules
Women cannot be relied upon, you know the principles
They underhanded, she planned it, you fuckin fool
They are deceitful, she plotted it, you idiot
(These hoes out here tryin to hold a nigga's heart
(These women out here trying to control a man's emotions
So a nigga get his money fucked with
So a man's finances get messed up
Almost in-laws)
Almost related by marriage)
Hey be proud of it when you turn these bitches upside down
Be proud of it when you manipulate these women
What's gonna happen
What is going to occur
(Uhh, three and a half dollars or probably fo' if a bitch ridin)
(Uhh, three and a half dollars or maybe four if a girl is involved)
(Yeah main, them hoes talented
(Yeah man, those women are skilled
They be fuckin with mo' MC's at Jack the Rapper)
They sleep with more rappers at the Jack The Rapper convention)
(Aight fuck it, what you say Mall?
(Alright forget it, what do you say Mall?
Ay, fuck them sheisty ass bootches, nigga)
Hey, forget those dishonest women, man)
The California lifestyle that I live
The lifestyle I lead in California
Where the bitches is crooked and niggaz jus don't give
Where the women are deceitful and guys just don't care
A flyin fuck, so I stay stuck, smokin on the tay-low
I don't really care, so I stay high, smoking marijuana
Bay Area playa, tryin ta have shit major
Someone from the Bay Area trying to have considerable success
And a bitch won't save ya
And a woman won't protect you
So I ain't playin Captain Save a Hoe
So I won't try to save a promiscuous woman
I mob up in ya like a pro and then I'm gone
I quickly enter your vicinity and then I leave
I'm like Sylvester Stallone, everyday is like a Cliffhanger
I'm similar to Sylvester Stallone, every day is filled with suspense
Action packed, I let the mini-mac smack that ass
Engaging in intense action, I let the small firearm strike that person
Them hoes jacked that ass
Those women attacked that person
Nigga woulda got smokin on that hash
Someone would have gotten killed, high on marijuana
Can't have my cash, better go and take your nigga stash
Can't have my money, go and take your guy's stash
'Cause he's a busta, niggaz with clusters
Because he's a weakling, guys with groups
Slippin in shit, betta jack that nigga 'fore I jack his ass bitch
Being vulnerable in the streets, should rob that guy before he robs us
Never was no love for the mark-ass, the lo pink (the lo pink)
Never had any compassion for the weak and fake individuals
You love them Bootsy bitches, can't let them pussy bitches
You are attracted to fake women, can't let them deceitful women
Gank that ass, betta hide your cash and check her fast
Rob that person, better hide your money and verify her quickly
Pump your brakes nigga, slow your roll don't go too fast
Calm down, take it easy, don't rush into anything
'Cause bulletproof ain't doin no good no mo' no mo' no mo' no mo'
Because bulletproof vests are not effective anymore
Now, niggaz comin up dead with they brains blew out on the fuckin floor
Now, guys are ending up dead with gunshots to the head on the floor
Damn, hollow points to flesh tears through the teflon vest
Damn, bullets designed to expand upon impact rip through the bulletproof vest
Now are-uh-rest
Now there's an arrest
Pull a plug on a flatline over those, one nigga less
Someone died, their heart monitor showing a flatline, one less guy
One nigga less, from coast to coast, to the East to the West
One less guy, from one end of the country to the other
Crushin the flesh, dem bitches played a game of death
Harming people, those women participated in a deadly game
Look over your shoulder watch your back don't even trust it
Be vigilant and wary, don't even trust it
I'm tryin to told ya end up dusted
I'm trying to warn you, end up dead and disgusted
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@clintwestwood4545
This beat is insane even by today’s standards
@williamfinn9431
I never trusted them bustas. Woo If you did.
@robloxgoesonmiyanandgwen
Lol
@6walterwhite9
Fr
@PhotoBombomb
tf do you mean todays standards. There are no standards today. That’s the problem.
@toddmaek5436
you GOT DAMN RIGHT!!!! this shit used to SUBBBBBBBB back in the day. one of my favorite beats of all times especially when the rest of it comes in on spice verse
@davidgomez10207
its crazy how e40 gets not credit for being a top 5 rapper when he is consistently putting out tracks on the same level as this. His flow doesnt miss a step. Hes the closest we can get to getting songs like this today.
@I4NI_
he isn't top 5 dude, maybe top 15
@williammckinney567
E 40 flow is sick man been rapping for over 20 years give him his flowers ........
@gplan3141
Bay area different from LA they don't want us to blow 🌬️