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.
Fair Xchange
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Picture of perfection, the object of a nigga affection
Partners in passionate sex, a place to put my erection
Fantasies of you in submission, freaky positions
Pushin', pullin' and twistin' I'm on a mission got me on the mash
Tried to dig, you was screamin' when I did
Steady yellin' out spots for me to hit, and "aw shit"
Wanna "Freak Like Me", fuck Adina
Up and down is the object, side to side
Make you holla out my name when a thug nigga ride, "Can I cum inside?"
Say you don't feel it that's a lie, you just scared to get this
Penitentiary dick, the trot caught your eye
When I walked by, I said, "Hi"
But you was so shy, I can't lie, damn near stuttered when you walked by
You want me to lick it and even worse
Got your heart set on me goin' first, and that ain't no fair exchange
Only one thing that you, can do, for me
Baby you can treat me right, we can do it all the night
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Hit my G-spot and make, me scream, your name
You can do whatever you want, I got what I want and gone
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Open your legs
Got me marchin' like it's a million, you tremble from the feelin'
Look up, cause I got mirrors on the ceilin'
And if you willin', then we can ride until the sun shine
And just for fun, I betchu I can make you cum 61 times
Close your eyes, let me heat it up
Cause when we fuck I refuse to bust a nut until I beat it up
Drop the top, time to fuck while the wind blow
Baby throw yo' legs out the window
Remember on the balcony, bend over baby bounce on me
And let me hit it where it counts and flee
Remember me? "I Get Around," and I'm haunted by my "Temptations"
Sexual participation, my motivation
Even though I like the way you work it
You don't deserve it cause you walk around actin' like you perfect
Took a while but I finally got it, and like a boss player
Bitch you ain't doin' me no favors
Fair exchange
Only one thing that you, can do, for me
Baby you can treat me right, we can do it all the night
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Hit my G-spot and make, me scream, your name
You can get whatever you want, I got what I want and gone
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Now yo' attitude ain't realistic
Yeah it's true I'm gettin' pussy, but baby you gettin' dick!
And since you bein' laced with the penetration
It's only right to show a form of appreciation
Instead of fakin' like you can't hear the bed shakin'
In bed naked you so twisted think yo' legs breakin'
You said take it so I'm blind in my passion, how long will I last?
Doggy style steady pumpin' on that ass, until I blast
And then I laugh as we lay back
See I wait 'til you asleep and that's the payback
Cause you actin' like you did somethin', givin' me a piece
I had you mufflin' your screams in the sheets, fuckin' with me
A true digger that love triggers, a thug nigga
Hustlin' bitches like drug dealers
Before I say goodbye, put an end to all the games
Here's my number for another fair exchange
(It's only one!) Only one thing that you, can do (thing that you can do for me), for me
Baby you can treat me right, we can do it all the night
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Hit my G-spot and make, me scream, your name (make me scream baby)
You can get whatever you want, I got what I want and gone
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Only one thing that you (whatever you want), can do, for me
Baby you can treat me right (can you do me), we can do it all the night
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Hit my G-spot and make, me scream, your name
You can get whatever you want, I got what I want and gone
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Fair exchange
No one, gives me lovin' (lovin')
Quite like you do (No one gives me lovin' like you do)
No one, gives me lovin'
Quite like you do (that I knows, you know, you love, I love)
(The things that I'ma do, to you)
The lyrics to 2Pac's "Fair Xchange" are about a sexual relationship in which both partners receive what they want, but the exchange is not entirely fair. The rapper describes his attraction to his partner and details their sexual encounters, emphasizing his desire for control and domination. He talks about the pleasure he receives from giving his partner sexual satisfaction, but also asserts that he deserves reciprocal treatment. In the end, the song is a commentary on the power dynamics of sexual relationships and the importance of mutual respect.
The lyrics of "Fair Xchange" reflect 2Pac's well-known obsession with women and sex, which was a frequent theme in his music.
Line by Line Meaning
No, no
This line indicates a hesitation or disagreement with something.
Picture of perfection, the object of a nigga affection
Referring to someone as a perfect image and the desired person for affection.
Partners in passionate sex, a place to put my erection
Referring to the sexual relationship and the significance of the person in satisfying sexual desires.
Fantasies of you in submission, freaky positions
Imagining the person in a submissive state and engaging in various exciting sexual positions.
Pushin', pullin', and twistin', I'm on a mission got me on the mash
Actively engaging in passionate and intense sexual activities with the determination to satisfy desires.
Tried to dig, you was screamin' when I did
Attempting to explore and please the person sexually, resulting in their loud expressions of pleasure.
Steady yellin' out spots for me to hit, and 'aw shit'
Continuously giving directions and suggestions on where to touch or stimulate, accompanied by expressions of excitement.
Soon as I seen her saw us playin' hide the weiner
Upon seeing the person, it was evident that they engaged in sexual activities involving the penis.
Wanna 'Freak Like Me', fuck Adina
Expressing the desire to engage in sexual activities similar to the song 'Freak Like Me' by Adina Howard.
Up and down is the object, side to side
Movement in a vertical and horizontal manner is the objective during sexual activities.
Make you holla out my name when a thug nigga ride, 'Can I cum inside?'
Causing the person to loudly call out the singer's name when experiencing pleasure and asking permission to ejaculate inside.
Say you don't feel it, that's a lie, you just scared to get this
Suggesting that the person actually enjoys the sexual encounters but denies it due to fears or reservations.
Penitentiary dick, the trot caught your eye
Referring to the singer's well-endowed genitalia, which attracts the person's attention.
When I walked by, I said, 'Hi'
Recalling a past encounter when the singer greeted the person as they passed by.
But you were so shy, I can't lie, damn near stuttered when you walked by
Expressing how the person was timid and even caused the singer to almost stutter when they walked by.
You want me to lick it and even worse
Implies the person's desire for the singer to perform oral sex and engage in more intense sexual activities.
Got your heart set on me goin' first, and that ain't no fair exchange
The person expects the singer to initiate sexual activities, which is deemed unfair and unbalanced in their relationship.
Only one thing that you, can do, for me
There is a specific action or favor that the person can perform for the singer.
Baby you can treat me right, we can do it all the night
The person can provide pleasurable experiences and engage in sexual activities with the singer throughout the night.
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
The level of mutual satisfaction and fulfillment in their relationship is seen as an equal exchange between both parties.
Hit my G-spot and make, me scream, your name
Stimulating the singer's G-spot during sexual activities, resulting in intense pleasure and causing them to call out the person's name.
You can do whatever you want, I got what I want and gone
Granting the person freedom to do as they please, while stating that the singer already achieved their desired satisfaction and will leave.
Open your legs
A request or command for the person to spread their legs.
Got me marchin' like it's a million, you tremble from the feelin'
The sexual experience is so pleasurable that it evokes strong sensations and causes the person to tremble with pleasure.
Look up, cause I got mirrors on the ceilin'
Directing the person's attention to the mirrors on the ceiling, which provide an erotic visual experience during sexual activities.
And if you willin', then we can ride until the sun shine
If the person is willing, the singer suggests engaging in sexual activities until morning.
And just for fun, I betchu I can make you cum 61 times
Playfully boasting that they can bring the person to climax 61 times during their sexual encounter.
Close your eyes, let me heat it up
Encouraging the person to close their eyes and allowing the singer to intensify the sexual experience.
Cause when we fuck I refuse to bust a nut until I beat it up
Asserting that the singer will not climax until they vigorously engage in sexual activities with the person.
Drop the top, time to fuck while the wind blow
Referring to engaging in sexual activities with the convertible top down while experiencing the sensual breeze.
Baby throw yo' legs out the window
A request for the person to extend their legs outside the window, possibly for exhibitionist purposes.
Remember on the balcony, bend over baby bounce on me
Recalling a past encounter on a balcony where the person bent over and performed sexual actions on the singer.
And let me hit it where it counts and flee
Allowing the singer to engage in sexual activities that bring the most pleasure and then leave afterward.
Remember me? 'I Get Around,' and I'm haunted by my 'Temptations'
Referencing the singer's past promiscuity and being reminded of it through songs like 'I Get Around' and 'Temptations.'
Sexual participation, my motivation
Expressing that engaging in sexual activities is a driving force and motivation for the singer.
Even though I like the way you work it
Despite enjoying the person's sexual abilities or performance.
You don't deserve it cause you walk around actin' like you perfect
The person's attitude and behavior of acting superior or flawless makes them undeserving of the singer's sexual efforts.
Took a while but I finally got it, and like a boss player
It took some time but the singer eventually understood the situation and handled it with confidence and authority.
Bitch you ain't doin' me no favors
Asserting that the person's actions or involvement in sexual activities are not considered favor or special treatment to the singer.
Now yo' attitude ain't realistic
Expressing that the person's attitude or behavior is not practical or reasonable.
Yeah it's true I'm gettin' pussy, but baby you gettin' dick!
Acknowledging that while the singer is receiving sexual pleasure, the person is also being provided with the singer's genitalia in return.
And since you bein' laced with the penetration
Considering the person is receiving sex with penetration.
It's only right to show a form of appreciation
Indicating that the person should express gratitude or reciprocate in some way for the sexual experiences provided.
Instead of fakin' like you can't hear the bed shakin'
Suggesting that the person should stop pretending not to notice or be unaware of the bed shaking during sexual activities.
In bed naked you so twisted think yo' legs breakin'
While being naked in bed, the person's body is contorted to the point where it appears their legs might break.
You said take it so I'm blind in my passion, how long will I last?
The person previously gave consent to engage in intense sexual activities, which heightened the singer's passion and now questions how long they can sustain it.
Doggy style steady pumpin' on that ass, until I blast
The singer repeatedly thrusting in a doggy style sexual position, until climaxing.
And then I laugh as we lay back
After orgasm, the singer expresses amusement or satisfaction as they both relax.
See I wait 'til you asleep and that's the payback
As a form of retaliation or retribution, the singer waits until the person falls asleep before proceeding with their own sexual desires.
Cause you actin' like you did somethin', givin' me a piece
Highlighting the person's behavior of acting as if they accomplished something significant by engaging in sexual activities with the singer.
I had you mufflin' your screams in the sheets, fuckin' with me
The person's moans or screams were muffled as they tried to contain their pleasure while being sexually involved with the singer.
A true digger that love triggers, a thug nigga
Identifying the singer as a person who desires intense sexual experiences and finds attraction in individuals with a rebellious nature.
Hustlin' bitches like drug dealers
Comparing the singer's success in seducing or manipulating women to the hustling tactics employed by drug dealers.
Before I say goodbye, put an end to all the games
Before parting ways, the singer wants to eliminate any manipulative or deceptive actions present in their relationship.
Here's my number for another fair exchange
Offering the person the singer's phone number, suggesting the possibility of future sexual encounters on equal terms.
(It's only one!) Only one thing that you, can do (thing that you can do for me), for me
Emphasizing that there is a specific action or task that the person must perform for the singer.
Baby you can treat me right, we can do it all the night
Encouraging the person to provide pleasurable experiences and engage in sexual activities throughout the entire night.
Hit my G-spot and make, me scream, your name (make me scream baby)
Stimulating the singer's G-spot to the point of reaching ecstasy and causing them to loudly call out the person's name.
You can get whatever you want, I got what I want and gone
Granting the person the freedom to obtain their desires, while the singer has already obtained their desired satisfaction and will soon leave.
Nothin' more than our fair exchange
Acknowledging that their relationship is built on a fair and equal exchange of mutual satisfaction and fulfillment.
Fair exchange
Referencing the balanced and equal nature of their relationship.
No one, gives me lovin' (lovin')
Expressing that no one else provides the same level of love or affection.
Quite like you do (No one gives me lovin' like you do)
Highlighting the unique and exceptional love or affection that the person gives to the singer.
No one, gives me lovin'
Continuing to emphasize that no one else provides the same level of love or affection.
Quite like you do (that I knows, you know, you love, I love)
Assuring that the person's love and affection is reciprocated and appreciated by the singer.
(The things that I'ma do, to you)
Implies the singer has various exciting and pleasurable plans or actions they intend to perform for the person's pleasure.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MYA MARIE HARRISON, JOHNNY LEE JACKSON, TROY L. JOHNSON, KIMBERLY LASHONNE RATLIFF, TUPAC AMARU 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