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.
Ghetto Star )
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For all my niggas in the hood (yeah!)
Livin' the life of a ghetto star
(You know) You know how we do it hahaha
Makaveli
Just holla my name and witness game official
Niggas is so ashamed they stand stiff like scared bitches
Though gunshots is promised to me, when will I stop?
I hit the weed and hope to God I can fly high
Witness my enemies die when I ride by, they shouldn't have tried
I send they bodies to they parents up North
With they faces, they wrists, and they nuts cut off
Fuck 'em all what I scream as I dream in tongues
Fuck a trick, get me rich and the bitches'll come
Bust my gun, make 'em all scatter
Bullets to my nuts only made my balls fatter
Eat a dick, biyotch mercy, never that, you say you comin' back?
Bring it on, forever strapped
Introduce you to the pleasure and the pain, you can go so far
Just sell me your soul, and live the life (of a ghetto star)
I live the life of a thug nigga, drug dealer livin' game tight
Mug niggas, slug niggas for the fame life
Laced with game, practice on takin' pain
Quick to slang, and let it rain through yo' brain
Street smart, proficient, intelligent
And keep suckers hittin' 'til snitches start smellin' it
Movin' niggas with telekinesis
Keepin' Channel 7 at work, filmin' different features
Leadin' niggas to an early death with they head blown
And to those who didn't make it to the morgue was just dead and gone
And hope niggas got punished
Kidnapped, jacked in the back with MAC's to they neck, rappers waitin to get done in
Back, we tossed his ass out
M.O.B. related, one mo' nigga found shot up with his dick in his mouth
Printed my name in these streets as a motherfuckin' G
Now the next generation's lookin' at me through (?)
Walkin' through the cemetery, talkin' to my homies that was buried
See my enemies wanna see me dead, I ain't worried, forgive me
Please give me shelter, calm my fears
Lifted my head, from my hands, had a palm of tears
I see bodies gettin' splashed, with acid
2 shots rang from the plastic Glock, wrapped in plastic
Buried the bastard, time to notify
His family, sheeit, ain't nothing left to be identified
Evacuate the crime scene fast
Why, I heard the Feds had a warrant for my ass
Why, I won't touch down 'til I see Tijuana
Set up shop selling them crooked cops marijuana
Label me a success, I made the switch
Retired from the life that never gave me shit
Put cash that I couldn't spend, countless cars
An addict for a wife, my life, as a ghetto star
Got the word that some nerds wanna plot on this
Hit the curve, let it swerve, had to stop they grip
No remorse, no repentance as I buck one down
Straight to the morgue cause I plan on, shuttin' shit down
Born soldier, fucked 'em up with a MAC-fo'
Torn ligaments, all up in that nigga shoulder
And a vest couldn't protect that flesh
Cause I got, slugs, to knock the air out your chest
Death, apparently they wasn't sucka free
Cause I had all them wannabe thug niggas in protective custody
I guess they heard that I got them birds
Thought I was a nerd 'til I bucked one of them to the curb
Luxury livin' lavish, with dreams of dyin' rich
With a team and clientele on my mothafuckin' dick
And gettin' down on these snitch bitches, protectin' riches
By givin' stitches, the life as a ghetto star
When I grow up I wanna be like them
My life as a ghetto star
When I grow up I wanna be like them
My life as a ghetto star
When I grow up I wanna be like them
Live my life as a ghetto star
When I grow up I wanna be like them
And live my life as a ghetto star
When I grow up I wanna be like them
Live my life as a ghetto star
When I grow up I wanna be like them
And live my life as a ghetto star
This goes out to all you motherfuckers (to all you motherfuckers)
That STILL, have to kill to make that money (still, I'll be puttin' down)
All you niggas on the block, sellin' rocks
Hand to hand, runnin' from the police (sellin' motherfuckin' dopes)
(Smokin' weed)
I see you
Live your life as a ghetto star
(look at these tramp ass hoes) Talk to the hood
Claimin' gettin' riches
(spank bitches ain't new)
Runnin' from new playa haters. (any fake ass niggas)
Live my life as a ghetto star
(this is still 70 south)
Niggas with two strikes that don't wanna see the third (nah), I feel you
It's the Don Makaveli - live my life as a ghetto star
The song "Ghetto Star" by 2Pac is about the struggle of living in the ghetto as portrayed through the lyrics. 2Pac encourages his fellow ghetto dwellers to live life fearlessly and make the most out of what they have. He also talks about the dangers of this lifestyle and acknowledges the inevitable gunshots and death that come with living in the ghetto. He tells a story about witnessing a murder and getting revenge for it, highlighting the violent reality of his surroundings.
The song conveys 2Pac's desire to be a success and leave his mark on the world. He refers to himself as a "ghetto star," indicating that despite living in difficult circumstances, he is shining like a star. The song is a reminder that even in the toughest environments, people can rise above and achieve their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Just holla my name and witness game official
Call out my name and see the true mastery of my skills
Niggas is so ashamed they stand stiff like scared bitches
These men are filled with shame and cower in fear
While I remain inside a paradox called my block
I am trapped within the complexities and contradictions of my neighborhood
Though gunshots is promised to me, when will I stop?
Even though violence is inevitable in my life, I wonder when it will end
I hit the weed and hope to God I can fly high
I smoke marijuana and pray to God for a sense of euphoria and escape
Witness my enemies die when I ride by, they shouldn't have tried
I watch as my foes meet their demise when I pass by, a consequence of their foolishness
I send they bodies to they parents up North
I send their lifeless corpses back to their families in Northern regions
With they faces, they wrists, and they nuts cut off
Their faces, wrists, and genitals are mutilated as a form of revenge
Fuck 'em all what I scream as I dream in tongues
I express my disdain for them all as I enter a dreamlike state
Fuck a trick, get me rich and the bitches'll come
I have no interest in shallow relationships, I desire wealth and women
Bust my gun, make 'em all scatter
I shoot my weapon, causing everyone to disperse in fear
Bullets to my nuts only made my balls fatter
Even though I face danger, it has only made me stronger and more courageous
Eat a dick, biyotch mercy, never that, you say you comin' back?
I show no mercy or remorse, refusing to believe that you will return
Bring it on, forever strapped
I am prepared for any forthcoming challenges, constantly armed and ready
Introduce you to the pleasure and the pain, you can go so far
I will show you both the joys and hardships of life, revealing your true potential
Just sell me your soul, and live the life (of a ghetto star)
If you give up your morals and values, you can experience the extravagant lifestyle of a revered figure in the ghetto
I live the life of a thug nigga, drug dealer livin' game tight
I lead the existence of a rebellious man, dealing drugs and navigating life with precision
Mug niggas, slug niggas for the fame life
I intimidate and attack others to maintain my reputation and status
Laced with game, practice on takin' pain
I am well-versed in manipulating others, and I am skilled at enduring hardships
Quick to slang, and let it rain through yo' brain
I am swift in selling drugs, ruthlessly inflicting harm on my enemies
Street smart, proficient, intelligent
I possess a deep understanding of the streets, excelling in my cunning and intellect
And keep suckers hittin' 'til snitches start smellin' it
I continue to make moves until informants become suspicious and aware of my actions
Movin' niggas with telekinesis
I have such power and influence that I control others as if using telekinesis
Keepin' Channel 7 at work, filmin' different features
I constantly attract media attention, as they document my various exploits
Leadin' niggas to an early death with they head blown
I guide individuals towards their premature demise, causing fatal head injuries
And to those who didn't make it to the morgue was just dead and gone
Those who weren't brought to the morgue are simply deceased and forgotten
And hope niggas got punished
I desire that my adversaries face consequences for their actions
Kidnapped, jacked in the back with MAC's to they neck, rappers waitin to get done in
They are abducted and threatened with guns to their necks, as other rappers eagerly anticipate their demise
Back, we tossed his ass out
We discarded his body, disposing of him carelessly
M.O.B. related, one mo' nigga found shot up with his dick in his mouth
Connected to the Money Over Bitches ideology, another man is discovered dead with a horrifying injury
Printed my name in these streets as a motherfuckin' G
I have established a notorious reputation in these neighborhoods as a fearless and respected individual
Now the next generation's lookin' at me through (?)
The younger generation now admires and looks up to me for guidance and inspiration
Walkin' through the cemetery, talkin' to my homies that was buried
I stroll among the graves, engaging in conversation with my deceased friends
See my enemies wanna see me dead, I ain't worried, forgive me
My foes desire my demise, but I remain unfazed and seek forgiveness for my actions
Please give me shelter, calm my fears
I plead for protection and solace, asking for reassurance and comfort
Lifted my head, from my hands, had a palm of tears
I raise my head, wiping away the tears that have collected in my hands
I see bodies gettin' splashed, with acid
I witness gruesome scenes of bodies being attacked and disfigured with corrosive substances
2 shots rang from the plastic Glock, wrapped in plastic
Two gunshots are fired from a Glock pistol, concealed in plastic for secrecy
Buried the bastard, time to notify
I bury the enemy and it is now time to inform others of his demise
His family, sheeit, ain't nothing left to be identified
His family, well, there is nothing remaining for them to identify
Evacuate the crime scene fast
Quickly flee from the location of the crime to avoid detection
Why, I heard the Feds had a warrant for my ass
I heard that federal authorities obtained a warrant for my arrest
Why, I won't touch down 'til I see Tijuana
I refuse to return until I reach a safe haven in Tijuana, Mexico
Set up shop selling them crooked cops marijuana
I establish an operation to sell marijuana to corrupt police officers
Label me a success, I made the switch
Consider me a triumph, I transitioned from a life of struggle to one of prosperity
Retired from the life that never gave me shit
I have withdrawn from the lifestyle that never rewarded me
Put cash that I couldn't spend, countless cars
I accumulated a vast amount of money that I couldn't possibly spend, along with numerous automobiles
An addict for a wife, my life, as a ghetto star
Married to a woman who is addicted to drugs, my life resembles that of a celebrated figure in the ghetto
Got the word that some nerds wanna plot on this
I received information that a group of foolish individuals plan to harm me
Hit the curve, let it swerve, had to stop they grip
I swiftly maneuvered my vehicle, causing them to lose control and cease their attack
No remorse, no repentance as I buck one down
I feel no guilt or remorse as I shoot one of them
Straight to the morgue cause I plan on, shuttin' shit down
They are dead and will be taken to the morgue because I intend to put an end to their plans
Born soldier, fucked 'em up with a MAC-fo'
Innately a warrior, I inflicted damage on them with a MAC-10 firearm
Torn ligaments, all up in that nigga shoulder
I severely injured his shoulder, causing torn ligaments
And a vest couldn't protect that flesh
Even a bulletproof vest couldn't shield his body from harm
Cause I got, slugs, to knock the air out your chest
I possess bullets that can forcefully expel the air from your lungs upon impact
Death, apparently they wasn't sucka free
Death was their fate, indicating that they were not wise or free from weakness
Cause I had all them wannabe thug niggas in protective custody
Because I had all those individuals pretending to be tough under my control and protection
I guess they heard that I got them birds
I suppose they learned that I possess firearms
Thought I was a nerd 'til I bucked one of them to the curb
They underestimated me, assuming I was weak, until I killed one of them
Luxury livin' lavish, with dreams of dyin' rich
I enjoy a life of opulence and abundance, with aspirations of leaving behind a significant wealth upon my death
With a team and clientele on my mothafuckin' dick
I have a loyal group of followers and customers who support me wholeheartedly
And gettin' down on these snitch bitches, protectin' riches
I aggressively deal with those who betray me and focus on safeguarding my wealth
By givin' stitches, the life as a ghetto star
By inflicting physical harm on those who betray me, I exemplify the struggles and triumphs of a celebrated figure in the ghetto
When I grow up I wanna be like them
In my aspirations, I desire to emulate those individuals
My life as a ghetto star
Living a life filled with fame and respect in the ghetto
All you niggas on the block, sellin' rocks
To all the individuals selling drugs on the street corner
Hand to hand, runnin' from the police
Engaging in direct drug transactions while constantly evading law enforcement
I see you
I acknowledge your presence and actions
Talk to the hood
Communicate with the community
Claimin' gettin' riches
Asserting that you are accumulating wealth
Runnin' from new playa haters
Trying to escape from recently emerged enemies and rivals
Live my life as a ghetto star
Continue to lead a life of fame and respect within the ghetto
Niggas with two strikes that don't wanna see the third, I feel you
I understand the frustration and fear of individuals who have already received two strikes, not wanting to face the consequences of a third strike
It's the Don Makaveli - live my life as a ghetto star
I, the revered figure Don Makaveli, continue to embrace my life as a celebrated individual in the ghetto
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREGORY BANKS, SEAN COLE, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Leosteel.
Only Pac will talk to you through music
@brandonconley7535
Only will I hear and listen to to ic
@grahamcameron8367
This track will never go away.
@kentarostory9961
My 💩!!!💪💪💪
@masonlove6666
Nah
@morphine2002
2021 never !!!
@zeromafia5407
The other rapper is sneak dissing 2pac. In “Last Ones Left” 2pac says “Looking for niggas that was moving that ish while I was locked up, hands on the pump make em jump while it cock back” In this song they say “I guess they heard they I got them birds thought I was a nerve till I fucked one of them to the curb” He’s also says “Torn ligaments all up in a nighas shoulders” like how 2pacs morgue picture is!
@MrLaker9900
@Zero Mafia Nope, your reaching
@nasiefmaneveld8782
His rhyme and flow is epic
@claytonminnix4148
I will never stop listening to Tupac!!! It's part of my DNA now. Such powerful lyrics and delivery.