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 Superstar
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the stars man, the stars is beautiful tonight
Look at em [Mya]Ghetto supastar, that is what you are
Comin from afar, reachin for the stars
Run away with me, to another place
We can rely on each other, uh huh
From one corner to another, uh huh [Pras Michel]Some got, hopes and dreams
We got, ways and mean
From hub caps to sellin raps, name your theme
My rise to the top, floatin on this cream
Who the hell wanna stop me, I hated those who doubt
A million refugees with unlimited warranties
Black Ceaser, datin top divas
Diplomatic legalese, no time for a visa
I just begun, I'ma shoot them one by one
Got five sides to me somethin like a pentagon
Strike with the forces of King Solomon
Lettin bygone be bygone and so on and so on
I'ma teach these cats, how to live in the ghetto
Keepin it retro-spective from the get go
Lay low, let my mind shine like a halo
P-p-p-politic with ghetto senators on the d-low [Mya]Ghetto supastar, that is what you are
Comin from afar, reachin for the stars
Run away with me, to another place
We can rely on each other, uh huh
From one corner to another, uh huh [Ol' Dirty Bastard]My eyes is sore, bein the senator
Behind closed doors hittin truths to the seafloor
The rich don't know, ignore, this tug of war
While the kids are poor open new and better drug stores
So I became hardcore, couldn't take it no more
I'ma reveal everythin change the law
I find myself, walkin the streets
Tryin to find what's really goin on in these streets [Pras Michel]Now every dog got his day, needless to say
When the chief away, that's when them cats wanna play
I told you, messin around you fools like Cassius Clay
Stretch my heater make you do a pass de bourree
Kick your balls like Pele, pick em doin ballet
Peak like Dante, broader than Broadway
Get applaud like a madator, cry yellin ole
Who the hell wanna see me, from B.K. to Cali [Mya]Ghetto supastar, that is what you are
Comin from afar, reachin for the stars
Run away with me, to another place
We can rely on each other, uh huh
From one corner to another, uh huh [Pras Michel]Just when you thought it was safe in a common place
Showcase your finest is losin fast in the horse race
Two face, gettin defaced out, like Scarface
Throw your roll money let me put on my screw face [Ol' Dirty B]And I'm paranoid at the things I said
Wonderin what's the penalty from day to day
I'm hangin out, partying with girls that never die
See I was pickin on the small fries, my campaign tellin lies
I was just spreadin my love, didn't know my love
Was the one holdin the gun and the glove
But it's all good as long as it's understood
Let's all together now, in the hood [Mya]Ghetto supastar, that is what you are
Comin from afar, reachin for the stars
Run away with me, to another place
We can rely on each other, uh huh
From one corner to another, uh huh [Pras Michel]All stars [Mya]Ghetto supastar, that is what you are
Comin from afar, reachin for the stars
Run away with me, to another place
We can rely on each other, uh huh
From one corner to another, uh huh
The song "Ghetto Superstar" by 2Pac talks about the dreams and aspirations of people who come from humble backgrounds and are determined to achieve success in life. The chorus, sung by Mya, refers to the person as a "Ghetto superstar," someone who has risen from the streets and is now reaching for the stars. The verse by Pras Michel talks about the struggles and challenges of being a musician and the hard work it takes to reach the top.
The song also addresses social issues such as poverty, inequality, and drug use, as the artists describe their experiences living in the ghetto. Ol' Dirty B raps about the difficulties of being a senator and hoping to change the laws, while also acknowledging the paranoia and consequences of his actions.
Overall, "Ghetto Superstar" is a powerful anthem that celebrates hard work, determination, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Man man, look at the sky
Expressing awe and amazement at the beauty of the stars in the sky.
All the stars man, the stars is beautiful tonight
Look at em
Continuing to marvel at the beauty of the stars in the sky and urging someone to look at them.
Ghetto supastar, that is what you are
Comin from afar, reachin for the stars
Run away with me, to another place
We can rely on each other, uh huh
From one corner to another, uh huh
Addressing someone as a 'ghetto superstar' who has come from a distant place and is striving for success, while also suggesting running away together to find a new place where they can depend on each other and move from one location to another.
Some got, hopes and dreams
We got, ways and mean
The supreme dream team always up with the scheme
From hub caps to sellin raps, name your theme
My rise to the top, floatin on this cream
Who the hell wanna stop me, I hated those who doubt
A million refugees with unlimited warranties
Black Ceaser, datin top divas
Diplomatic legalese, no time for a visa
I just begun, I'ma shoot them one by one
Got five sides to me somethin like a pentagon
Strike with the forces of King Solomon
Lettin bygone be bygone and so on and so on
I'ma teach these cats, how to live in the ghetto
Keepin it retro-spective from the get go
Lay low, let my mind shine like a halo
P-p-p-politic with ghetto senators on the d-low
Describing the struggles of life in the ghetto and the ways in which some people have to get ahead by any means necessary. The artist is determined to succeed and rise to the top, using various tactics and strategies to achieve their goals while also acknowledging past mistakes and planning to teach others how to succeed in their own way. They also mention their ability to navigate the political landscape with other leaders in the community.
My eyes is sore, bein the senator
Behind closed doors hittin truths to the seafloor
The rich don't know, ignore, this tug of war
While the kids are poor open new and better drug stores
So I became hardcore, couldn't take it no more
I'ma reveal everythin change the law
I find myself, walkin the streets
Tryin to find what's really goin on in these streets
Describing the artist's work as a senator and the challenges they face advocating for the poor, while highlighting the disconnect between the rich and the struggles of the less fortunate. The artist is fed up with the situation and plans to take action to change the laws and regulations governing the community, while also seeking firsthand knowledge about the issues facing people in the streets.
Now every dog got his day, needless to say
When the chief away, that's when them cats wanna play
I told you, messin around you fools like Cassius Clay
Stretch my heater make you do a pass de bourree
Kick your balls like Pele, pick em doin ballet
Peak like Dante, broader than Broadway
Get applaud like a madator, cry yellin ole
Who the hell wanna see me, from B.K. to Cali
Reflecting on the idea that everyone will have their moment to shine, and suggesting that some people try to take advantage of others when they can. The singer warns against messing with them, citing the ability to fight back with various skills, while also listing their own accomplishments and abilities in different realms.
Just when you thought it was safe in a common place
Showcase your finest is losin fast in the horse race
Two face, gettin defaced out, like Scarface
Throw your roll money let me put on my screw face
Commenting on how quickly things can change in life, and how competing with others often leads to deception and mistrust. The singer advises others to be careful and watchful, and suggests that they will use their own skills and demeanor to intimidate and succeed.
And I'm paranoid at the things I said
Wonderin what's the penalty from day to day
I'm hangin out, partying with girls that never die
See I was pickin on the small fries, my campaign tellin lies
I was just spreadin my love, didn't know my love
Was the one holdin the gun and the glove
But it's all good as long as it's understood
Let's all together now, in the hood
Expressing concern about the consequences of their words and actions, and admitting to past mistakes in relationships and political campaigns. The artist acknowledges their own responsibility in contributing to negative outcomes and hopes to move forward with a more positive outlook, urging unity and cooperation in the community.
All stars
A brief statement referring to the greatness of everyone mentioned in the song, recognizing their talents and achievements despite challenges and obstacles.
Contributed by Hunter B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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.