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.
God Bless the Dead
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's right bwoy
It's goin on, right here
Thug Life
God bless the dead
God bless the dead, and buried nigga
Don't worry if you see God first
I know you representin' the crew
And I can picture you in heaven with a blunt and a brew
Fuck the world, pain was a part of the game
If you a baller, money went as quick as it came
My role models gone or they locked in the pen
Straight hustlers, caught up in the whirlwind
The other day, I thought I seen my homeboy Biggy
Sayin' shit don't stop nigga no pity
We all hoods, and all we ever had was dreams
Money makin' motherfuckers plot scandalous schemes
In the gutter, you learn to have a criminal mind
I was addicted to tryin, never meant to do time
My epitaph, will read, was the last of G's
Kicked the shit to make the white man bleed
God bless the dead (that's right) (that's right)
God bless the dead (yeah don't stop)
God bless the dead
God bless the dead
Man, ain't nobody promised me a thang
I been caught up in this game
Ever since I was a little motherfucker wantin' to hang
I can see 'em in my head, pow
Memories of my nigga but he dead now
Lookin' back in my yearbook, all the years took
Half my peers, they're stretched for years
And if I die will they all shed tears?
Two to the dome, leave me alone, let me get my head clear
Paranoid got me lookin' in the mirror
Behind me, life without my nine, I'd rather do the time
See I'm old enough to know that ain't no justice
And all the courts, same way they fucked us
And why the hell am I locked in jail
They let them white boys free, we be shocked as hell
In my mind I can see it comin'
And all the time it's a plot to keep a nigga runnin'
I keep a gun and never run unless I'm comin' at ya
Cry later but for now let's enjoy the laughter
God bless the dead (that's right) (that's right)
God bless the dead
(God bless the dead) Yeah, rest in peace to all the motherfuckers that passed too early
All the young motherfuckers that was took in they prime (God bless the dead)
Real motherfuckin G's, this one is for you, yo Stretch, Biggy
Yo Big, this is to you my nigga
Springfield Hollis Crew, Thug Life, YG'z
Sendin' they respect, ya know what I mean?
You my nigga for life, forever
You're always gonna be with a nigga
No matter what, don't forget that
I pray before I go to sleep "Dear God"
Say my grace before I start to eat, 'cause times is hard
So I'm droppin to my knees, oh why?
Why you had to take my nigga with the rock-a-bye?
You had to take a good one, a ghetto hood son, uzi weighin a ton
Niggas terrified of drama from the young gun
Hearin' that they did it outta fear don't amaze me
But it's mind blowin' so I'm flowin' goin' crazy
Slip for cock the gun but he didn't run like a punk
He shoulda had the gauge in the trunk
But spunk is what he had, kid, I'd ratha attack Big
Now ya bout to smell the aftermath of what the mag did
Wannabe suckers wanna test, I'm tellin' you, yes
The teflon's bout to rip through your fuckin' vest
Guess who? I'll make a mess of your crew quick
The spirit Biggy Smallz and the thuggin' clique, yeah
God bless the dead
God bless the dead
God bless the dead
God bless the dead
In "God Bless the Dead," Tupac raps about his former friend and rival, The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie), who was shot and killed in Los Angeles in 1997. Tupac expresses his feelings of grief for Biggie and wishes him well in heaven. He also reflects on the struggles of being a thug and how it led to the loss of many of his acquaintances. Tupac says that he lives in constant paranoia, always having to look over his shoulder, and reminisces about his former crew and how they used to dream of a better future together.
Throughout the song, Tupac talks about how the struggles of the street life have affected him and those around him, especially with the loss of Biggie. He talks about the pain and emotions he feels, using his words to create a tribute to those who have left the world too soon. The line, "My epitaph, will read, was the last of G's/Kicked the shit to make the white man bleed," refers to his desire to stand up to the system that he believes is working against him and his African-American brothers and sisters.
Line by Line Meaning
Rest in peace to my motherfucker Biggy Smallz
Honoring the deceased rapper Biggy Smallz
God bless the dead, and buried nigga
Wishing peace upon those who have passed away and are buried
Don't worry if you see God first
Assuring those who have passed away not to worry, even if they meet God first
Tell him shit got worse, I ain't mad
Informing God that things got worse on earth after the person passed away, but expressing no anger or bitterness about it
I know you representin' the crew
Acknowledging that the deceased person represented their group, likely of fellow rappers or friends
And I can picture you in heaven with a blunt and a brew
Imagining the deceased person in heaven, enjoying a marijuana joint and a cold beer
Fuck the world, pain was a part of the game
Expressing a nihilistic attitude toward the world and acknowledging that pain is a common aspect of life
If you a baller, money went as quick as it came
Noting that even if someone was successful in making money, it was just as easy to lose it all
My role models gone or they locked in the pen
Reflecting on the fact that the artist's role models are either deceased or in jail
Straight hustlers, caught up in the whirlwind
Describing the artist's role models as committed hustlers who got caught up in a difficult and complex situation
The other day, I thought I seen my homeboy Biggy
Reflecting on a recent incident where the singer thought they saw the deceased rapper
Sayin' shit don't stop nigga no pity
Recalling the rapper Biggy advising the artist to keep moving on and not let life's troubles hold them back
We all hoods, and all we ever had was dreams
Acknowledging that the people in the singer's community are all from the same type of background and have similar aspirations
Money makin' motherfuckers plot scandalous schemes
Noting that people always try to make money and often act unethically to do so
In the gutter, you learn to have a criminal mind
Reflecting on the tough and difficult circumstances of the singer's upbringing in order to justify why they may have criminal tendencies
I was addicted to tryin, never meant to do time
Acknowledging that the artist got caught up in trying to make money and become successful and didn't mean to get locked up in jail
My epitaph, will read, was the last of G's
Thinking ahead to their eventual death and imagining what might be written on their gravestone
Kicked the shit to make the white man bleed
Asserting that they have always fought for their rights as a person of color and have made sure to make their voice heard in the face of societal injustice and oppression
Man, ain't nobody promised me a thang
Acknowledging that nobody promised the singer anything in life
I been caught up in this game
Indicating that the artist has been consumed by this lifestyle
Ever since I was a little motherfucker wantin' to hang
Reflecting on their youth and desire to fit in and belong to a certain group
I can see 'em in my head, pow
Recalling images of someone being shot and killed
Memories of my nigga but he dead now
Reflecting on the memories of someone who has died recently
All the years took, Half my peers, they're stretched for years
Noting that many of the artist's peers haven't lived as long as they should have and have died prematurely
And if I die will they all shed tears?
Worrying about whether people will care or mourn them if they were to pass away
Two to the dome, leave me alone, let me get my head clear
Recounting a personal experience where they were shot in the head and asking to be left alone so they can think
Paranoid got me lookin' in the mirror
Expressing feelings of paranoia and anxiety that make the singer constantly check their surroundings
Behind me, life without my nine, I'd rather do the time
Acknowledging that carrying a gun is important for protection, even if it means getting arrested and serving time in jail
And all the courts, same way they fucked us
Expressing anger and frustration toward the justice system for being biased against people of color and not working in their favor
Why the hell am I locked in jail
Asking why they are in jail despite the unfairness of the justice system
They let them white boys free, we be shocked as hell
Pointing out that white people often get preferential treatment in the justice system, which is shocking and unfair to the singer
In my mind I can see it comin'
Anticipating what's going to happen in the future and being prepared for it
And all the time it's a plot to keep a nigga runnin'
Asserting that society is designed to keep people of color down, even if they try to better themselves and rise up
I keep a gun and never run unless I'm comin' at ya
Noting that they carry a gun for protection, but will only use it if necessary for self-defense
Cry later but for now let's enjoy the laughter
Choosing to focus on positives and enjoy life for what it is, while still being aware of the hardships and struggles
Yeah, rest in peace to all the motherfuckers that passed too early
Honoring everyone who died before their time
All the young motherfuckers that was took in they prime (God bless the dead)
Remembering young people who died before they could reach their full potential
Real motherfuckin G's, this one is for you, yo Stretch, Biggy
Dedicating the song to real gangsters, like the deceased rappers Stretch and Biggy
Yo Big, this is to you my nigga
Directly addressing the deceased rapper Biggy and dedicating the song to him
Springfield Hollis Crew, Thug Life, YG'z
Naming groups of rappers and gangsters the artist associates with
Sendin' they respect, ya know what I mean?
Sending respect and admiration to their associates
You my nigga for life, forever
Describing their connection with Biggy as lifelong and unbreakable, even in death
You're always gonna be with a nigga
Acknowledging that even though Biggy is dead, he will always be remembered and honored by the singer
I pray before I go to sleep "Dear God"
Expressing faith in God and praying for guidance and protection
Say my grace before I start to eat, 'cause times is hard
Expressing gratitude before eating, even in hard times
So I'm droppin to my knees, oh why?
Kneeling in prayer and asking a rhetorical question about why things are the way they are
Why you had to take my nigga with the rock-a-bye?
Expressing confusion and sadness about why Biggy had to die so young
You had to take a good one, a ghetto hood son, uzi weighin a ton
Asserting that Biggy was a good person, despite coming from the ghetto and carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders
Niggas terrified of drama from the young gun
Noting that people were afraid of the drama and conflict that Biggy and other young gangsters brought with them
Hearin' that they did it outta fear don't amaze me
Acknowledging that people often do unfavorable things out of fear, which doesn't surprise the singer
But it's mind blowin' so I'm flowin' goin' crazy
Describing how the news of Biggy's death is so unbelievable that it's causing the singer to lose their mind
Slip for cock the gun but he didn't run like a punk
Recalling a situation where Biggy was brave and didn't run away from danger despite being armed
He shoulda had the gauge in the trunk
Suggesting that Biggy may have been more prepared for danger if he had kept his shotgun in his car's trunk
But spunk is what he had, kid, I'd ratha attack Big
Acknowledging that Biggy had courage and bravery in the face of danger, even if it wasn't always successful
Now ya bout to smell the aftermath of what the mag did
Implying that whoever shot Biggy will suffer the consequences of their actions and may be caught by the police
Wannabe suckers wanna test, I'm tellin' you, yes
Asserting that people who want to challenge the artist will regret it and be defeated
The teflon's bout to rip through your fuckin' vest
Threatening someone that if they challenge the artist, their protective equipment won't be able to effectively protect them and they'll be hit by gunfire
Guess who? I'll make a mess of your crew quick
Warning someone that the artist will make quick work of their entire group if they challenge them
The spirit Biggy Smallz and the thuggin' clique, yeah
Honoring Biggy's spirit and describing other members of their gang that they associate with
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, D.T.N.T. PUBLISHING
Written by: Duane Thomas Nettlesbey, 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