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 CoastβWest 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 TΓΊpac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, TΓΊpac 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.
Gotta Get Mine
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (in the house)
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (here to play, yeah)
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (haha)
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (1993)
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (haha)
I gotta get mine, get yours
(Oh, that's the way it is?)
Fuck yeah, and that's the way it's gonna be
(Why?) Puffin' up on the dank and drinking mad brew
Taking names and after that, I'm kickin' ass too
Breed, time to flow (can I get a rhyme to go)
Hell yeah, Pac, I'll sit back, straight up design it slow (uh)
They hate to see a young nigga (come up)
Another punk (run up) and have to get his (gun up)
'Cause, uh, I ain't takin no shorts
Like a Newport fort, exploitin' the floor like Jordan
Explodin' on the hoop court (hmm)
And I don't wanna be, I don't wanna be nothin' like Mike
'Cause even Mike was like it's a itsy bitsy, what? Triflin'
And when you in the spotlight, you get, um, jocked, right?
But your knot's not tight, huh?
Buckin' anybody who fuck wit' mine
When will they realize? I'm straight out to get mine
You gotta get yours, I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (I gotta get mine)
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (rockin' the house, I gotta get mine)
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (gotta get mine)
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours (ayo, Pac, what's happenin'?)
I gotta get mine, get yours (ayo, Pac)
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
Finger on the trigger, nigga, hand on my nine
Smokin' blunts of skunk, making holes in punks
And only underground funk pumpin' outta my trunk
Live the life of a hustler, high 'til I die
Meeting bitches, getting riches, miss me with lies
Picture me living out my life as a busta
I'd rather pop out a shot from my Glock and blast mothafuckas
I live the thug life, baby, I'm hopeless
Chokin' off indo, tryin' to keep my focus
Don't let that bullshit worry me
Fuck the fame, I'm true to the game 'til they bury me
God gave me game, so I'm hustlin'
Pour out some liqour for my niggas, 2Pac is still strugglin'
My nigga Breed knew the time (yeah)
Whether it's rhyme or crime, nigga, I gotta get mine
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, get yours
Now, tell me can you measure the amount of applause I keep gettin'? (Uh-huh)
Every time I pick up a mic and start spittin' (uh-huh)
The sidewalks of New York will start bumpin'
Jumpin' around, with the motherfuckin' pound
And I'm down to the fullest, and breakin' niggas ass off proper
Did I shock you, 'cause I got you in my pocket again?
Them new jacks and you jacks
Who knew me and my niggas when I used to run it way back when (way back when)
I boasted, and roasted, and coasted to the pinnacle
Because of what I do with a pen (do with a pen)
It's vernacular precision
Connect the two lines and it's division
Plus, when I add lutes and flutes
It's guaranteed to sell like prostitutes
I never had a love for hoes who put it blunt
And want me in the back, but, bitch, I'm in the front
Don't front, and really, I don't need a reply
Pull yourself together as you pass me by
I'm on a whole 'nother level (uh), them hoes is left (uh-huh)
I told you before, keep your pussy to yourself (uh-huh)
Goodbye, some many niggas lied to have
Funny what a motherfucker do for math
I got fractions caught up in my everyday actions
Point equal to your real satisfaction
Buckin' anybody who fuck wit' mine (uh-huh, uh-huh)
When will they realize I'm straight out to get mine? Haha
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
In "Gotta Get Mine", 2Pac and MC Breed embody the hustler mentality and survival tactics needed to thrive in the streets. The song is an explicit description of the risks and rewards associated with gangster life. The title, "Gotta Get Mine", emphasizes the importance of self-preservation and the relentless pursuit of personal profits.
The first verse of the song introduces MC Breed, who asserts his "smooth" status and willingness to use force to protect his own interests. Breed and 2Pac both emphasize the need for a tough exterior in their respective verses, boasting about their vices, including smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol. They spread the message of being alert and ready for any confrontation as the song progresses.
The chorus, "I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours" evokes the dog-eat-dog nature of the world they are living in, where everyone has to look out for themselves. The second verse of the song explains how 2Pac is working towards his personal goals with a fearless attitude. The lyrics also mention the inevitable violence that comes with living a dangerous lifestyle while acknowledging the fact that it takes physical and mental strength to make it through.
Overall, "Gotta Get Mine" is an assertive and unapologetic track about the realities of the street life. It's also a declaration of the endurance required to survive in an environment filled with violence and competition.
Line by Line Meaning
I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours
Each individual must achieve their goals
I gotta get mine, get yours
I am focused on achieving my own goals, you should focus on achieving yours
Ayo I'm smooth as I wanna be, fuck with me you's a gonna g!
I am confident in my abilities and those who challenge me will face consequences
Fuck yeah and that's the way it's gonna be
The situation is not changing, it is set in stone
Puffin up on tha dank and drinking mad brew
I am smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol heavily
Taking names and after that I'm kickin' ass too
I am keeping track of those who offend me and will retaliate with violence
Hell yeah, Pac, I'll sit back, straight up design it slow
Yes, I will create a rhyme for you, but I will do it with careful thought and consideration
Another punk, (run up) and have to get his (gun up)
If someone confronts me, they may resort to violence
Cause uh I ain't takin no shorts
I will not tolerate being disrespected or taken advantage of
Like a Newport fort, exploitin' the floor like Jordan
I am fully utilizing my abilities and am dominant like Michael Jordan on the basketball court
Explodin on the hoop court
I am excelling on the basketball court
And I don't wanna be, I don't wanna be nuttin like Mike
I do not want to be like Michael Jordan or anyone else
'Cause even Mike was like it's a itsy bit triflin'
Even Michael Jordan had flaws or weaknesses
And when you in the spotlight, you get um jocked right
When you are famous, people will try to take advantage of you
But your knot's not tight
If you are not careful, people will take advantage of you financially
Buckin' anybody who fuck wit' mine
I will defend what is mine and retaliate against those who challenge me
When will they realize? I'm straight out to get mine
Others should recognize that I am focused on achieving my goals
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
I am constantly thinking about making money
Finger on the trigger, nigga, hand on my 9
I am armed with a firearm and ready to use it if necessary
Smokin' blunts a skunk, making holes in punks
I am smoking marijuana and causing harm to those who offend me
And only underground funk pumpin' outta my trunk
I am only listening to underground hip hop music
Meeting bitches, getting riches, miss me with lies
I am socializing with women and making money, I do not want to hear any lies
I'd rather pop out a shot from my Glock and blast mothafuckas
I would rather use my firearm to harm those who offend me
I live the thug life, baby, I'm hopeless
I embrace the lifestyle of a criminal and have no hope for a different path
Chokin' off indo, tryin' to keep my focus
I am smoking marijuana and trying to remain focused
Fuck the fame, I'm true to the game 'til they bury me
I do not care about fame, I will remain true to my criminal lifestyle until I die
God gave me game, so I'm hustlin'
I have natural talents and am using them to make money through criminal activity
Pour out some liqour for my niggas, 2Pac is still strugglin'
Drink in memory of my friends who have passed away, I am still struggling through life
Whether it's rhyme or crime, nigga, I gotta get mine
Whether I am rapping or engaging in criminal activity, I am focused on achieving my goals
Everytime I pick up a mic and start spittin'
Whenever I begin rapping
The sidewalks of New York will start bumpin'
My rapping will cause a commotion in the city of New York
Jumpin' around, with the motherfuckin' pound
People will dance with their guns or other weapons while I am rapping
And I'm down to the fullest, and breakin' niggas ass off proper
I am completely committed to my lifestyle and will harm those who offend me
Did I shock you, 'cause I got you in my pocket again
Did I surprise you with my talent? You have been impressed by me once more
I boasted, and roasted, and coasted to the pinnacle
I bragged, criticized others, and drove myself to the top
Because of what I do with a pen
Because of my rapping abilities
It's vernacular precision
My use of language is precise and skillful
Connect the two lines and it's division
Bring together two concepts and they will separate or distinguish from one another
Plus, when I add lutes and flutes
When I incorporate different sounds and instruments
It's guaranteed to sell like prostitutes
It will surely be successful and lucrative
I never had a love for hoes who put it blunt
I do not like women who are straightforward and blunt with their opinions
And want me in the back, but, bitch, I'm in the front!
I am the one in charge of the relationship, not the woman
Don't front, and really I don't need a reply
Do not pretend or act fake, I do not need a response from you
Pull yourself together as you pass me by
Get yourself together as you walk past me
I'm on a whole another level, them hoes is left
I am superior to most women
Goodbye, some many niggas lied to have
So many people have lied to me
Funny what a motherfucker do for math
It is ironic what people will do to make money
I got fractions caught up in my everday actions
I am constantly thinking about money and the fractions of it that I can acquire
Point equal to your real satisfaction
Money is equivalent to true happiness or satisfaction
When will they realize, I'm straight out to get mine haha
Others should recognize that I am focused on achieving my goals and should not interfere with me
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Colin Fitzroy Wolfe, Eric Breed, Warren Iii Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mrtitowayz
Who's Here 30 Years Later? RIP MC Breed. RIP 2Pacπππ
@carlcool8115
π₯²
@officialmichaelvelli
Shit! Didn't even know MC breed was dead ππ½ποΈπ€π₯
@@officialmichaelvellisame
love ur yt name
@iPaintCars
I check back from time to time to hear one of the best verses in rap history! Where ThugLife all startedβ¦RIP the legend 2Pac
@craigrogers3167
Meeee
@asongaboutafriend2592
this song is probably one of the most underrated tupac collaborations I have ever seen. rip pac, rip breed
@davidtookes1888
Breed's classic track is street fire and he set it off with Pac, God bless both of them dudes lives.
@PatinaEdochie
I agree you never hear anybody bring this song up but 2Pac definitely came out hard π£π₯π― #Classic RIP ππ½πΌπ½πΌπ½π
@freezergel3215
2pac feat above the law Word to my first born