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.
Hell Razor
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This one goes out to my nigga Mike Coolin', hell yeah
Mama raised a hellrazor, born thuggin'
Heartless and mean, muggin' at sixteen
On the scene watchin' fiends buggin'
Kickin' up dust with the older G's
Soakin' up the game that was told to me
I ain't never touched a gat that I couldn't shoot, I learned
A young nigga askin' questions while other suckers was guessin'
I was ganked for sexin'
Elementary wasn't meant for me, can't regret it
I'm headed for the penitentiary, I'm cuttin' class
And I'm buckin' blastin', straight mashin'
Mobbin' through the overpass laughin'
While these other motherfuckers try to figure out, no doubt
They jealous of a nigga's clout, tell me Lord
Can ya feel me? I keep my finger in the trigger
'Cause some nigga tried to kill me
And mama raised a hellraizor, everyday gettin' paid
Police on my pager, straight stressin'
A fugitive my occupation is under question
Wanted for investigation, and even though
I'm marked for death, I'ma spark til I lose my breath
Motherfuckers, every time I see the paper
I see my picture, when a nigga's gettin' richer
They come to get ya, it's like a motherfuckin' trap
And they wonder why it's hard bein' black
Dear Lord can ya feel me, gettin' major, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Lord be my savior, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Lord be my savior, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Lord be my savior, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Lord be my savior, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor
Dear Lord can ya feel me
Stress gettin' major, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Tell me Lord can ya feel me, show a sign
Damn near running outta time, everybody's dyin'
Mama raised a hellrazor, can't figure
Why you let the police beat down niggas
I'm startin' to think all the rich in the world is safe
While the po' babies restin' in the early graves
God come save the youth
Ain't nothin' else to do but have faith in you
Dear Lord I live the life of a Thug, hope you understand
Forgive me for my mistakes, I gotta play my hand
And my hand's on the sixteen-shot, semi-automatic
Crooked cop killin' Glock, tell me Lord
Can ya feel me? Show a way
I'm prayin' but my enemies won't go away
And everywhere I turn I see niggas burn
Every nigga that I knows on death row
My younger homie's seventeen and he paid a price
Little young motherfucker doin' triple life
Though I tell him in his letters, it's gettin' better
If my nigga knew the truth he'd hit the roof
Just heard ya baby's mama was smoked out, fuck the drama
Wanna break my Loc out, smokin' blunts
Gettin' drunk off that Tanqueray gin
Bout to break my nigga out the fuckin' pen
Mama raised a hellrazor, uh, yeah
C'mon, uh, mama raised a hellrazor
Uh, dear Lord can ya feel me, stress gettin' major (Lord be my savior, uh)
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Lord be my savior, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Lord be my savior, uh
Mama raised a hellrazor, stress gettin' major
Dear Lord can ya hear me, it's just me
A young nigga tryin' to make it on these rough streets
I'm on my knees beggin' please come and save me!
The whole world done made a nigga crazy!
I got my three-five-seven can't control it
Screamin' die motherfucker and he's loaded
Everybody run for cover, I cause shit
Thug Life motherfucker, duck quick
Now am I wrong if I am don't worry me
'Cause do or die gettin' high til the bury me
Dear Lord if ya hear me, tell me why
Little girl like LaTasha, had to die
She never got to see the bullet, just heard the shot
Her little body couldn't take it, it shook and dropped
And when I saw it on the news I see busta' girl killin' 'Tasha
Now I'm screamin' fuck the world, in the end
It's my friends, that flip-flop
Lip-locked on my dick when my shit drop
Thug Life motherfucker I lick shots
Every nigga on my block dropped two cops
Dear Lord can ya hear me, when I die
Let a nigga be strapped, fucked up, and high
With my hands on the trigger, Thug nigga
Stressin' like a motherfuckin' drug dealer
And even in the darkest nights, I'm a Thug for Life
I got the heart to fight now
Mama raised a hellrazor why cry
That's just life in the ghetto, do or die
The song "Hell Razor" by Tupac Shakur is a tribute to his childhood friend, Michael "Coolin" Freeman. The lyrics speak about Tupac's upbringing and his life on the streets, where he had to be tough and ruthless to survive. He refers to himself as a "hellrazor" – someone who lives life on the edge, causing chaos and destruction wherever they go. Tupac talks about how he was raised to be this way by his mother – a strong, independent woman who taught him to stand up for himself and fight for what he believed in.
The song also touches on themes of police brutality, racism, and the struggles of life in the ghetto. Tupac laments the deaths of innocent people, including LaTasha Harlins, who was shot in a convenience store by a Korean store owner in 1991. He expresses his frustration and anger with the system, which seems rigged against people like him.
Overall, the song is a reflection of Tupac's life and experiences, as well as a commentary on the state of society at the time.
Line by Line Meaning
Major! Hell motherfuckin' yeah
This is a big statement, expressing excitement and enthusiasm.
This one goes out to my nigga Mike Coolin', hell yeah
Dedicating this song to a close friend named Mike Coolin'.
Mama raised a hellrazor, born thuggin'
My mother raised me to be aggressive and rebellious from a young age.
Heartless and mean, muggin' at sixteen
Having a cold and tough demeanor, intimidating others at the age of sixteen.
On the scene watchin' fiends buggin'
Being present and observing drug addicts in their desperate state.
Kickin' up dust with the older G's
Causing trouble and chaos alongside experienced gangsters.
Soakin' up the game that was told to me
Absorbing the street knowledge and wisdom passed down to me.
I ain't never touched a gat that I couldn't shoot, I learned
I have never held a gun that I couldn't handle, gained this skill through experience.
Not to trust the bitch from the prostitutes, was taught lessons
I was taught not to trust deceitful women, especially those involved in prostitution.
A young nigga askin' questions while other suckers was guessin'
While others were unsure and making assumptions, I was actively seeking knowledge and answers.
I was ganked for sexin'
I was caught and attacked for engaging in sexual activity.
Elementary wasn't meant for me, can't regret it
Traditional schooling wasn't suitable for me, and I don't feel remorseful about it.
I'm headed for the penitentiary, I'm cuttin' class
I am destined to end up in prison, constantly skipping school.
And I'm buckin' blastin', straight mashin'
I engage in gunfire, causing chaos and destruction without hesitation.
Mobbin' through the overpass laughin'
Moving aggressively and confidently through dangerous areas, finding amusement in the chaos.
While these other motherfuckers try to figure out, no doubt
While others are confused and uncertain, I have complete confidence and clarity.
They jealous of a nigga's clout, tell me Lord
They envy my influence and power, seeking guidance from a higher power.
Can ya feel me? I keep my finger in the trigger
Do you understand my emotions? I remain ready for violence, always on the edge.
'Cause some nigga tried to kill me
Because someone attempted to murder me.
And mama raised a hellraisor, everyday gettin' paid
My mother raised me to be rebellious, always pursuing money and success.
Police on my pager, straight stressin'
The police are constantly contacting me, causing me great anxiety.
A fugitive my occupation is under question
As a fugitive, my job or lifestyle is constantly being doubted and scrutinized.
Wanted for investigation, and even though
Being sought after by authorities for questioning, despite the circumstances
I'm marked for death, I'ma spark til I lose my breath
I am targeted for assassination, but I will continue to fight until I am no more.
Motherfuckers, every time I see the paper
Every time I read the newspaper or media reports.
I see my picture, when a nigga's gettin' richer
I see my own image in the media, especially when I am accumulating wealth.
They come to get ya, it's like a motherfuckin' trap
They come after you relentlessly, trapping you in their web of deception.
And they wonder why it's hard bein' black
People question why being black comes with so many challenges and difficulties.
Dear Lord can ya feel me, gettin' major, uh
Seeking validation and guidance from a higher power, acknowledging the significant impact I am making.
Tell me Lord can ya feel me, show a sign
Asking for a clear indication or sign from a higher power.
Damn near running outta time, everybody's dyin'
Feeling the pressure of limited time, witnessing the death of numerous individuals.
Can't figure why you let the police beat down niggas
I can't understand why police are allowed to brutally assault black individuals.
I'm startin' to think all the rich in the world is safe
I'm beginning to believe that wealth provides safety and security.
While the po' babies restin' in the early graves
Meanwhile, impoverished children are dying prematurely and being buried.
God come save the youth
Appealing to God for intervention and protection for the younger generation.
Ain't nothin' else to do but have faith in you
There is no other option but to put trust and belief in God.
Dear Lord I live the life of a Thug, hope you understand
Addressing God, acknowledging that I live a life of crime and rebellion, hoping for understanding and forgiveness.
Forgive me for my mistakes, I gotta play my hand
Requesting forgiveness for past errors, knowing that I have to deal with the consequences.
And my hand's on the sixteen-shot, semi-automatic
I have a firm grip on my sixteen-round, semi-automatic firearm.
Crooked cop killin' Glock, tell me Lord
Using an illegal, modified gun to kill corrupt police officers, asking for divine guidance.
Show a way, I'm prayin' but my enemies won't go away
Seeking guidance and direction from a higher power, while my adversaries continue to persist.
And everywhere I turn I see niggas burn
Wherever I go, I witness black individuals suffering and facing hardships.
Every nigga that I knows on death row
Every black person I am acquainted with is either in prison or facing a potential death sentence.
My younger homie's seventeen and he paid a price
A young friend of mine, only seventeen years old, is already facing serious consequences for his actions.
Little young motherfucker doin' triple life
A young individual is sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences, a harsh and severe punishment.
Though I tell him in his letters, it's gettin' better
Despite trying to provide encouragement and support through written correspondence, the situation is not improving.
If my nigga knew the truth he'd hit the roof
If my friend knew the full extent of the truth, he would be furious and deeply upset.
Just heard ya baby's mama was smoked out, fuck the drama
I recently learned that the mother of your child is addicted to drugs, disregarding any unnecessary conflicts.
Wanna break my Loc out, smokin' blunts
I want to free my friend from prison and enjoy smoking marijuana together.
Gettin' drunk off that Tanqueray gin
Indulging in heavy alcohol consumption, particularly Tanqueray gin.
Bout to break my nigga out the fuckin' pen
I am about to orchestrate a prison escape to liberate my incarcerated friend.
Dear Lord can ya feel me, stress gettin' major, uh
Seeking solace and support from a higher power due to overwhelming stress and pressure.
Tell me Lord can ya feel me, show a sign
Requesting a tangible sign or indication from a higher power.
Dear Lord can ya hear me, it's just me
Addressing God, emphasizing that I am alone in my plea for attention and help.
A young nigga tryin' to make it on these rough streets
I am a young black individual striving to succeed in an environment plagued by violence and poverty.
I'm on my knees beggin' please come and save me!
Desperately pleading and praying for deliverance and salvation.
The whole world done made a nigga crazy!
The overwhelming circumstances and challenges of the world have driven me to madness.
I got my three-five-seven can't control it
I possess a .357 Magnum revolver, and I struggle to keep my impulses in check.
Screamin' die motherfucker and he's loaded
Yelling threats and curses, ready to use the loaded firearm against someone.
Everybody run for cover, I cause shit
Everyone tries to find safety and avoid confrontation because I am known for stirring up trouble.
Thug Life motherfucker, duck quick
I embrace the lifestyle of a gangster, so people should quickly take cover or be prepared for violent encounters.
Now am I wrong if I am don't worry me
If I am considered morally wrong, it does not affect or concern me.
'Cause do or die gettin' high til the bury me
Because I am fully committed to this dangerous lifestyle, getting intoxicated until my eventual death.
Dear Lord if ya hear me, tell me why
Pleading with God to provide understanding and answers regarding the hardships and injustices faced.
Little girl like LaTasha, had to die
Highlighting the tragic death of a young girl named LaTasha, questioning why she had to suffer such a fate.
She never got to see the bullet, just heard the shot
LaTasha was unable to witness her own demise, only hearing the sound of the fatal gunshot.
Her little body couldn't take it, it shook and dropped
Her small and fragile body was unable to endure the impact, causing her to collapse.
And when I saw it on the news I see busta' girl killin' 'Tasha
When I witnessed the news report, I realized that someone else's girlfriend was responsible for LaTasha's death.
Now I'm screamin' fuck the world, in the end
Now, filled with anger and frustration, I passionately express my disgust and disdain for society as a whole.
It's my friends, that flip-flop
It is the people who claim to be my friends but are disloyal and untrustworthy.
Lip-locked on my dick when my shit drop
They are only interested in riding the wave of my success and attention.
Thug Life motherfucker I lick shots
As a representative of the Thug Life mentality, I actively engage in shooting and violence.
Every nigga on my block dropped two cops
Every black person living in my neighborhood has killed two police officers.
Dear Lord can ya hear me, when I die
When I pass away, I hope that God will listen to my prayers and pleas.
Let a nigga be strapped, fucked up, and high
Allow me to have a weapon, intoxicated, and under the influence of drugs.
With my hands on the trigger, Thug nigga
In a state of readiness and aggression, being a fearless and rebellious individual.
Stressin' like a motherfuckin' drug dealer
Experiencing immense stress and anxiety similar to that of a drug dealer.
And even in the darkest nights, I'm a Thug for Life
Even during the most difficult and challenging times, I remain committed to the Thug Life mentality.
I got the heart to fight now
I possess the determination and courage to endure conflicts and battles.
Mama raised a hellrazor why cry
My mother raised me to be rebellious and fearless, so there's no need to shed tears.
That's just life in the ghetto, do or die
This is the reality of living in poverty-stricken areas, where survival depends on bold actions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR, RANDY WALKER, KEVIN RHAMES, CHRISTOPHER WALKER, QUINCY DELIGHT III JONES, VAL YOUNG, DUANE THOMAS NETTLESBEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kennyvkkvhvppyvvrgvs8017
Like Hi-Five, u playing hard to get
U from the pepto bismol set
can we play truth or dare yet
Can I get u wet
U a trinche threat
U I never met
A face like yours I could never forget
Buying 3 pepto bismol hope I don't get in dept
Can we kick it please don't get upset
After we could smoke a cigarette
Lay u down again don't get upset
Enjoy wit no sweat
I'm not fast so no jet
Please don't regret
Ur muffins furry as a pet
Pink as a shell
Old school to new, you ain't no cassette
Can I press reset
Can u be my duet
Wish you were mine so we ain't unmet
U like a sport car BMW to corvett
Be like Chris Brown so we could kick it off set
Shave you wit sum Gillette
Blow on it show you sum respect
Love the melting pot, Kool aid, black, blonds, and burnetts
It's like Romeo and Juliet
U a girl, pink to violet
224-877-0485//|\\, call me or text me...luv u
@fadethechannel
"Dear Lord if ya hear me, tell me why, little girl like LaTasha had to die"
Latasha Harlins, killed in LA by a convenience store clerk....no jail time, only community service, fine, and probation. One of the causes of the '92 LA Riots. TUPAC IS KING.
@shanehood510
fadethechannel that's inaccurate.... She was shot at a concert that package was at shit jumped off shots were fired and she got hot by a stray
@tommywalker8408
fadethechannel he mentions her quite often!!
@tommywalker8408
He was never supposed to be a rapper!! He was a revolutionary!! He felt like he could be more influential through music, but niggas only heard the music! 😔😢
@tommywalker8408
Shane Hood it's on YouTube! Look up latasha herlins. Please! The footage from the store shows him shooting her in the back of the head while she's walking away!!!
@blayzej
@@shanehood510 You're referring to another situation, but Pac was referring to Latasha Harlins who was shot when leaving a store to the back of the head by a 51 year old female Korean store owner named Soon Ja Du. For this murder for which the Korean store owner only got a fine of 500 dollars and 400 hours of community service when in this case she murdered a child. The jury had found the Korean store owner guilty of manslaughter but the judge decided to not implement what the jury had decided when though there was clear video evidence of the murder and 2 eyewitnesses who corroborated what happened. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Latasha_Harlins
@drockcoles6337
That last verse destroys any rapper career today
@ElektronicEscalation
I love this verse so much, I had to make a mashup with it! You guys should let me know what you think, Pac's energy is too crazy, we have to keep this alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eut49EzJgV0
@bobby.m136
Thank you, you can't tell this new generation shit
@preal9400
Straight up!!