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.
Late Night
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey man so far I've been listenin' to your album
And I ain't heard nothin' you could kick back and smoke a beadie to
You know?
Yeah like that
Some of that mellow shit
Some of that shit that make bitches drink
And help you check a fat-ass bank,
So why don't you kick some of that shit, nigga only you know how
Ha feel me?
I'm barely standin, and plus my secondhand say it's midnight
Some Alize and Cristal guaranteed to get right
Like misdemeanors is a small thang
With DJ Quik in this bitch, I let my balls hang
Runnin' through the street lights, 'cause we like, yo nigga
Get your mobb on show 'em what a G like
Around the corner it's like Vegas, or better yet like Reno
Niggas poppin, welcome to our casino, 'cause you and me know
Hundred percent like a c-note
Lookin' for a bitch that's half-black and Filipino
And when I meet her I'ma offer her some indo
Tongue-kissing on the window of a pearl white limo
Don't wanna be your man, I'm your nigga
Touch me here, I'll get bigger
While I'm diggin' I'll get deep into your liver
I'm game type
Love fuckin' bitches in the same night
My words are aphrodisiacs if you say 'em right
The club be poppin' so I'm stoppin' at the Fat Burger
Look through the paper it's another black crack murder
The city's full of surprises, you can live or you can die
You can fuck on the first night, or try, in the late night
"Last night last night changed it all"
In the late night!
"Last night"
"I don't give a fuck, where you gon' be"
?
In the late night!
"Last night last night changed it all"
In the late night!
"Last night"
"I don't give a fuck, where you gon' be"
?
In the late night!
Around my way we lamp, many styles get cramped
I clock rocks in the rain 'til my socks is damp
Ain't nothin' like bein' a thug when I can just
Sit on the Row of Death straight knowin' that I'm blessed
Hussein Fatal, flawless fatality
Overdosin' on crime, three steps from reality
Get up to get down, represent your town, last night
Was poppin' like like cocked Glocks with hollow-tip rounds
From booty calls to bail sheets, it ain't no tellin'
If I wake up in the county in my jail sheets
My intuitions and ambitions up in the late night
Probably involves me comin' up with just to see another day
Might be me who bites the bullet
In these streets where a man journey
With crooked cops and a society who tryin' to burn me
I'm like a pit in a cage, spittin' my shells in a gauge
Deadly as AIDS, niggas gettin' crossed like a maze
Now picture me livin' my life like a king, maybe one day
Until then I'm livin' Monday through Sunday
Bringin' the Gunplay for all these beefs and battles
When we collide, I'm a ride on that hide like cattle
Cowards best to skedaddle in the late night
"Last night last night changed it all"
"Last night"
"I don't give a fuck, where you gon' be"
?
"Last night last night changed it all"
"Last night"
"I don't give a fuck, where you gon' be"
?
Money and multiple gunshots are shown, large amps are blown
Niggas in low-lows, pursuin' mo' hoes, then go home
The life of a California star, and when you see me
In the drop-top Jag', how many niggas wanna be me?
Game is automatic, mandatory I sell
To Live or Die, I survive, but with a story to tell
'Cause when you gettin' some riches, watch for dumb bitches
They have you labelled a rapist before you get to tongue-kissing
It's a mean world nigga you strapped, or be a throwaway
Will I survive the late night, to see dawn of day?
Nobody knows me, I'm a shadow
My army fatigues made for battle, pockets full of ammo
'Cause when I'm out in the streets, I'm on point, where the static?
Too many done died from semis, so now we automatic
I disappear whenever heated, ride whenever needed
For my niggas up in Clentin gettin' weeded
Continue to roll until I'm old, ride until I die
Supply long as you motherfuckers buy
My homies rolled by in a bucket, but they ain't short and duckin'
Slappin' niggas known for tellin' bitches fuck it in the late night
"Last night last night changed it all"
It's in the late night!
"Last night"
"I don't give a fuck, where you gon' be"
?
In the late night!
"Last night last night changed it all"
Holla at me in the late night!
"Last night"
"I don't give a fuck, where you gon' be"
?
"Late Night" by 2Pac is a song that speaks about the life of a rapper in the late hours of the night. The song features a conversation with a friend asking for some mellow tunes that can be enjoyed with a beadie followed by a rap verse about activities that go down in the streets of California at night. 2Pac talks about different things he does in the late hours of the night, such as drinking Alize and Cristal, cruising through the streets, looking for a half-black and Filipino woman, and going to the Fat Burger. He also speaks about the harsh reality of being a rapper and the dangers that come with it. The chorus emphasizes the freedom of the night as the time to live life without restrictions.
The song tells us about the carefree lifestyle of a rapper and the dangers they face daily while pursuing it. 2Pac talks about the life of luxury, the freedom that the night brings, and the ruthlessness in the streets. It warns us that life is uncertain and unpredictable, and we must be cautious of the things we do. At the same time, the song is an anthem for finding joy and excitement in life, for living life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey 'Pac, it's yo' boy
A friend of Tupac's greets him.
Hey man so far I've been listenin' to your album
The friend tells Tupac he's been listening to his music.
And I ain't heard nothin' you could kick back and smoke a beadie to
The friend asks for something more relaxing to listen to.
Some of that mellow shit
The friend clarifies that he wants a more laid-back type of music.
Some of that shit that make bitches drink
He wants a type of music that women would like to listen to while having a drink.
Make niggas think
He wants music that is thought-provoking.
And help you check a fat-ass bank
The music can be related to entrepreneurship and earning money.
So why don't you kick some of that shit, nigga only you know how
The friend asks Tupac to create such music since he is capable of it.
Ha feel me?
The friend is asking Tupac if he understands him.
I'm barely standin, and plus my secondhand say it's midnight
Tupac is feeling tired and weak. It’s midnight according to his secondhand watch.
Some Alize and Cristal guaranteed to get right
He drinks some Alize and Cristal that are guaranteed to make him feel better.
Like misdemeanors is a small thang
Tupac doesn't care about misdemeanors.
With DJ Quik in this bitch, I let my balls hang
Tupac feels confident having DJ Quik with him.
Runnin' through the street lights, 'cause we like, yo nigga
Tupac moves around with his friends as they find it fun.
Get your mobb on show 'em what a G like
He asks his friend to show everyone what they are capable of.
Around the corner it's like Vegas, or better yet like Reno
The place is full of lights, like Vegas or Reno.
Niggas poppin, welcome to our casino, 'cause you and me know
There are people shooting, hence it is said to be like a casino.
Hundred percent like a c-note
He wants a girl who is part black and part Filipino.
Lookin' for a bitch that's half-black and Filipino
He wants a girl who is part black and part Filipino.
And when I meet her I'ma offer her some indo
When he meets her, he will offer her some marijuana called indo.
Tongue-kissing on the window of a pearl white limo
He will make out with her on the window of a pearl white limo.
Don't wanna be your man, I'm your nigga
He doesn’t want a relationship, just a sexual partner.
Touch me here, I'll get bigger
He implies that he will become aroused if touched in a certain way.
While I'm diggin' I'll get deep into your liver
He plans to have sex that is so deep it goes into her body like a transplant.
I'm game type
He is into casual sex.
Love fuckin' bitches in the same night
He likes having sex with multiple partners in one night.
My words are aphrodisiacs if you say 'em right
He believes that his words are seductive.
The club be poppin' so I'm stoppin' at the Fat Burger
The club’s music is too loud, so he stops at Fat Burger instead.
Look through the paper it's another black crack murder
He checks the newspaper and finds yet another murder.
The city's full of surprises, you can live or you can die
He finds that the city is full of surprises. One can either survive or die.
You can fuck on the first night, or try, in the late night
Sex can happen on the first night or the attempt can be made during the late night.
"Last night last night changed it all"
A line from a song, heard by Tupac.
In the late night!
He repeats the earlier line after a few more lines of lyrics.
"I don't give a fuck, where you gon' be"
Another line from a song, heard by Tupac.
?
The purpose of this line is unclear.
Around my way we lamp, many styles get cramped
He moves around the city and sees different styles of people.
I clock rocks in the rain 'til my socks is damp
Tupac deals drugs, even in the rain. His socks are wet.
Ain't nothin' like bein' a thug when I can just
Tupac loves being a thug rather than something else.
Sit on the Row of Death straight knowin' that I'm blessed
He sits in a death row cell, knowing he is lucky to have made it.
Hussein Fatal, flawless fatality
He mentions his friend Hussein Fatal who possesses deadly skills.
Overdosin' on crime, three steps from reality
Tupac is very close to getting caught for his illegal activities.
Get up to get down, represent your town, last night
The line repeats the earlier lyrics to suggest a party-like atmosphere.
Was poppin' like like cocked Glocks with hollow-tip rounds
The party was like guns with bullets.
From booty calls to bail sheets, it ain't no tellin'
He participates in casual sex as well as bailing himself out of jail.
If I wake up in the county in my jail sheets
He’s prepared to wake up in jail.
My intuitions and ambitions up in the late night
Tupac thinks about his goals and desires during the late hours.
Probably involves me comin' up with just to see another day
He will devise a strategy to stay alive.
Might be me who bites the bullet
He might get killed.
In these streets where a man journey
The streets are dangerous for a man.
With crooked cops and a society who tryin' to burn me
He believes the system is against him.
I'm like a pit in a cage, spittin' my shells in a gauge
He is like a caged animal, stuck with his weapons.
Deadly as AIDS, niggas gettin' crossed like a maze
He is a harmful destroyer, much like AIDS. People making the wrong moves are in danger.
Now picture me livin' my life like a king, maybe one day
He aspires for a better life.
Until then I'm livin' Monday through Sunday
He lives his life on a daily basis.
Bringin' the Gunplay for all these beefs and battles
He participates in fights and arguments with guns.
When we collide, I'm a ride on that hide like cattle
When someone gets in Tupac's way, he will attack like a bull.
Cowards best to skedaddle in the late night
He warns cowards to leave town during the night.
Money and multiple gunshots are shown, large amps are blown
Money and gunshots are prevalent in the neighborhood. Loud music plays.
Niggas in low-lows, pursuin' mo' hoes, then go home
People drive around in lowriders, looking for women, before heading home.
The life of a California star, and when you see me
Tupac is living the life of a popular person in California.
In the drop-top Jag', how many niggas wanna be me?
He drives a luxury Jaguar and wonders how many people envy him.
Game is automatic, mandatory I sell
He is successful in the drug trade.
To Live or Die, I survive, but with a story to tell
He always has a story to share, regardless of whether he lives or dies.
Cause when you gettin' some riches, watch for dumb bitches
He warns that one should be cautious of ignorant women when earning money.
They have you labelled a rapist before you get to tongue-kissing
Some women will accuse you of being a rapist after only a kiss.
It's a mean world nigga you strapped, or be a throwaway
Tupac acknowledges that it is a harsh world and survival depends on carrying weapons.
Will I survive the late night, to see dawn of day?
He isn't sure if he will live to see the morning.
Nobody knows me, I'm a shadow
Tupac lives in secrecy and is often hidden from sight for safety reasons.
My army fatigues made for battle, pockets full of ammo
He's dressed for battle with a ton of ammo in his pockets.
Cause when I'm out in the streets, I'm on point, where the static?
He is alert and ready for trouble in the streets.
Too many done died from semis, so now we automatic
Too many have died from semi-automatic guns, hence a lot of them are now automatic.
I disappear whenever heated, ride whenever needed
He avoids confrontation unless absolutely necessary.
For my niggas up in Clentin gettin' weeded
He wants to send his love to his incarcerated friends who smoke weed.
Continue to roll until I'm old, ride until I die
He will keep going until he's old or dies.
Supply long as you motherfuckers buy
He will keep selling drugs as long as there are people buying.
My homies rolled by in a bucket, but they ain't short and duckin'
His friends drive a beat-up car but they're not scared.
Slappin' niggas known for tellin' bitches fuck it in the late night
He and his friends fight people who disrespect women in the night.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEVEN BRETT, MATTHEW DICK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cljerjr31
perfect beat, perfect flow, perfect delivery. one of his best tracks. DJ Quik is one of the best
@totc6196
100
@keshawnarchibald3930
Frfr
@tylerthomas6235
Temptations is up there too with DJ MO B
@raytorres5830
This man was just ferociously talented for the spoken word game!
@emillionairex315
facts! Done played it 5x already today! make me wanna roll a white owl fulla inndoe!
@AS-xv7fp
This song is the epitome of how much of a superstar 2pac was, especially his last verse that showcased it completely. He had the full package of charisma, flow, lyrics, mainstream appeal, looks, and was articulate/fearless. He transcended Hip-Hop and these new school rappers still reference him. Iconic.
@chancregister2714
Well written!
@thewb3
Indeed, field with so much game and knowledge in the song!
@GM53946
It's not just now vs. then, if you compare the original song 2nd II None had with the same sample (though it didn't have the flute), it is a great song, but it can't touch this version.
And 2nd II None when Quik produced them were mostly making nothing but classic tracks, it's not as if they were some random wack rappers.