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.
R U Still Down?
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let them feel were your coming from
Let them feel were your coming from
Only the ladies, only the ladies
Girl it's alright, baby
(Are you still down for me now?)
'Cause it?s there in your eyes, yeah
I can see that you want me
(Are you still down for me now?)
By the way that you smile
(Yeah, are you still down for me?)
Left once again at home
Another night on your own
Ain't no fun in lovin' if you're lovin' alone
How does it feel to be useless, oh no, tell me
Can you recall how close we used to be then
Can you still remember those feelings again
Seems like everytime I see you
There's a tear in your eye
(What you cryin' for?)
Time to make some decisions or go dyin' inside
Tell 'em all call me a fool
But I'm stuck in this love thing
Plus I'm over heatin? from the rush
Our tongues touch
Kissin' feelin' fireworks, watch the sky
I'll make you smile
But you'd rather have what makes you cry
Say goodbye and I'll leave now
With my heart on my sleeve, memories now
What I found is you still care you had feelings
And they're still there, baby
Girl, keep it real here are you still down?
Girl it?s alright, baby
(It's alright)
'Cause it's there in your eyes, yeah
(It's in your eyes, I can see it in your eyes)
I can see that you want me
(Don't cha want me? don't cha want me?)
By the way that you smile
(Haha )
Are you still down for me?
Remember that evening
(Baby, are you still down?)
I knew that you were too scared
To go all the way
But you did it to please me
You were crying it was raining
When you gave it to me
The more I see you
The more that I feel inside
And I know one day
You'll make it back to where you can fly
(Watch time go)
Don't cry
(Watcha cryin' for?)
Tomorrow brings better days
Let me dry your eyes
Take your burden away
Only once in a lifetime touch my soul
Go slow, baby, boo, don't rush the flow
Got me all weak, baby but I'm strong in parts
More bounce to the ounce with the longest sparks
Gettin' mine like fine wine, measured in time
Many other brothers loved you but the pleasure was mine
Mama told me how to love a woman properly sprung
We committed so I hit it and it's properly done
Are you still down?
Girl it's alright, baby
(Are you still down for me now?)
'Cause it's there in your eyes yeah
(It's in your eyes, I can see it in your eyes)
I can see that you want me
(Don't cha want me? Don't cha want me?)
By the way that you smile
(Come on, come on)
(Tell me)
Are you still down for me?
Yeah, girl it's alright, baby
(Yeah, are you still down for me now?)
'Cause it's there in your eyes, yeah
(It's in your eyes, I can see it in your eyes)
I can see that you want me
(She want you Jon, she want you)
By the way you smile
(Look at she smile at cha look)
Baby are you still down, are you down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
Baby are you still down, still down for me?
The song "R U Still Down?" is a soulful R&B and hip hop song expressing the emotional struggle of a man who is trying to hold on to a past love. The lyrics talk about the pain of being left alone, the sadness of seeing someone you once loved sad, and the desire to know if they still care. The chorus asks the woman if she is still down for him, whether she still loves him and still wants to be with him. The lyrics reveal that the singer is longing for something that may no longer exist, but he is still hoping that the love they once shared will bring them back together. The song is a vulnerable and honest representation of the pain that comes with losing someone you love.
The song was released posthumously after Tupac Shakur's death in 1996. The song features Jon B, an American R&B singer and songwriter, who sings the chorus of the song. The song was included in Tupac's album "R U Still Down? (Remember Me)", which was released in 1997.
Line by Line Meaning
Haha, Jon B, bring it on now
Laughing and addressing Jon B to start the song in a confident manner
Let them feel were your coming from
Encouraging Jon B to express himself and showcase his emotions
Only the ladies, only the ladies
Addressing the female audience and emphasizing that the song is directed towards them
Girl it's alright, baby
Assuring the girl that everything is alright
(Are you still down for me now?)
Asking the girl if she is still committed to him and their relationship
'Cause it?s there in your eyes, yeah
Observing that the girl's eyes reflect her emotions and feelings
(Are you still down for me?)
Repeating the question to confirm the girl's commitment
I can see that you want me
Noticing that the girl desires him
(Are you still down for me now?)
Repeating the question to emphasize the importance of commitment from the girl's side
By the way that you smile
Obtaining a confirmation of attraction from the girl's smile
(Yeah, are you still down for me?)
Confirming the commitment and asking for reassurance
Left once again at home
Expressing the feeling of loneliness
Another night on your own
Feeling sad to spend another night alone
Ain't no fun in lovin' if you're lovin' alone
Implying that love is not fun when there is no one to share it with
How does it feel to be useless, oh no, tell me
Asking the girl to share her emotions about feeling useless and alone
Can you recall how close we used to be then
Remembering the closeness of their bond in the past
Can you still remember those feelings again
Asking if the girl still has those feelings in her heart
Seems like everytime I see you
Noticing that the girl is always sad when they meet
There's a tear in your eye
Observing that the girl is crying
(What you cryin' for?)
Asking the girl the reason for her tears
Time to make some decisions or go dyin' inside
Encouraging the girl to make a decision and not let her sadness consume her
Tell 'em all call me a fool
Acknowledging that others might not understand him
But I'm stuck in this love thing
Admitting that he is in love and cannot let go
Plus I'm over heatin? from the rush
Feeling excited and overwhelmed by their love
Our tongues touch
Describing the intimate moment of kissing
Kissin' feelin' fireworks, watch the sky
Metaphorically describing the intensity of their passion and the spark it brings
I'll make you smile
Promising to make the girl happy
But you'd rather have what makes you cry
Realizing that the girl still chooses to hold on to her sadness, even when he tries to make her happy
Say goodbye and I'll leave now
Offering to leave if she chooses to end the relationship
With my heart on my sleeve, memories now
Leaving with his emotions and memories of their time together
What I found is you still care you had feelings
Discovering that the girl still cares for him and has feelings
And they're still there, baby
Confirming the girl's feelings
Girl, keep it real here are you still down?
Asking one final time if the girl is still committed to the relationship
Remember that evening
Recalling a special moment between them
(Baby, are you still down?)
Asking the girl if she still holds on to those memories
I knew that you were too scared
Realizing that the girl was hesitant to take their relationship to the next level
To go all the way
Understanding that the girl was not ready for a physical relationship
But you did it to please me
Acknowledging that the girl did it for him
You were crying it was raining
Describing a sad moment between them
When you gave it to me
Remembering a vulnerable and intimate moment between them
The more I see you
Admitting that he cannot stop thinking about the girl
The more that I feel inside
Realizing that his feelings for the girl are growing stronger
And I know one day
Feeling confident that they will be together one day
You'll make it back to where you can fly
Believing that the girl will regain her happiness and freedom one day
(Watch time go)
Reflecting on the passage of time
Don't cry
Urging the girl not to cry
(Watcha cryin' for?)
Asking the girl again why she is crying
Tomorrow brings better days
Offering hope that the future will be better
Let me dry your eyes
Willing to comfort the girl and wipe her tears away
Take your burden away
Willing to help the girl with her problems
Only once in a lifetime touch my soul
Believing that their connection is once in a lifetime
Go slow, baby, boo, don't rush the flow
Advising the girl to take things slow and let their love develop naturally
Got me all weak, baby but I'm strong in parts
Feeling vulnerable in love but strong in other aspects of life
More bounce to the ounce with the longest sparks
Having a lot of energy and passion in their love
Gettin' mine like fine wine, measured in time
Comparing their love to a fine wine that gets better with time
Many other brothers loved you but the pleasure was mine
Acknowledging that other men were interested in the girl, but he was the lucky one to have her
Mama told me how to love a woman properly sprung
Referring to the advice he received from his mother on how to treat a woman
We committed so I hit it and it's properly done
Taking responsibility for their committed relationship
Yeah, girl it's alright, baby
Reassuring the girl again that everything is okay
(Yeah, are you still down for me now?)
Repeating the question one final time and seeking reassurance
'Cause it's there in your eyes, yeah
Observing that the girl's eyes reflect her emotions and feelings
(It's in your eyes, I can see it in your eyes)
Confirming that he can see her emotions in her eyes
(She want you Jon, she want you)
Recognizing that Jon B is desirable to the girl
(Look at she smile at cha look)
Pointing out the girl's smile and attraction to Jon B
(Tell me)
Asking for confirmation from the girl
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JONATHAN BUCK, TUPAC SHAKUR, JOHNNY JACKSON
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