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.
Ready 4 Whatever
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hear me! Boo-yaow!
(Ready for whatever, hell yeah
What type n**** be a Thug Life n****?
Them Thug Life n****z be the craziest, run up n****!)
There's no way to survive in the city it's a shame
N****z die from my hollow-point bullet to the brain
Puffin on blunts and gettin drunk to keep from goin under
Gettin lost in the madness, blunted gettin tipsy
Got my pistol out the window screamin, "Lord come and get me"
Am I sick, or am I just another victim?
Unloadin my clip, I'm watchin every bullet spit when I kick em
N****z die from automatic gunfire
Your time to expire, nobody cry every man gotta die
When they bury me, they bury me a G
Rest in peace, to all the homies got to heaven before me
Pour some liquor on the curb for the n****z that's caught
Had a motherf***in ward but he didn't go to court
God damn, and one day we'll all be together
Until then I'm ready for whatever, c'mon
(Yeah, n****z movin somethin in the nine-trey
It's all about makin money, gettin yours
And knockin coppers off the motherf***in planet
Word to the motherf***in nine n****
We gonna make this motherf***er ours
If they don't feel me, they gon kill me
So Syke, get skanless n****)
Am I going to Hell or will I reach Heav-en? (hell naw)
After all this s*** I did with my Mac-11
Did I sell my soul? Mama woulda saved me
That's the way that daddy raised me
Oh God, help me I'm losin it
So f*** it! Take me I'm doin it!
I need to change and look for a better way
I got a hundred round clip to my AK
Commitin sins I might die in vain
So f*** it! We'll live off the street fame!
God didn't send me in the right direction
I'm gettin hit by a diesel in the intersection
I know you're out there help a young brother (hear me)
Til then I'ma smoke motherf***ers
Things wouldn't be so bad
if we got the things that we never had, I'm ready for whatever
(Hahahahaha, that's my motherf***in n**** there
Big ballin-a** Syke
Yeah n****, you schooled them young bustas
on how it is to be a real motherf***in G
In the nine-trey motherf***ers is dyin daily so you best be packin
If you ain't, boo-yaow motherf***er!)
Dear mama I know you worry cause I'm hardly at home
Every other night in jail, got you patient by the phone
Wanna shake it cause I can't take it got me livin in Hell
Like I'm walkin with a secret that'll kill me if I tell
I live the Thug Life and can't nobody, change me
Not to the brain, going insane, just a part of the game
So much caine in the fast lane, finally a dry eye
When I die, bury me with my fo'-five
And let the devil feel the wrath of a n****
Goin to Hell with my finger on the trigger
Now everybody's starin
Got a n**** losin hair and they wonder if I'm all there
Well don't blame me, blame the flame that flickers
when n****z gettin richer (mo' money)
Now tell me if you wanna live forever
N****z dyin so be ready for whatever
(Yeah, ready for whatever
Ready for whatever
Thug Life n****z and we be ready for whatever
Let me go like this, ready for whatever
Huh, Big Syke he be ready for whatever
My n**** Kato, ready for whatever
Pain, he's ready for whatever
And my n**** Bam Bam, he ready for whatever
My n**** Banks just be ready for whatever
Modu, he's ready for whatever
Big Serg, we ready for whatever
Charlie Tango, ready for whatever
My n**** Pac, be ready for whatever
Yeah, ready for whatever
Ready for whatever
My big-ballin a** n**** Boom, ready for whatever fo' sho'
Yeah, you know!
This how the player's do it
I know you standin there confused
You wonderin -- what type of n**** is a Thug Life n****?
Yeahehehehe n****, we be the ballin player-a** n****
About gettin riches, b****es, and plenty loc
Ya hear me?)
Ready for whatever
In "Ready 4 Whatever," 2Pac raps about the struggles of life as a young black man in the inner city and how he is ready for anything. He begins by acknowledging the harsh reality that many people die every day in the city. He lives his life each day not knowing if he will be the next victim or if he will survive. To avoid drowning in the madness and pain of his life, he turns to drugs and alcohol to numb himself. He feels lost and sick and wonders if he is destined to be just another victim of the violence. He contemplates the possibility that he may be going to hell, but there is also the chance that he may reach heaven. He questions whether he sold his soul to the devil with all the bad things he has done with his gun. As he is driving in his car, he knows one day he may be killed and hopes that he will see all his homies again in heaven. Until that day comes, he is ready for whatever life throws his way.
Line by Line Meaning
(Rule number one... n****z die, daily, hahahaha)
The first rule of living in the city is that people die every day.
Hear me! Boo-yaow!
Listen to me!
(Ready for whatever, hell yeah
What type n**** be a Thug Life n****?
Them Thug Life n****z be the craziest, run up n****!)
I am always prepared for whatever, especially as a member of the Thug Life community, who are known for being fearless and daring.
There's no way to survive in the city it's a shame
N****z die from my hollow-point bullet to the brain
The city is tough and dangerous, and sometimes the only way to survive is to protect yourself with deadly force.
Will I survive or will I die is what I wonder
Puffin on blunts and gettin drunk to keep from goin under
Gettin lost in the madness, blunted gettin tipsy
Got my pistol out the window screamin, 'Lord come and get me'
I am constantly questioning whether I will live or die, and use drugs and alcohol to cope with the struggles of life, often getting so high that I forget who I am, all the while keeping my gun close to me, ready for action.
Am I sick, or am I just another victim?
I question if my actions are indicative of a mental illness or if I am simply a product of my environment and circumstances.
Unloadin my clip, I'm watchin every bullet spit when I kick em
N****z die from automatic gunfire
Your time to expire, nobody cry every man gotta die
When I shoot my gun, I am acutely aware of every bullet leaving the chamber and the damage it can inflict, knowing that in the end, everyone will die.
When they bury me, they bury me a G
Rest in peace, to all the homies got to heaven before me
Pour some liquor on the curb for the n****z that's caught
Had a motherf***in ward but he didn't go to court
God damn, and one day we'll all be together
Until then I'm ready for whatever, c'mon
When I die, I want to be remembered as a true gangster and for my fallen comrades to rest in peace, often pouring out liquor in their memory. I am always ready for whatever comes my way, knowing we will all be united one day.
(Yeah, n****z movin somethin in the nine-trey
It's all about makin money, gettin yours
And knockin coppers off the motherf***in planet
Word to the motherf***in nine n****
We gonna make this motherf***er ours
If they don't feel me, they gon kill me
So Syke, get skanless n****)
In 1993, people are trying to make money and take what they want, including killing cops. We are taking control of our territory and will not hesitate to defend ourselves.
Am I going to Hell or will I reach Heav-en? (hell naw)
After all this s*** I did with my Mac-11
Did I sell my soul? Mama woulda saved me
That's the way that daddy raised me
Oh God, help me I'm losin it
So f*** it! Take me I'm doin it!
I need to change and look for a better way
I got a hundred round clip to my AK
Commitin sins I might die in vain
So f*** it! We'll live off the street fame!
God didn't send me in the right direction
I'm gettin hit by a diesel in the intersection
I know you're out there help a young brother (hear me)
Til then I'ma smoke motherf***ers
I question whether I will go to heaven or hell for all the violence I have caused. I sometimes feel like I am losing my mind and have lost my way, even though my parents taught me better. I will continue to live life my way, even if it's sinful, and will rely on my reputation to get by, even if it leads to my ultimate demise. I feel like God has not given me the guidance I need and may even be trying to kill me, so I will continue to defend myself.
Things wouldn't be so bad
if we got the things that we never had, I'm ready for whatever
If we had the opportunities and resources that we were denied, life would be easier. Regardless, I am prepared for whatever comes my way.
(Hahahahaha, that's my motherf***in n**** there
Big ballin-a** Syke
Yeah n****, you schooled them young bustas
on how it is to be a real motherf***in G
In the nine-trey motherf***ers is dyin daily so you best be packin
If you ain't, boo-yaow motherf***er!)
Big Syke is a respected member of the gang and will teach younger members how to behave like real gangsters. In 1993, people are dying every day, so it's important to carry a gun for protection.
Dear mama I know you worry cause I'm hardly at home
Every other night in jail, got you patient by the phone
Wanna shake it cause I can't take it got me livin in Hell
Like I'm walkin with a secret that'll kill me if I tell
I live the Thug Life and can't nobody, change me
Not to the brain, going insane, just a part of the game
So much caine in the fast lane, finally a dry eye
When I die, bury me with my fo'-five
And let the devil feel the wrath of a n****
Goin to Hell with my finger on the trigger
Now everybody's starin
Got a n**** losin hair and they wonder if I'm all there
Well don't blame me, blame the flame that flickers
when n****z gettin richer (mo' money)
Now tell me if you wanna live forever
N****z dyin so be ready for whatever
I know my mom is worried for me because I'm never home and usually end up in jail. I feel like I'm living in hell, carrying around a dangerous secret. I am committed to the Thug Life and no one can change me, even if it leads me to insanity. I am addicted to the fast lane and the cocaine that comes with it, but I am at peace with my lifestyle, knowing that when I die, I will be buried with my weapon. I will bring justice to those who oppose me, even if it means going to hell. People may judge me or question my mental state, but it's not my fault that money rules the world and causes people to do crazy things. Regardless, we should all be prepared for whatever comes our way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GIL SCOTT HERON, JOHNNY JACKSON, TUPAC SHUKAR, TYRUS HIMES
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