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.
The Fear In The Heart Of A Man
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo I remember, it musta
Been about, ninety-one, ninety-two
Somethin like that
We had did a show, in San Fran'
And 'Pac ran up on stage with us
We was doin "Check the Rhime"
And after he got up with us, went to the back
Juice figure it just came out
I remember givin him love
We always had that respect
For each other heh, y'knahmsayin?
I guess uh we was enjoined kinda
On the same path of truth
Or whatever whatever
But he still here though
I know uhm ahh ahh ahh ahh ahh I know it
Y'knahmsayin? I feel him right here
Yeah, I just feel him right here
Hah, hmm, I just feel him right here
Huh, I'ma take my time, I'ma do this joint
Ha ha ha, ha ha
The fear, in the heart, of a man
Dedicated to my heart, my ha ha heart
The fear, in the heart, of a man
Dedicated to my heart
Against an attacker
I will boldly take my stand
Because my heart will show, fear for no man
Before a broken heart, I run with fright
Scared to be blind in the vulnerable night
Uhh, I believe this fear is in every man
Some will acknowledge it
Others will fail to understand
Uhh uhh uhh uhh
There's no fear in a shallow heart
Because the shallow heart is faint
And don't fall apart
Because the shallow heart is
Faint don't fall apart
But feeling hearts that truly care
Are fragile to the flow of air
And if I am to be true then
I must give my fragile heart
My fragile heart i may re-ceive-great-joy
Or you may re turn it, say it again
I may re-ceive-great-joy-or you may re
Turn it, ripped apart, hah
Ripped apart ripped apart
Ripped apart nothing left ripped apart
Yeah, 2Pac Shakur 2Pac Shakur
2Pac 2Pac 2Pac 2Pac Shakur
We miss you and we love you
And we love you 2Pac Shakur
And we miss you and we love you
2Pac Shakur, such a beautiful man
Such a beautiful man
2Pac Shakur, I said we love you mon
I said we love you mon
2Pac Shakur, mmmm yeah
"The Fear In The Heart Of A Man" is a tribute song dedicated to Tupac Shakur, performed by his close friend and collaborator, Q-Tip. In the song, Q-Tip reminisces about their bond and the time they spent together. He recalls a show they did in San Francisco where Tupac joined onstage during their performance of "Check the Rhime." After the show, Tupac asked Q-Tip if he had seen the movie Juice, which had recently been released. Q-Tip reflects on the mutual respect and love they had for each other, feeling that they were on a similar path of truth. Despite Tupac's untimely death, Q-Tip still feels his presence and love.
The lyrics convey the theme of fear and vulnerability, particularly in matters of the heart. Q-Tip acknowledges that fear exists in every man, but some may fail to understand it. He contrasts a shallow heart, which doesn't experience true fear because it is easily broken and falls apart, with a feeling heart that cares deeply and is susceptible to being hurt. Q-Tip presents his own fragile heart, willing to give it and potentially experience great joy or have it torn apart. The song concludes with Q-Tip expressing his love and admiration for Tupac Shakur, emphasizing the void left by his absence.
Line by Line Meaning
One two dedicated, dedicated
This song is dedicated to someone special, showing intense commitment and love.
Yo I remember, it musta
I have a vivid memory, probably from around 1991 or 1992.
Been about, ninety-one, ninety-two
It was approximately in the early 90s.
Somethin like that
Approximately, not exactly.
We had did a show, in San Fran'
We performed at a concert in San Francisco.
And 'Pac ran up on stage with us
2Pac joined us on stage unexpectedly.
We was doin 'Check the Rhime'
We were performing the song 'Check the Rhime.'
And after he got up with us, went to the back
After his performance, he came to the backstage area.
And he asked me if I saw
He inquired if I had seen something.
Juice figure it just came out
The movie 'Juice' had recently been released.
I remember givin him love
I showed him affection and support.
We always had that respect
There was always mutual admiration and honor between us.
For each other heh, y'knahmsayin?
You know what I'm saying? We understood each other.
I guess uh we was enjoined kinda
I suppose we were connected in a way.
On the same path of truth
We were both striving for righteousness and authenticity.
Or whatever whatever
Or something like that, I don't know.
But he still here though
Even though he is not physically present, his spirit is still here.
I know uhm ahh ahh ahh ahh ahh I know it
I deeply feel and understand it.
Y'knahmsayin? I feel him right here
You know what I'm saying? I sense his presence right here with me.
Yeah, I just feel him right here
Yes, I strongly sense his presence right here.
Hah, hmm, I just feel him right here
It's like I can almost touch him, he feels so close.
Huh, I'ma take my time, I'ma do this joint
Well, I'll take my time and create this song carefully and with dedication.
Ha ha ha, ha ha
Expressing joy and laughter.
The fear, in the heart, of a man
This song highlights the fear that resides within every individual.
Dedicated to my heart, my ha ha heart
A dedication to my own vulnerable heart.
Against an attacker
When faced with an adversary.
I will boldly take my stand
I will courageously defend myself.
Because my heart will show, fear for no man
My heart will remain fearless, refusing to be intimidated.
Before a broken heart, I run with fright
I am afraid of experiencing emotional pain and heartbreak.
Scared to be blind in the vulnerable night
Afraid to be left in darkness, without clarity or guidance.
Uhh, I believe this fear is in every man
I believe that fear dwells within every individual, regardless of gender.
Some will acknowledge it
Some will admit and accept this fear.
Others will fail to understand
While others will be unable to comprehend it.
Uhh uhh uhh uhh
Expressing uncertainty or contemplation.
There's no fear in a shallow heart
Superficial individuals have no capacity for fear.
Because the shallow heart is faint
Their emotions are weak and insubstantial.
And don't fall apart
They do not crumble under pressure.
But feeling hearts that truly care
Hearts that genuinely care and are sensitive.
Are fragile to the flow of air
Are easily affected by the subtlest of influences.
And if I am to be true then
If I am to be honest and authentic, then
I must give my fragile heart
I must offer my vulnerable and delicate heart.
My fragile heart i may re-ceive-great-joy
My heart may experience immense happiness and elation.
Or you may re turn it, say it again
Or you might reject it and hand it back to me once more.
I may re-ceive-great-joy-or you may re
I may experience tremendous joy or
Turn it, ripped apart, hah
You may tear it apart, causing deep pain.
Ripped apart ripped apart
Torn into pieces, completely destroyed.
Ripped apart nothing left ripped apart
Reduced to nothingness, utterly shattered.
Yeah, 2Pac Shakur 2Pac Shakur
Acknowledging and giving respect to 2Pac Shakur.
2Pac 2Pac 2Pac 2Pac Shakur
Reiterating and emphasizing the name 2Pac Shakur.
We miss you and we love you
We feel your absence and have deep affection for you.
And we love you 2Pac Shakur
Expressing love and admiration specifically for 2Pac Shakur.
And we miss you and we love you
We long for your presence and hold love for you.
2Pac Shakur, such a beautiful man
Describing 2Pac Shakur as a truly remarkable and admirable individual.
Such a beautiful man
Emphasizing the exceptional qualities of 2Pac Shakur.
I said we love you mon
I want to express that we love you dearly.
I said we love you mon
Reiterating the statement that we deeply love you.
2Pac Shakur, mmmm yeah
Reflecting on 2Pac Shakur's impact and significance with a sense of admiration and agreement.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR, ERIC RICO
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