Tupac Shakur

When dying almost nearly 30 years ago, his legacy still remains within the rap industry. Even though he was only in the music industry for a small amount of time he was able to make a greater impact and name for himself than other artists have in the past. Furthermore, his songs were written to talk about real world problems regarding issues such as discrimination towards Black-Americans and conflict between the east and west coast. He was able to bring rawness and poetic drive in the way he delivered his words. Even after his death, he still won awards for his music. With these songs he changed the way people saw Black-American children growing up in more poverted areas and how they saw themselves. He has forever changed history with his music. Tupac grew to become not only an inspirational rapper but a skilled actor who wanted to bring change to this world. He opened the eyes of millions, giving them a new perspective of life through his lyrics. 

  Each of his songs had a purpose, in his music he talked about societal problems. Most of, “His lyrics are about his personal struggles, racism, growing up in poverty, social ills, imprisonment and his childhood” (Dalton). Tupac used his first hand experiences as a way to discuss what was happening in the world. These were problems that he knew other people dealt with but were often overlooked or ignored. He brought these conflicts to attention to show that the world isn’t always how people think. In one of his tracks he talks about growing up in poverty but also shows how he is appreciative for everything his mother had done for him (Dalton). This illustrates what his life was like growing up and it changed how people viewed that type of life. Many people living in poverty have looked at it now from a different perspective thanks to Tupac. He really shows a positive impact on people even if it is just through song lyrics. It can really make people take negative things and find good things about it. As well as being more hopeful about their future. Another thing, Tupac was involved in East and West Coast feuds with the west coast leaders Biggie Smalls, P. Diddy and Mobb Deep. Biggie passed away a few months after Tupac. These violence encounters were some of the inspiration of his songs (Williams). These battles between the east and west coast were violent but gave many new song ideas to Tupac. These songs turned into real life events between the two.  After the death of Tupac, it settled the conflict between the two, which shows the huge impact he had on these sides. 

Tupac had many other talents outside of music. While being interested in music,“He also studied theater as a teenager at the Baltimore School of Performing Arts, and was inspired by Shakespeare” (Tupac). Not only was Tupac talented in the music industry, but he was a very skilled actor. In his early years he achieved big roles in plays. He had a huge respect for the play writer Shakespeare, where he would take inspiration from him. Tupac made an impact on those who were also dedicated to Shakespeare.Tupac expresses that being yourself can mean having a variety of interests. At a young age, “He became involved with the Young Communist League, and organized a rally to support Baltimore’s first African American mayoral candidate” (Blalock).Even though most of his career was in music he did other things to try and help the world like being involved in some organizations. These organizations were to support people of color for being candidates for mayor. He was known for going after what he believed was true and always tried to do something about major problems. He was an extraordinary actor, “At the age of twelve, Shakur enrolled in Harlem's 127th Street Repertory Ensemble and was cast as the Travis Younger character in the play A Raisin in the Sun, which was performed at the Apollo Theater” (Tupac). Tupac played Travis Younger who was a character who lived in a society where Black-Americans were pushed away and looked down upon, but was able to turn his life around with his family after achieving the dream of living a better life in a better home.  That was very similar to how Tupac grew up. Him playing this role really shows who his true character is and many people appreciate that.Tupac had a huge impact on the theater world by bringing realization to this topic.