2Pac

Tupac Amaru Shakur (born Lesane Parish Crooks; June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), known professionally as 2Pac and later as Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most influential and successful rappers of all time and as a prominent political and cultural figure in late 20th-century America. Shakur sold more than 75 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in history. His work often addressed themes of social injustice, inequality, and the struggles of African Americans, while also embodying the aggression and storytelling associated with gangsta rap.

Born in New York City to Black Panther Party members, Shakur was raised primarily by his mother, Afeni Shakur. In 1988, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he began his music career. His debut album, "2Pacalypse Now" (1991), established him as an important voice in West Coast hip-hop with politically charged lyrics. He gained further acclaim with "Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..." (1993) and "Me Against the World" (1995). His 1996 album "All Eyez on Me," the first double album in hip-hop history, achieved Diamond certification and included two Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, "California Love" and "How Do U Want It." Alongside his solo career, Shakur formed the group Thug Life and collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and the Outlawz.

As an actor, Shakur appeared in several films, including "Juice" (1992), "Poetic Justice" (1993), "Above the Rim" (1994), "Bullet" (1996), "Gridlock’d" (1997), and "Gang Related" (1997). His later years were marked by legal troubles and involvement in the East Coast–West Coast hip-hop rivalry. He served eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges before being released on appeal in 1995. After signing to Death Row Records, owned by Marion "Suge" Knight, Shakur became a central figure in the feud, notably with his former friend the Notorious B.I.G.

On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times in a drive-by shooting in Paradise, Nevada. He died six days later at the age of 25. His murder remains unsolved, and speculation about the circumstances of his death has persisted. The Notorious B.I.G. was killed in a similar shooting six months later in Los Angeles.

Following his death, Shakur’s influence continued through posthumous releases, including "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" (1996), issued under the name Makaveli, and "Greatest Hits" (1998), which was certified Diamond in the United States. Several other posthumous albums have achieved multi-platinum status.

Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, his first year of eligibility. In 2023, he received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His life and work have been the subject of extensive academic and cultural analysis, focusing on his impact on music, race, and social activism.

Studio albums 2Pacalypse Now (1991) Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) Me Against the World (1995) All Eyez on Me (1996)

Posthumous studio albums The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996) (as Makaveli) R U Still Down? (Remember Me) (1997) Until the End of Time (2001) Better Dayz (2002) Loyal to the Game (2004) Pac's Life (2006)