2Pac

Tupac Amaru Shakur, known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper, actor, and cultural icon. Born in 1971 in New York City to activist parents, he became one of the most influential and bestselling artists of the 20th century, with over 75 million records sold worldwide. Tupac’s early work tackled issues like social injustice and the struggles faced by Black Americans, while his later music embraced the raw energy of gangsta rap. After moving to the Bay Area, he released his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, earning recognition for his politically charged lyrics. He reached greater heights with albums such as Strictly 4 My N I G G A Z and Me Against the World, and his landmark double album All Eyez on Me produced major hits like California Love and How Do U Want It. Tupac also formed the group Thug Life and worked closely with artists including Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, and the Outlawz. Alongside his music, Tupac starred in several films, including Juice, Poetic Justice, and Above the Rim. His life was marked by personal and legal turmoil, including time in prison and involvement in the infamous East Coast West Coast hip-hop rivalry. In 1996, Tupac was fatally shot in Las Vegas at the age of 25. After his death, Tupac’s legacy grew, with multiple posthumous albums achieving multi-platinum sales and critical acclaim. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and continues to influence music, art, and activism worldwide.