Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur was a person greatly admired for his representation and effect on urban lifestyle in America. A beloved idol, hero, and superstar to a vast majority of people, yet one of the most demonized public figures in the late twentieth century. In this abstract, I explore how the cultural and political elements of American Marxism, post-civil rights animosity, and the expression of hip-hop culture created a perfect storm for Tupac Shakur to become a seemingly unreplicable icon and a pioneer of modern intellectualism and discussion through hip hop.

In the analysis of his social agenda, I will argue that the textual influences of his youth told in Michael Eric Dyson’s Holler if You Hear Me combined with the intellectual influences of his mother’s association the Black Panther Party helped influence his message in the studios. The political past that influences his upbringing represent not only his choice but a specific direction chosen for him by the intentions of his surroundings. Perhaps the reason Tupac has the power to connect to such a large mass of people is because of the specific needs and concerns of the oppressed were wanting to be heard. In a sense, Tupac became a vessel for the emotions and ambitions of the people who up until that point could not express themselves in an effective way.

Part of legacy of Shakur is the image of dominance and authority who doesn’t just fight for social equality and justice, but has already taken it. Through his raps, he represents the sense of superiority that people long for. The image appeals to the people who have a feeling birthed from lifetimes of oppression. Even then, his words are crafted in such a way that it captures the imagination of listeners so that anyone can relate to the feeling of being powerless. He taps into the deeply rooted feelings that allow his words to echo for so long even after the artist’s death.