The legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur is immeasurable. The man, best known by his main stage name of 2Pac, was born June 16, 1971 and died September 13, 1996. The details of his murder are shrouded in mystery and conspiracy, and many contend that he is still alive today. However, no one can confirm this claim as truth. What is quite evident, however, is the resounding and vast impact of the art of 2Pac. During his short time on earth, his career consisted of many titles, including—social activist, actor, and poet—but most of all, he was a rapper. His music, which certainly defined his life and his life’s work, lives on. Anyone familiar with American popular culture since the 1990s should know that he was an eminent recording artist. His lyrics, like poems, rang true for fans while his songs were being spun consistently on the radio while he was alive in the early 90s. Amazingly, though, these same songs appear prominently on the IPod playlists of any music enthusiast (or true hip-hop fan) today. Much of his music has been cited as being violent and misogynistic. This is consistent with the “thug” or “gangster” image 2Pac put forth at times during his career. The implications of this facet of 2Pac’s music are up for debate. However, many critics have failed to credit 2Pac for much of the positive cultural work that he did with his songs.
Changes, Keep Ya Head Up, and I Ain't Mad at Cha are shining examples of inspiring and political 2Pac songs. These songs were written, recorded, and performed by 2Pac who had a passion for music, an individual voice, and an opinion about U.S. society and people. He sought to not only express his personal views, but also to give voice to many of his fans and listeners who could relate. The lyrical content of these particular songs made harsh criticisms of the U.S. government, but also advocated inclusion, acceptance, and positivity among Americans who have traditionally been marginalized. These materials affected listeners’ understanding and views because these songs expressed a popular, dissident concern about the government while at the same time encouraged listeners to have fortitude and progress from their situations. Particularly unique is the lasting effect of these 2Pac songs. The meaning behind the words resonates to this day, solidifying 2Pac’s immense cultural impact.
It has often been said by critics that 2Pac was the prototype for the thug, criminal, gangster rapper commonplace within the realm of hip-hop and rap in the 1990s. This was because many of the lyrics from his songs were interpreted as promoting such a lifestyle. However, many people fail to note that oftentimes 2Pac used lyrics to satirize this way of life. He also specifically denounced violence and his manner of living, in an effort to warn listeners of his mistakes so they would not experience the same grievances. In an article entitled “Tupac Shakur: Understanding the Identity Formation of Hyper-Masculinity of a Popular Hip-Hop Artist,” found in Black Scholar by Derek Iwamoto, the writer quotes one scholar asserts that critics have largely ignored:
any positive influence of rap music and have focused solely on the violent content of some rap and on the negative and harmful influences these lyrics may have...the press has focused primarily on rap music being harmful to society and being responsible for increased rates of murder and violent crime. (Fried, 1999, pg. 706)
This paper will steer from chastising 2Pac for his lyrical “faults,” and instead it will focus on the positive cultural work that he did with a number of his songs. A couple of examples will be given to illustrate the argument that 2Pac made cultural claims about American society in regards to government and inclusion.
According to Wikipedia, the song “Changes” was recorded and remixed between 1995 and 1996. It topped the music charts all over the world, making it one of his most popular songs. It was #1 in the Netherlands and Norway. “Changes” was released posthumously on the album Greatest Hits. It discusses issues such as “racism, police brutality, drugs, gang violence, and the prospect of a black president.” The track samples “The Way It Is” (1986) by Bruce Hornsby and the Range. “Changes” was nominated at the Grammy Awards of 200 for Best Rap Solo Performance. Because of the success of the song, it can be assumed that it was meant for a wide and diverse audience. Even though the song addresses pertinent issues for the people of the United States, apparently, citizens of other nations related to the lyrical content and propelled the song to success. 2Pac’s purpose was most likely to voice concerns of the lingering problems that have festered for many in America even since the end of the Civil Rights Movement. Although the song calls attention to many flaw within society and government, he still urges listeners to take action and to be accountable for themselves and their own success.
“Changes” is not just antiestablishment for the sake of criticizing American culture; it also inspires listeners to do better. It was a unique cultural representation of the American nation. “Changes” is loaded with lyrics that support such an argument:
Cops give a damn about a negropull the trigger kill a nigga he's a hero
Give the crack to the kids who the hell caresone less hungry mouth on the welfare
First ship 'em dope & let 'em deal the brothers
give 'em guns step back watch 'em kill each other
With this section of the lyrics, 2Pac asserts that police authorities do not care very much about African-Americans. It is important to note that 2Pac refers to these nameless African-Americans as “negro” and “nigga.” This is to perpetuate for listeners the idea that these pejorative terms are what police officers use to refer to Black people. 2Pac makes note of situations when police officers are venerated just for killing someone, regardless of the crime, and perhaps because of the race of the victim. This is an obvious address to the government. When 2Pac refers to the distribution of crack to kids, he is referring to the government as the provider. One popular theory is that crack—a strong, addictive, and dangerous drug—was created from cocaine by the government in an effort to subdue minorities and the poor. 2Pac adopts the attitude of a government official or even a typical nonchalant or hateful U.S. citizen. He says they don’t care if youth are on drugs because they will eventually die and no longer be in need of assistance from the U.S. government welfare program. Many Americans are against the idea of welfare, or what they claim is “free money” for the lazy, greedy, and/or minority communities. 2Pac even goes so far as to assert that the government fails to regulate the distribution of weaponry. He even claims that the government dispenses these (perhaps illegal) guns to the ghetto population, in hopes that the inhabitants might take care of their own problem and kill each other. Such lyrics entered into the ongoing conversation about government and inclusion in a radical way. Serious issues and allegations, such as widely discussed conspiracy theories, are voiced in this song. Listeners might be relieved to hear their somewhat secret concerns finally addressed on a national, global, and mainstream level by 2Pac. Another segment of lyrics from this song goes as follows:
And still I see no changes can't a brother get a little peace
It's war on the streets & the war in the Middle East
Instead of war on poverty they got a war on drugs
so the police can bother me
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