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Top 20 Remarkable Facts about Tupac Shakur

*Originally published by Diana C in November 2022, first Updated by Vanessa R. in November 2023, and updated by Kennedy O in Jan 2024

Tupac Shakur was an American rapper and actor. He was also known as 2Pac and Makaveli. His rapping skills were so good that he has sold 75 million albums to date. He is one of the top-selling artists of all time.

Tupac was born on June 16, 1971, in the East Harlem section of Upper Manhattan, New York City. At birth, he was called Lesane Parish Crooks. He was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur at the age of one. Here are the Top 20 Remarkable Facts about Tupac Shakur.

1. His last name means ‘thankful’

Photo by Gringolivier. .

The rapper鈥檚 name descends from the Incas of Peru and the Arabic language. T煤pac Amaru was the last leader of Peru鈥檚 Incan Empire. The name Tupac Amaru translates to 鈥渟hining serpent.鈥� 鈥淪hakur鈥� comes from Arabic origins and means 鈥渢hankful鈥� or 鈥渁ppreciative.鈥�

2. Tupac and Madonna were involved in a romantic relationship

In 2015, Madonna surprised the world when she revealed that she had once dated Tupac Shakur. Speaking about her relationship with Shakur, Madonna said,  鈥淚 was dating Tupac Shakur at the time, and the thing is he got me all riled up on life in general.鈥�

A love letter dated January 15, 1995, at 4:30 a.m. from the rapper to the pop icon also shed light on their relationship. The letter was set to go up for auction at Gotta Have Rock and Roll with a starting bid of $100,000.

3. He was named after the Incan Ruler

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He was named after T煤pac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, who was executed in Peru in 1781 after his failed revolt against Spanish rule.

Shakur’s mother Afeni Shakur explained, “I wanted him to have the name of revolutionary, indigenous people in the world. I wanted him to know he was part of a world culture and not just from a neighborhood.”

4. Tupac studied at the Baltimore School of Arts

Despite many struggles, Tupac’s mother made a conscious effort to enroll him in school.  In tenth grade, Tupac was transferred to the Baltimore School of Arts. Here he studied acting, poetry, jazz, and ballet.

From time to time, he performed in Shakespeare’s plays. He played timeless themes, now seen in gang warfare. He also acted as the Mouse King role in The Nutcracker ballet. It is while in this school that Tupac met and befriended Jada Pinkett. Jada went on to the subject of his numerous poems.

5. His first stage name was MC New York

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In 1989, Tupac began his official music career. This is the year he recorded his first song under the name MC New York. While attending the poetry classes of Leila Steinberg, the two got to each other. Eventually, Steinberg became Tupac’s manager. With much due diligence, she organized a concert for him.

Steinberg was so good at her job to the extent that she managed to have the manager of the rap group Digital Underground, Atron Gregory, sign Tupac. It is through this connection that Tupac the roadie and backup dancer of Underground.

6. He is considered the greatest rapper of all time

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Tupac was a very good rapper. He considered the face and spirit of hip-hop culture. Of him has been spoken, Tupac Shakur is the most influential hip-hop artist of all time.

Even in death, 2Pac remains a transcendental rap figure.” In the 90s, Tupac together with Snoop Dogg were regarded as the two top American rappers. So great was his presence that Fifty Cents said, “Every rapper who grew up in the Nineties owes something to Tupac. He didn’t sound like anyone who came before him.”

7. His mother started a foundation named after him

Tupac’s mother began the Shakur Family Foundation in 1997. It was later renamed the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation or TASF. The mission of the foundation is to “provide training and support for students who aspire to enhance their creative talents.”

The foundation facilitates charity events, essay contests, and undergrad scholarships. A Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, or TASCA, in Stone Mountain, Georgia. However, this institution was closed in 2015.

8. Tupac acted in several films

Photo by Lot Detail. Wikimedia Commons.

In 1992, he starred in Juice. He acted as the fictional Roland Bishop who was a militant. Shakur played a gangster, Birdie, in the 1994 film Above the Rim.

It is said the role Birdie, played by Shakur in the 1994 film Above the Rim, had been modeled after former New York drug dealer Jacques “Haitian Jack” Agnant. This drug dealer managed and promoted rappers. Shakur was introduced to him at a Queens nightclub.

9. He formed the group Thug Life

In 1993, Tupac formed the group Thug Life with Tyrus “Big Syke” Himes, Diron “Macadoshis” Rivers, his stepbrother Mopreme Shakur, and Walter “Rated R” Burns.

Thug Life released its only album, Thug Life: Volume 1, on October 11, 1994, which is certified Gold. It carries the single “Pour Out a Little Liquor”, produced by Johnny “J” Jackson, who would also produce much of Shakur’s album All Eyez on Me. Usually, Thug Life performed live without Tupac.

10. Most of his music addressed the injustice in the society

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Tupac’s songs articulated the travails and injustices endured by many African Americans. His skill in doing so made him a spokesperson not just for his generation but for subsequent ones who continue to face the same struggle for equality.

The lyrics to his songs are not relevant and important but they also reflect the hard lives led by many. His music earned attention and respect through his poetic style that embraced street vocabulary while being innovative.

11. His mother did jail time

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Afeni Shakur, the mother of rapper Tupac Shakur, was a fervent supporter of Black liberation. Before changing her name to Alice Faye Williams, she joined the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s, fighting against racial injustice and police brutality. Her involvement led to constant surveillance and scrutiny from the FBI.

In 1969, she and 20 other Black Panthers were arrested and accused of conspiring to bomb police stations, leading to the Panther 21 trial, which became a pivotal point in the struggle for Black liberation. Afeni and the other defendants were ultimately acquitted of all charges. While incarcerated, Afeni continued to organize and advocate for Black liberation, raising awareness about political prisoners and the injustices faced by Black communities. Tupac’s music, influenced by his mother’s activism, inspired generations of young people to fight for change.

12. He started his career as a backup dancer

Tupac Shakur started his artistic journey in a rather unexpected way鈥攁s a backup dancer. As a teenager, Tupac joined the alternative hip-hop group Digital Underground, initially performing as a roadie and backup dancer. His charismatic stage presence and natural talent for rapping soon caught the attention of the group’s lead singer, Shock G, who encouraged Tupac to showcase his lyrical skills.

13. He liked Irish music 

Tupac Shakur was deeply influenced by Irish music, particularly the soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics of singer-songwriter U2. He found Irish music resonated with his struggles and aspirations, and he also enjoyed traditional Irish musicians and folk singers.

His admiration for Irish music was evident in his artistic expression, where he incorporated elements of Irish musicality into his songs, blending hip-hop rhythms with Celtic influences to create unique music. In a 1995 interview, Tupac praised Irish music as soulful and heartfelt, comparing it to hip-hop, as it told the stories of people’s struggles and joyful memories.

14. He was engaged to Rashida’s sister 

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Tupac Shakur was engaged to Kidada Jones, the older sister of actress Rashida Jones. The couple shared a strong bond and mutual respect when they began their relationship in 1995. Kidada Jones, who is an actress and fashion designer, caught Tupac’s eye with her beauty, intellect, and the obvious fact that they shared a love of the arts. 

Unfortunately, Tupac’s sudden death in 1996 put an end to their love story. Nevertheless, Kidada Jones continued to honor Tupac’s memory through her personal and professional endeavors.

15. His family’s roots extended far beyond the borders of the United States

His family had diverse backgrounds. His mom, Afeni Shakur, was an activist in the Black Panther Party, and his dad, Billy Garland, had roots in Sierra Leone. These family experiences made a big impact on him.

Tupac’s family had their own story as immigrants, facing tough times and achieving success, and they held onto their cultural traditions and values. Tupac believed it was crucial to preserve their culture and understood the challenges immigrants face. He made music and included activism in his lyrics, as he also mixed different kinds of music like hip-hop, jazz, and afrobeat to create his unique style.

16. Tupac Sold Over 75 Million Records Worldwide

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With his profound lyricism and powerful presence, Tupac Shakur created an enduring impression on the music business. Tupac is among the best-selling musicians in history, having sold an astounding 75 million records worldwide. Despite the untimely end to his life in 1996, his legacy lives on. Rap music鈥檚 limitations were broken by Tupac鈥檚 ability to transcend them by fusing unadulterated passion with socially conscious concerns.

鈥淎ll Eyez on Me鈥� and 鈥淢e Against the World,鈥� two of his albums, exhibit a wide variety of narrative techniques and creative ability. Tupac will always be remembered for his ability to express the problems of his generation and provide the marginalized a voice, regardless of the plaudits he received. He is a cultural icon and a musical pathfinder, and his influence endures across time.

17. He Recorded so Much Music Before Dying that He has Released 7 albums Posthumously

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Before his tragic death, Tupac Shakur recorded a large number of works, demonstrating his prodigious artistic ability that endures beyond his lifetime. Tupac has an impressive discography consisting of seven albums, all of which have been published posthumously. Through these posthumous publications, which have continued since he died in 1996, fans have been able to uncover and enjoy new aspects of his creative output. Tupac鈥檚 influence on the music industry is guaranteed by the continuous availability of his unreleased songs, which captivate listeners with the intensity and genius of his recorded legacy.

18. Tupac Survived 5 Bullet Wounds in 1994 when he was robbed and shot in the lobby of a recording studio in New York

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Tupac Shakur had a terrifying experience in 1994 that could have ended his life, but it left a lasting impression on his turbulent life. Tupac showed incredible fortitude in the face of hardship after being robbed and shot five times in the New York recording studio foyer. After being singled out by his attackers and suffering many gunshot wounds, Tupac not only made it through but also came out on top.

His story was defined by this almost catastrophic event, which had an impact on his music and strengthened the raw sincerity of his songs. Tupac demonstrated his undying spirit by transforming his emotional pain into artistic expression. The rapper鈥檚 resolve to overcome obstacles in life and create a lasting legacy in the hip-hop industry was demonstrated by this tragic experience, which only served to heighten the legend surrounding him.

19. He was the 1st Artist to Have an Album Reach number 1 on the Billboard 200 while in Prison

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Hip-hop pioneer Tupac Shakur made history when he became the first musician to have an album debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart while jailed. Tupac鈥檚 1995 single, 鈥淢e Against the World,鈥� shot to the top of the charts despite his captivity, demonstrating the ongoing power of his music and the steadfast devotion of his fans.

Listeners were moved by the album鈥檚 honest, reflective lyrics and moving narrative, which cemented Tupac鈥檚 reputation as a lyrical mastermind. This outstanding achievement demonstrated his creative ability as well as the close relationship he had with his audience. Tupac鈥檚 reputation as a trailblazing figure in the music business was further solidified by his capacity to enthrall audiences even while incarcerated.

20. He Wrote a Screenplay Called Live 2 Tell while in Prison

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Tupac Shakur鈥檚 artistic powerhouse during his prison term included writing a powerful screenplay called 鈥淟ive 2 Tell,鈥� demonstrating his artistic abilities beyond music. Tupac鈥檚 artistic aspirations and dedication to narrative are demonstrated by the screenplay, even if it was never put into production. 鈥淟ive 2 Tell鈥� explored the difficulties faced by people attempting to find forgiveness as well as the intricacies of urban living. Even though Tupac never got around to making a movie out of this screenplay, it鈥檚 still a monument to his creative vision, showing that he wanted to leave a lasting impression on people through a variety of artistic genres.

Why was Tupac Murdered: 5 Facts About His Death

Tupac Shakur鈥檚 murder on September 13, 1996, is still the subject of a great deal of mystery and intrigue, leading to a lot of unanswered questions and conspiracy theories. The Notorious B.I.G., an East Coast rapper, and Tupac, a lyrical genius and significant figure in hip-hop, had a bitter rivalry and turbulent life filled with legal issues, public controversy, and conflict. Many think that his premature death was caused by these disputes, which stem from the intense rivalry between East Coast and West Coast hip-hop artists.

According to some theories, personal conflicts and gang memberships were added to the volatile mix. The circumstances surrounding Tupac鈥檚 murder are still unknown despite numerous investigations, which feed into continuing discussions regarding the perpetrators and their motivations. The public鈥檚 fascination with the terrible death of this legendary singer never goes away, creating a lasting hole in the music industry and igniting discussions about the less glamorous aspects of the entertainment business.

Here are 5 facts about Tupac Shakur鈥檚 death:

1. Tupac was Shot in a Drive-by Shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada

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Tupac Shakur was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the tragic night of September 7, 1996. After opening fire, the attackers struck Tupac four times, seriously wounding him. Tupac鈥檚 fortitude allowed him to survive the attack despite its brutality, but his wounds would later become fatal. Tupac鈥檚 tragic death is a somber episode in the annals of hip-hop history because of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the enigmatic events preceding his murder, which have spurred decades of speculation and conspiracy theories.

2. He was leaving the Mike Tyson vs Bruce Seldon Boxing Match

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After leaving the September 7, 1996, boxing contest between Mike Tyson and Bruce Seldon, Tupac Shakur and his group were thrown into a terrible series of events. A drive-by shooting that targeted Tupac occurred as they were leaving the Las Vegas venue. After being struck four times, the occurrence left a bleak trace throughout the evening, associating his name with a violent episode that would come to define the story of his life and tragic demise.

3. Tupac was Shot as He Rode in the Passenger Seat of a BMW Driven by Suge Knight

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While Tupac Shakur was riding in the passenger seat of a BMW driven by Suge Knight on that fateful September 7, 1996, night, his life tragically changed. A barrage of gunshots broke up the peaceful evening when Tupac was hit many times while the car had stopped at a red light in Las Vegas. By permanently entwining Tupac鈥檚 legacy with the enigmatic circumstances surrounding his premature death and the unanswered mysteries that remain, the drive-by shooting altered the trajectory of hip-hop history.

4. Tupac was Hit in the Hand, Pelvis, and Chest with 1 Bullet Puncturing his Lung

Tupac Shakur was hit in the hand, pelvis, and chest by a flurry of bullets during the chaotic drive-by shooting on that fateful night in 1996. One of the more serious wounds was a puncture to his right lung. The legendary rapper suffered severe physical damage, and the injuries he received in that terrible incident would eventually prove to be lethal. Tupac鈥檚 fortitude in the face of such severe injury is still a chilling reminder of the mystery surrounding his life and premature demise.

5. He Died 6 Days after the Shooting Incident at the Age of 25

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At the young age of 25, Tupac Shakur passed away from his injuries six days after the drive-by shooting that rocked the music industry. His turbulent journey came to an unfortunate end against the backdrop of the University Medical Centre of Southern Nevada. Tupac鈥檚 unwavering will to live did not help him overcome the severity of his wounds. His ashes were dispersed throughout Los Angeles, his final resting place being scattered in the City of Angels, leaving a lasting vacuum in the hip-hop scene.

Tupac Shakur’s life might have been cut short prematurely by unknown people, but his legacy still lives on with his influence in the music scene being clear. His family is still hoping for justice as the case seems to be heading in the right direction after his suspected killer’s recent arrest.