Perhaps there is no artist in hip hop that is more legendary than actor, rapper, activist and much more then Tupac Shakur. Well over 2 decades after his passing, Tupac continues to live on through his music and movies and he is continuously celebrated, not only in the hip hop culture, but through different mediums as well.
Though much is known and unknown about Tupac, we put together 10 things about Tupac you may not know.
Without further ado, let’s get into 10 things about Tupac you may not know.
1O) TUPAC’S FAVORITE BOOK
Tupac’s favorite book was “The Art of War“: He was an avid reader and admired Sun Tzu’s ancient military treatise, “The Art of War.” Tupac found inspiration in its strategic principles and often incorporated its ideas into his own philosophy and approach to life.
9) OVER 150 SONGS IN ONE YEAR
Tupac recorded over 150 songs in the year before his death: Known for his prolific output, Shakur was incredibly dedicated to his craft. In the year leading up to his untimely death in 1996, he recorded an astounding number of songs, contributing to his lasting legacy in the music industry.
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8) ORIGIN OF HIS NAMING
He was named after an Incan emperor: Tupac Amaru II was an 18th-century Incan revolutionary leader who fought against Spanish colonization. Tupac Shakur’s mother, Afeni Shakur, named him after this historical figure as a tribute to his revolutionary spirit. The name “Shakur” means “thankful to God” in Arabic.
7) A POET
Tupac was an accomplished poet: In addition to his musical talents, Shakur had a deep appreciation for poetry. He wrote numerous poems throughout his life, many of which were published posthumously in the book “The Rose That Grew from Concrete.”
6) ACTING FOUNDATION
Tupac Shakur had ambitions to become an actor and enrolled in the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied acting, poetry, jazz, and ballet. His love for the arts extended beyond music. While attending the Baltimore School for the Arts, Tupac landed roles in various stage productions, including playing the character of Travis in a local production of August Wilson’s play “A Raisin in the Sun.”
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5) LOVE FOR THEATER
He starred in multiple Shakespearean plays: Tupac’s love for theater extended to classical works. He appeared in productions of Shakespeare’s plays, including “Romeo and Juliet” and “Julius Caesar” during his time at the Baltimore School for the Arts.
4) TUPAC AND JADA PINKETT SMITH
He had a close friendship with actress Jada Pinkett Smith: Tupac and Jada Pinkett Smith attended the Baltimore School for the Arts together and formed a lifelong friendship. Their bond was so strong that Pinkett Smith considered him her “best friend” and wrote a tribute to him after his death.
3) FOREST GUMP
He auditioned for the role of Bubba in the film “Forrest Gump“: Tupac auditioned for the role of Bubba, Forrest Gump’s friend, in the iconic movie starring Tom Hanks. However, he was not cast in the role, which eventually went to actor Mykelti Williamson.
2) JIM CARREY
He was a fan of Jim Carrey: Despite being known for his serious and intense persona, Tupac was a fan of comedic actor Jim Carrey. He expressed admiration for Carrey’s talent and even referenced him in interviews, showcasing his appreciation for a different style of entertainment.
1) ACTIVIST & PHILANTHROPIST
Tupac was an activist and philanthropist: Beyond his artistic pursuits, Shakur was dedicated to social justice causes. He was vocal about issues such as police brutality, poverty, and inequality. He established the Shakur Family Foundation, which aimed to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth.
CONCLUSION
And as always we like to close with a saying, quote or adage and today’s is from Tupac: DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO MAKE IT AROUND THE SYSTEM, OVER THE SYSTEM OR OUT THE SYSTEM.
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Now, go forth and change the game!