You might know him as Tupac, but do you know his real name? In this article, we'll delve deep into the life of one of the most iconic musicians in history and reveal some hidden gems that you may not have known about. From his childhood to his rise to fame, we'll explore what made him such a legend.
Tupac - Who was he?
Tupac Amaru Shakur was an American rapper who rose to fame during the 1990s. He was born on June 16th, 1971 in East Harlem, New York City. He had a difficult childhood; both of his parents were active members of the Black Panther Party and they separated just before he turned two years old. As a result, he grew up moving between different areas with little consistency or stability.
Despite these challenges early on in life, Tupac went on to become one of hip-hop's greatest icons; renowned for hits such as "California Love" and "Dear Mama". But there is so much more depth to this man than meets the eye...
The Definition Of 'Tupac'
Many people think that 'Tupac' has some kind of special meaning behind it when actually it doesn't really mean anything at all! It wasn't until later in life that he added an additional middle name: Amaru - which means "Shining Serpent" in Quechua (an indigenous language spoken across South America).
So What Was His Actual Birth Name?
Drum roll please..., His real birth name was Lesane Parish Crooks! That’s right! According to many reports from various individuals who knew him growing up including neighbors ,they remember him being called by this very factual moniker earlier in life.
It has been said over time that ‘Lesane’ came from Túpac Amaru II; the last indigenous leader of the Inca Rebellion in 1780. This meant that he was given an indirect allusion to Peruvian, Latin American history which may have been intentional as his family had a strong interest in civil rights and racial equality movements.
His Early Life
Though Tupac experienced much turmoil growing up, it wasn't until he moved with his mom to California around 1988 did become serious about rhymes and started calling himself 'MC New York'.
At the age of seventeen, he joined Digital Underground- a hip hop group based in Oakland. They were known for their hit track: "The Humpty Dance". Tupac's first appearance on record came in 1991 when you can hear him rapping alongside them on their single 'Same Song'.
Determined to succeed as a solo artist where he possessed greater control and creative license over material - He signed to Interscope Records just two years later /within half time after making that decision/ with legendary producer Dr Dre taking notice of him not long afterwards.
Fast forward some years later and whoa-lah! He'd become one of Hip Hop's greatest legends!
His Activism And Legacy
Tupac stands out distinctively from most musicians particularly due to his activism especially within African American communities where even till date many racism issues lingers.
He has always held strong opinions regarding police injustice towards BIPOC (Black Indigenous People Of Color) struggling against modern-day oppression before ultimately becoming entangled within legal battles/challenges both criminal controversies whilst being implicated as responsible figure for young people getting involved into inner city violence during early-mid nineties.
It is sad indeed that we lost this talented gem too soon -- Nevertheless, Tupac’s music continues becomes even more significant yearly thanks by the impact made through different generations increasingly introducing themselves newer fans discover flavors found when listening back original releases yet again-- way ahead of his time!
Final Thoughts
Tupac was a truly unique individual - an activist, rapper and hip-hop icon. His dedication to his community as well as moral convictions ultimately resulted in him dying at the young age of 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada due to gun violence.
He remains immortalized till date though for both fans who've grown up on his music and newer generations getting exposed afresh additionally reaffirming how much impact he had during its early days:
Rest In Power Tupac Amaru Shakur!