Tupack Shakur American musician, gangsta rap pioneer, actor, producer Date of Birth: 16.06.1971 Country: USA

1. Birth and Early Life
2. Move to Baltimore and Artistic Awakening
3. California Years and Drug Dealing
4. Solo Success and Acting Career
5. Notorious B.I.G. and East Coast-West Coast Rivalry
6. Incarceration and Release
7. Death and Legacy

Birth and Early Life

Tupac Shakur, born Lesane Parish Crooks on June 16, 1971, in New York City, was an American musician who emerged as a pioneer of gangsta rap. His mother, Afeni Shakur, a member of the Black Panther Party, was incarcerated for bombing charges while pregnant with him.

Move to Baltimore and Artistic Awakening

In 1986, the Shakur family relocated to Baltimore, where Tupac attended the Baltimore School for the Arts. It was here that he began writing his first raps under the alias MC "New York."

California Years and Drug Dealing

In June 1988, the family moved to Marin City, California, a suburb of San Francisco. Tupac initially sold drugs with his neighbor before joining the rap group Digital Underground in 1990 as a roadie, dancer, and rapper.

Solo Success and Acting Career

Tupac's debut solo album, "2Pacalypse Now," launched his solo career in 1991. He expanded into acting the following year with his role in "Juice" (1992). His second film, "Poetic Justice" (1993), featured Janet Jackson.

Notorious B.I.G. and East Coast-West Coast Rivalry

In November 1994, Tupac was charged with rape in New York City, and he was shot five times in a robbery attempt after leaving a recording studio. He implicated Christopher Wallace (aka Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls) in the shooting, escalating tensions between East Coast and West Coast rappers.

Incarceration and Release

Despite these setbacks, Tupac's acclaimed album "Me Against The World" sold millions. However, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in February 1995. After several months, he married his longtime girlfriend, Keisha Morris, and was eventually released on bail in October.

Death and Legacy

Tupac Shakur was fatally shot in March 1996, in Las Vegas. His murder remains unsolved, and he continues to be revered as one of the most influential and controversial figures in hip-hop history.