Tupac Shakur was many things to many people, such as a rapper, actor, poet, and activist in the 80s and 90s that significantly influenced Hip-hop and what it meant to be a rapper. Tupac did not just rap about his desires and wants like many rappers at the time. He rapped about his community, childhood, and the social issues that plagued youths across America. However, he also faced his own share of media scrutiny due to his lyrics, videos, and how he presented himself. Despite the controversy he faced, Tupac was the voice of a generation of people that felt hopeless and ignored; a generation that wanted to be heard.
Various Hip-hop artists constantly aspire to be like Tupac in their lyrics. Many count him as part of their inspiration for becoming a rapper. Tupac is a legend whose influence is timeless and will continue to reach generations. Hopefully Tupac’s biopic can find someone who can channel Tupac’s personality. Below are some of the top 10 songs from Tupac. [Songs contain explicit language].
10. How do you want it ft. KC & Jojo
A song about Tupac having relations with a woman and asking her for her preference.
9. Smile ft. Scarface
A song about the hardships of life but learning to smile through it and keeping a sense of humor.
8. California Love
Tupac always talked about his love of California and this is a song that showcases it. The video gives a movie type of feel.
7. Life goes on
This was a song dedicated to those that Tupac has lost due to violence.
6. Keep ya Head up
This song could honestly make Tupac a feminist. He expressed the importance of truly valuing, cherishing women, and protecting women. He told women to keep their heads up no matter the negativity tossed at them.
5. Brenda’s got a baby
This song was based on a true story about a young girl who was abused and became pregnant, abandoning her baby in a trash can. Tupac stated in a documentary that when he read the story he was taken back and the story brought forth this gem.
4. Hail Mary ft. Outlawz
This song is about a man’s enemies coming back to get him.
3. Hit them up ft. Outlawz
This song was a diss to Biggie at the time the east coast versus west coast animosity was taking root. So you can thank Tupac for beginning the diss records that have become popular.
2. Changes ft. Talent
One of Tupac’s powerful songs about looking around and contemplating what was going on in his community. However he desperately made a call for change to happen. He called for unity and harmony amongst people.
1. Dear Momma
A deep love song dedicated to his mother that raised him and his sister by herself. This song not only showed how much Tupac loved his mother, but how much he knew how she loved him in return. He understood that it wasn’t easy for her, but he appreciated every sacrifice she made him and his sister.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.