didn't think much of rap music as I was growing up. When I watched TRL after school, if a rap music video came on it meant bathroom/water break before a Britney or Christina video started. It wasn’t until college that I finally began developing my infatuation with the rap genre. I just love clever lyrics and when it’s delivered with good rhythm and over great beats, ah I can’t get enough. Some girls say that a guy with an accent makes him 20 times sexier, for me it’s a guy who can rap well.There are many rappers that have my heart, but I always find myself going back to my first love, Tupac Amaru Shakur. If only he was still with us, I’m sure he would have matured and channeled more of his anger into solving the social problems he was always preaching about. He didn’t advertise this about himself, but he was always trying to find ways to help those still in poverty. He could have just been partying, (I'm not denying that he didn’t still do a lot of that) but he also would invite homeless people to stay at his mansions. Tupac would take people in and use his money to help. It's pretty rare for celebrities to do that these days without hoping to get lots of press in return. So many of the current rap stars use their personal stories of living in poverty to rise out but then never look back or help their old neighborhoods unless their PR manager tells them to.
Maybe I’ve watch too many documentaries about him, but he was something different. Not just as a rapper, but as a person. So intelligent, so passionate, so good hearted. Yes, he had his demons, yes this led him to medicate with Hennessey/marijuana mixed with bouts of youthful anger and bitterness, but he had so much to say of real substance.
At the height of his fame he could have just sat back and enjoyed his money and power. Instead he continued to burden himself with the problems of the world. Tupac wanted to change things, not just personally gain. I really admire anyone who is at the top and still remembers the everyday problems of those below.
I think if he hadn’t died so young he would have grown up to be like Malcolm X was later in life (without the Islam aspect). An intelligent and passionate man who wasn’t satisfied with the status quo, who strove to make his society a better place. Side note- Malcolm X is another love of mine. Anyone who teaches themselves how to read in prison by going through the entire dictionary, at the very least should have respect for that impressive feat.
No matter what I say I think Tupac does a better job of explaining himself, so here are some videos...
17 year old Tupac is adorable! After ~6 minutes he starts talking about his respect for the ladies. I encourage you, if you have time, to watch all parts of the interview. He’s super cute and such an idealist. A lot of the interview is devoted to how much he loves his mom and all that she’s taught him (if this song didn’t already explain it enough for you http://youtu.be/JNcloTmvTeA). I love boys who come from strong mothers, so he’s got that going for him in my book too. I love the whole interview, but at least enjoy this section.
Here is one of my favorite Tupac songs. Later in life he was still a feminist at heart.
More about what he thinks about issues, not just money, drugs, and hos like so much rap today.
I could easily post 20 more songs and interviews, but everyone already knows Tupac. I will end with a classic, which also happens to be what first led me to fall in love with him.
