Tupac Shakur
In 1995, while incarcerated, Tupac Shakur saw 'Me Against the World' debut at number one on the Billboard 200, a first for a jailed artist. The following year, 'All Eyez on Me' and 'California Love' cemented him as the most magnetic and influential rapper of his era.
A Political Upbringing
Tupac Amaru Shakur was born in 1971 in East Harlem to a mother active in the Black Panther Party. He trained in acting and poetry before launching a rap career.
Voice of a Generation
Across albums like 'Me Against the World' and 'All Eyez on Me,' Tupac combined raw street narratives with social commentary and vulnerability, becoming one of hip-hop's most compelling artists.
Tragic End, Lasting Impact
Shakur was fatally shot in a Las Vegas drive-by in 1996 at age 25; the case remains unsolved. He sold over 75 million records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Career Timeline
- 1971Born June 16 in East Harlem, New York
- 1991Debut album '2Pacalypse Now' released
- 1992Acts in film 'Juice'
- 1993'Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z...' released
- 1993Stars opposite Janet Jackson in 'Poetic Justice'
- 1995'Me Against the World' debuts at number one
- 1995Signs with Death Row Records
- 1996Double album 'All Eyez on Me' released
- 1996'California Love' tops the Hot 100
- 1996Dies September 13 in Las Vegas, aged 25
- 2017Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- 'Me Against the World' made him the first artist to have a number one album while serving a prison sentence.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, his first year of eligibility.
Portrait: Unknown author · Public Domain · via Wikimedia Commons