2Pac (Tupac Shakur): Rapper Bio
Tupac Amaru Shakur — born June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York — is one of the most commercially successful and arguably the most culturally significant rappers of all time. Known as 2Pac or Makaveli, he released four studio albums in his lifetime — plus the posthumous Makaveli record — across a career that lasted only five years before his murder in Las Vegas on September 13, 1996. Nearly thirty years after his death, he remains one of the best-selling rap artists in history, with over 75 million records sold worldwide.
Early Life
Born to a Black Panther activist mother, Afeni Shakur, Tupac spent his early years in New York and Baltimore before relocating to Marin City, California as a teenager. He attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied acting, poetry, and dance — influences that shaped the emotional depth and theatrical range he would bring to his music. He moved to the Bay Area and began rapping as part of the Digital Underground before launching his solo career.
Career Overview
2Pacalypse Now (1991) announced a raw, politically charged voice. Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. (1993) broke him into the mainstream. Me Against the World (1995), released while he was incarcerated on a sexual assault conviction, debuted at #1 — making him the first artist to top the chart while imprisoned — and became his most critically admired album. After signing to Death Row Records following his release from prison, he released All Eyez on Me (1996) — a double album certified Diamond (10× Platinum). He was shot four times in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996 and died six days later. He was 25 years old.
Discography
| Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 2Pacalypse Now | Debut; politically charged |
| 1993 | Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. | Major breakthrough; Platinum |
| 1995 | Me Against the World | #1 album; released while imprisoned |
| 1996 | All Eyez on Me | Death Row debut; Diamond (10× Platinum) |
| 1996 | The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (as Makaveli) | Released posthumously; recorded in 3 days |
Legacy & Impact
Tupac Shakur's influence extends far beyond rap. He was an actor, a poet, and a cultural symbol who spoke directly to the experience of Black Americans with an emotional honesty and urgency that has never been surpassed. Decades after his death, he is still charting, still being cited by artists across every genre, and still the subject of films, documentaries, and academic study.
FAQ
How did 2Pac die?
Tupac Shakur was shot four times in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996 while leaving the Mike Tyson vs. Bruce Seldon boxing match. He died six days later on September 13, 1996. His murder remains officially unsolved.
How many albums did 2Pac release?
Four studio albums during his lifetime; a fifth, as Makaveli, arrived weeks after his death, followed by numerous other posthumous releases.
What is 2Pac's best album?
Me Against the World (1995) is most critically admired. All Eyez on Me (1996) is his biggest seller.
How many records has 2Pac sold?
Over 75 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling rap artists of all time.