Tupac Shakur

Lesane Parish Crooks was born in New York City, New York on June 16, 1971. His mother, Afeni Shakur changed his name in 1975 to Tupac Amaru which means "shining serpent" in the Inca language, and Shakur, Arabic for "thankful to God."

Early in his life, he moved to Baltimore, MD, where he attended The Baltimore School for the Performing Arts. His move to Oakland, California soon put him; "with the wrong crowd", he often acknowledged.

He was frequently called; 2Pac, and Pac. In his later life he took on the name, Makaveli. He was a poet, lyricist, rapper, MC, actor, producer, and screenwriter.

As a member of the group, "digital underground", Tupac's career began. Just as the group became award winners, Shakur released his first album, "2pacalypes Now", which was a great success.

While maintaining a "thug" composure, Tupac also radiated a cultural consciousness that made him easily adaptable to young and old alike. His talents also landed him in motion pictures where he was an outstanding screen-performer.

“Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight
Why am I trying to see, when there aint nothing in sight
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
someone tell me y”

http://www.tasf.org/

~Tupac Amaru Shakur (1971-1996)