Tupac Shakur

alan · Apr 30, 2008

I know tupac is a cliche answer when it comes to rap music, but:

1- I usually hate rap. Im a metal fan.
2- I like most of Tupac's songs.

And i didnt at first, so its not like i was brainwashed by MTV into it.

Ive tried to get into others, fram Jay Z, Nas, Mos Def, etc....... But i just find a sort of intensity and rawness in Tupacs songs, whatever theyre about, that i dont find in others.

Sure they may have better lyrics, but the delivery never captures me. Something about the way Tupac raps makes me connect. And no i dont identify with neither his views nor experiences.

Is this only me? Is tupac different? Any recommendations?

Coho · Apr 30, 2008

Tupac is certainly different. It gets better when you listen to tupac as you commute on a public bus, full of people that society spits on.

Eminem is also a mainstream rapper that touches me with some of his lyrics. My favorite song from him is "Rock Bottom"

That's Rock Bottom
When this life makes you mad enough to kill
That's Rock Bottom
When you want something bad enough to steal
That's Rock Bottom
When you feel you have had it up to here
Cause you mad enough to scream but you sad enough to tear

Most of us have hit rock bottom and this guy articulates the feeling and drama like no other poets.

Fade to Black · Apr 30, 2008

Eminem was close to genius but never expressed his ideas to his full potential in the form of a cohesive album, even though they're sprinkled with moments of brilliance. Has pretty much turned into a mess, a parody of himself in his more recent work.

Pac, however was productive enough to have released more than a handful of memorable material. His songs really speak to me, even though I may not relate to his exact lifestyle, I admire his sincerity and intention that comes through from his voice and lyrics. Probably my favorite rapper ever along with Jay-Z.

this thread has inspired me to go listen to "**** All Y'all"...very slept on classic. "I thought I had friends, but I ain't got no friends...**** all y'all"

thetieguy · Apr 30, 2008

Tupac was at his height when I was in highschool and passed away during those days as well. I thought his music was amazing. He could be hard in some songs and speak about social issues like he did in Brendas got a baby. His music is timeless. I always used to listen to "Me against the world" before every race I ran. It always got me pumped up.

Fade to Black · Apr 30, 2008

MATW is probably his best officially released album...either that or 7 Day Theory. AEOM is good but a bit uneven, however some of his best work is on there.

Homme · Apr 30, 2008

Listened to him alot when i was younger (6 -7 years ago), probably the first "real" rapper i got into. Haven't in a long time. Favourite songs were "I get around", "Never had a friend like me", "I got my mind made up" and "Do for Love".

The Deacon · Apr 30, 2008

...and to think he was once just a roadie for Digital Underground.

Southern-Nupe · Apr 30, 2008

Originally Posted by The Deacon

...and to think he was once just a roadie for Digital Underground.
Dang man....I loved his lines on Digital Undergrounds "Same Song" (that's originally what put me on to him).

to the OP,
you should also check out some of his poetry as well, outside of the misinterpreted "thuggish" persona....the man was quite emotional and deep.

DNW · Apr 30, 2008

Personally, I put Tupac on the same level as Bob Marley, albeit with slightly different messages, in that I'll listen to his music until I'm old and gray.

montecristo#4 · Apr 30, 2008

The only other material that can touch Tupac at his best is off of Doggystyle and The Chronic.

Tupac was a pretty decent actor, too.

gamelan · Apr 30, 2008

also a big fan of metal (old school Slayer and Metallica) and am a big Tupac fan.

-Jeff

Southern-Nupe · Apr 30, 2008

Originally Posted by montecristo#4

The only other material that can touch Tupac at his best is off of Doggystyle and The Chronic.

Tupac was a pretty decent actor, too.
MC#4,

You surprise me, I didn't know you were a fan of the semi old-school hip-hop?

DarknWorm,

I never thought about it before, but that's not a bad comparison.

Fade to Black · Apr 30, 2008

Doggystyle is my favorite hip hop album, possibly favorite album ever, period. I think sonically it surpasses The Chronic, and then you had Snoop at his peak (I don't think he ever spit this well ever again...'Think About It' off Blue Carpet Treatment came close though) for a whole album rather than a bunch of guests fading in and out.

And even though it's on the out of print version, "Gz Up Hoez Down" has got to be one of the smoothest songs ever...best use of that Isaac Hayes sample in hip hop.

hi-val · Apr 30, 2008

1. Go here: http://www.myspace.com/ratatatmusic 2. Listen to their remix of Biggie Smalls' "Party and Bullshit" 3. Enjoy your introduction to the other half of Tupac-era rap. I think part of what made Tupac a success was that he understood flow and beats at a level that few other people did at the time. He also had Dre making the beats; going back and listening to other rap around at the time, most of it is dated by really bad beats. Nas is chronically plagued by this, which is a bummer, because if you like Tupac, he's worth listening to. But if you're looking for intensity, Biggie Smalls and some of Old Dirty Bastard's tracks are worth checking out. I happen to like really intense rap over laid-back stuff (sorry snoop).

The Deacon · May 1, 2008

Southern-Nupe;1033024 said:
Dang man....I loved his lines on Digital Undergrounds "Same ole Song" (that's originally what put me on to him).

"All around the world (for the fonk/same song)!
(Garry Shider/Tupac)

Tupac Shakur

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