It's 18 years since Tupac Shakur was murdered at the tender age of 25 and although his life was tragically cut short, he has left behind a musical and movie legacy, as well as some fabulous Tupac quotes which we can all learn from. In his short life, he achieved so much but it was just a small fraction of his eventual life potential. Who knows what he would have become and what he could have achieved had he not been killed on that September night in 1996. These Tupac quotes show that despite the controversy surrounding him as a person and a performer, he was a wise man indeed.
1 Never Surrender
Some say that Tupac knew his time was up as attempts had been made on his life before he was killed in 1996. His video for the song "I Ain't Mad at Cha" shows him singing from heaven after being shot, making it hauntingly prescient. Many people believe Tupac was killed by people he knew and trusted, but the perpetrators have never been brought to justice and like many untimely deaths in history, conspiracy theories still circulate. This is one of the great Tupac quotes which shows that he believed we need to live life to the full and have no regrets. I truly agree.
Frequently asked questions
2 Don't Believe Everything You Hear
If you're a member of the public eye, you have to contend with rumors and lies and Tupac knew all too well that people would write what they wanted to suit their own agenda. However, the message here is to reserve judgment before making a decision and try to see things for yourself, rather than believing everything you hear or read.
3 Keep Dreaming
Tupac had a dream to become a performer, actor and songwriter and he realized those dreams. Remember to dream your dreams as they're yours to keep, no matter what.
***
Tupac Shakur was an influential figure in the rap and hip-hop scene, with his lyrics and music often reflecting his struggles and successes in life. He was an advocate for civil rights, and his lyrics often spoke out against racism and police brutality. He was also an actor, appearing in films such as Juice and Poetic Justice. He was a poet, writing books such as The Rose That Grew From Concrete and The Rose That Grew From Concrete II. He was tragically shot and killed in 1996, but his legacy lives on. His quote about dreaming is a reminder to never give up on our dreams, no matter what. Tupac's music and words continue to inspire people around the world.
4 Hope
I love this quote and it's true that no matter what might be happening, in the deepest, darkest depths of despair, there is still hope. Today might be tough but you will get through it and tomorrow will be a better day.
5 Keep Your Head up
Tupac was a prolific poet and there is a wonderful collection of the poetry he wrote when he was 19. It's called The Rose that Grew from Concrete and contains heart-felt poetry about his life, his loves and his losses. One of my favorite poems is also called "The Rose that Grew from Concrete," which he says is autobiographical. It's a powerful poem about overcoming adversity. No matter what your beginnings, remember that you can become anything you want to be and no matter what, keep your head up.
***
The Rose that Grew from Concrete stands as a testament to Tupac's resilience and ability to flourish against the odds. His words are a reminder that beauty and strength can emerge from tough conditions. Perseverance and self-belief are at the heart of his message, inspiring readers to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. His poetry reverberates with hope, urging us to rise above our surroundings and to always stay true to ourselves. Tupac's soulful expressions resonate with a universal truth: with determination, we too can blossom in the most unexpected of places.
6 Smile
Tupac wanted peace in the world but he was immersed in conflict and bitter rivalry, which some say is ultimately what killed him. However, people cannot silence or eradicate his words and music from this world. He has left behind an everlasting legacy on screen and through his music, which is bound to inspire many in the years to come. I love this quote because if you're smiling now, you're always smiling because you're always in the now...Or maybe that's just my interpretation.
***
Tupac Shakur's presence continues to be felt, as his smile remains a symbol of resilience amidst adversity. In the face of struggles, his grin spoke of hope and the vitality of staying true to oneself. His legacy teaches us the power of a smile to convey courage and calmness. "It's the courage to raise a smile when you want to cry that counts," could have been his motto. It's about finding joy in the moment, embracing life with a positive attitude, and perhaps, it's that very smile that ignites a light in others too, encouraging them to find strength within themselves.
7 Money
I love this quote about priorities because it's true - Tupac's suggesting we think about what's important to us, and it's compelling, isn't it?
These are just a few quotes by Tupac, who will live on through his music, films and wise words. Which is your favorite Tupac quote?
