Tupac Shakur, also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was a seminal figure in hip-hop and a cultural icon whose music and persona have had a profound impact on generations. Born in 1971 in New York City and raised in a family deeply involved in the Black Panther movement, Tupac's art was heavily influenced by his upbringing, reflecting themes of inequality, racism, and violence, but also hope, resilience, and the struggle for a better life. His career was marked by both critical and commercial success, featuring albums like "All Eyez on Me" and songs such as "Dear Mama" and "Changes," which have left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Tupac's life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas in 1996 at the age of 25.
❝I know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing. Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep ya head up, and handle it.❞ — Tupac Shakur
Tupac was known for his intelligence, articulated through his insightful and poetically charged lyrics. He was an avid reader, known to have read a wide array of books on topics ranging from philosophy, history, culture, and spirituality to art and science fiction. His reading informed his worldview and lyrics, which often explored themes of existential angst, societal issues, and human psychology. Books such as "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu, "The Prince" by Machiavelli, and various works by Maya Angelou and William Shakespeare were known to have influenced him deeply, as they helped shape his understanding of power, life, and artistry.
Tupac Shakur's Favorite Books
Last Updated: July 2024
James Baldwin: The Legacy
Author: jAMES bALDWIN
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Date: Mar 1st, 1990
This compilation of Baldwin's works, letters, and interviews celebrates the enduring influence and profound insights of the acclaimed writer and social critic.
Life as Carola: A Far Memory Book
Author: Joan Grant
Publisher: Dawn Chorus Press
Date: Jan 11th, 2010
Grant recounts her vivid past-life memories as Carola, an Englishwoman in 16th-century Italy, exploring themes of reincarnation, historical adventure, and spiritual growth.
Still I Rise
Author: Maya Angelou
Publisher: Random House
Date: Aug 7th, 2001
This powerful poem by Maya Angelou celebrates resilience and defiance in the face of oppression, capturing the strength and spirit of the human soul.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Publisher: Harper
Date: Jun 24th, 2003
Gabriel García Márquez's epic novel chronicles the rise and fall of the Buendía family in the mythical town of Macondo, blending magical realism with a poignant commentary on the solitude and the vicissitudes of human nature.
The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing
Author: Mark Bricklin
Publisher: St Martins Pr
Date: Oct 18th, 1983
Bricklin's encyclopedia provides a thorough guide to natural healing methods, including herbal remedies, nutrition, and holistic practices, aimed at promoting overall health and well-being.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
Publisher: Random House
Date: Mar 5th, 2002
Angelou's acclaimed autobiography recounts her early years, overcoming trauma and adversity, and finding her voice through literature and strength of character, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
Black Sister: Poetry by Black American Women
Author: Erlene Stetson
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Date: Dec 1st, 1981
This anthology showcases the powerful and diverse voices of Black American women poets, capturing their experiences, struggles, and triumphs through evocative and poignant verse.
The Destiny of the Nations
Author: Alice A. Bailey
Publisher: Lucis Pub
Date: Dec 1st, 1987
Bailey's esoteric work explores the spiritual and astrological factors influencing the destinies of nations, offering insights into their roles in the broader evolution of humanity.
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The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety
Author: Alan Watts
Publisher: Vintage Books
Date: Feb 8th, 2011
Watts explores the nature of insecurity and the human tendency to seek stability, offering a philosophical perspective that encourages embracing the present moment and accepting life's inherent uncertainties.
No Disrespect
Author: Sister Souljah
Publisher: Crown
Date: Dec 27th, 1994
Sister Souljah's memoir and essay collection provides a candid exploration of her life, activism, and the challenges facing African American communities, blending personal narrative with social commentary.
The Screenwriter's Workbook: Exercises and Step-by-Step Instruction for Creating a Successful Screenplay
Author: Syd Field
Publisher: Dell
Date: Aug 1st, 1988
Field provides practical exercises and detailed guidance for aspiring screenwriters, helping them develop their ideas into structured and compelling screenplays.
I Shall Not Be Moved
Author: Maya Angelou
Publisher: Random House Inc
Date: May 1st, 1990
This collection of poems by Maya Angelou addresses themes of resilience, love, and the enduring human spirit, showcasing her powerful voice and lyrical prowess.
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Brave New World
Author: Aldous Huxley
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Date: Jul 5th, 2005
Set in a dystopian future where individuals are systematically controlled and conditioned for roles in a totalitarian society, Huxley’s novel critiques the dangers of sacrificing individuality for technological and governmental control.
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The Art Of War: Complete Text of Sun Tzu
Author: Sun Tzu
Publisher: Booklover’s Library Classics
Date: Jun 23rd, 2022
This ancient Chinese military treatise offers strategic insights and tactics for warfare, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, planning, and psychological warfare.
Interesting People
Author: George L Lee
Publisher: Vantage Press
Date: Oct 18th, 1976
Lee's book profiles a diverse array of notable individuals, offering insights into their lives, achievements, and the unique qualities that make them stand out.
A Raisin in the Sun
Author: Lorraine Hansberry
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Nov 2nd, 2011
Hansberry's groundbreaking play depicts the struggles of an African American family in 1950s Chicago as they confront racial discrimination, economic hardship, and the pursuit of their dreams.
Dear 2pac
Author: Josh Sims
Publisher: Omnibus Pr & Schirmer Trade Books
Date: Aug 1st, 1999
This book collects letters written to the late rapper Tupac Shakur, reflecting the profound impact he had on his fans and the broader cultural and social issues he addressed through his music.
Moby Dick
Author: Herman Melville
Publisher: Omni Publishing
Date: Dec 22nd, 2019
In this epic tale of obsession and adventure, Captain Ahab relentlessly pursues the enigmatic white whale, Moby Dick, across the seas, leading his crew into peril as he seeks vengeance against the creature that maimed him.
Complete Illustrated Book Of The Psychic Sciences
Author: Walter B. Gibson
Publisher: Bell Publishing Co. distributed Crown Publishing
Date: Sep 14th, 1988
Gibson's comprehensive guide explores various aspects of the psychic sciences, including astrology, numerology, telepathy, and other esoteric practices, providing detailed instructions and illustrations.
Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member
Author: Sanyika Shakur
Publisher: Grove Press
Date: Jun 29th, 2004
Shakur's raw and candid autobiography details his life as a member of the notorious Crips gang in Los Angeles, his experiences with violence and incarceration, and his journey toward personal redemption.
Native Son
Author: Richard Wright
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Date: Jan 10th, 2023
Wright's powerful novel tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man in 1930s Chicago whose life spirals out of control after a series of tragic events, exploring themes of race, poverty, and systemic oppression.