Dive into the literary world of Tupac Shakur, Rapper.

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

The Art Of War: Complete Text of Sun Tzu

This ancient Chinese military treatise offers strategic insights and tactics for warfare, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, planning, and psychological warfare.
Also recommended by:
Adam Savage  Lex Fridman  Neil deGrasse Tyson 

Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member

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.

The Souls of Black Folk

W.E.B. Du Bois's seminal work is a collection of essays that examine race, culture, and the struggles of Black Americans at the turn of the 20th century, proposing that the problem of the 20th century is "the problem of the color line."
Also recommended by:
Martin Luther King, Jr. 
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