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
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.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Or The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane
Author: W. Y. Evans-Wentz
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: Sep 28th, 2000
This classic text offers a guide to the afterlife according to Tibetan Buddhism, describing the stages of the Bardo and providing instructions for navigating them.
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Interesting People
Author: George L Lee
Publisher: Vantage Press
Date: Nov 13th, 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.
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.
Ubik
Author: Philip K. Dick
Publisher: Mariner Books Classics
Date: Apr 17th, 2012
Dick's science fiction novel follows Joe Chip as he navigates a reality-bending journey involving psychic phenomena, corporate intrigue, and the enigmatic substance Ubik.
Ah, This!: Responses to Disciples' and Visitors' Questions and Zen Stories
Author: Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
Publisher: Rebel Publishing House
Date: Nov 13th, 1982
Osho's collection of teachings provides profound insights and commentary on Zen stories, addressing spiritual seekers' questions with wisdom and humor.
All God's Children: The Bosket Family and the American Tradition of Violence
Author: Fox Butterfield
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Oct 10th, 1995
Butterfield traces the history of violence in the Bosket family over generations, exploring the deep-rooted cultural and systemic factors that perpetuate violence in American society.
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
Author: Syd Field
Publisher: Delta
Date: Nov 29th, 2005
Field's seminal guide to screenwriting offers practical advice on developing compelling screenplays, from structure and character development to dialogue and pacing.
The Confessions of Nat Turner: A Novel
Author: William Styron
Publisher: Random House
Date: Mar 5th, 2002
Styron's fictionalized account of Nat Turner's 1831 slave rebellion provides a deep and introspective exploration of the motivations and experiences of the leader of this historic uprising.
Teachings of the Buddha
Author: Jack Kornfield
Publisher: Shambhala
Date: Mar 9th, 2004
Kornfield's collection brings together key teachings from the Buddha, presenting them in an accessible format that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and the path to enlightenment.
The Imitation of Christ: In Four Books
Author: Thomas a Kempis
Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing Corp.
Date: Jun 1st, 1993
This classic Christian devotional text offers timeless spiritual guidance and reflections on living a Christ-centered life, emphasizing humility, discipline, and the inner journey of faith.
Initiation
Author: Elisabeth Haich
Publisher: Unwin Hyman
Date: Nov 13th, 1965
Haich's autobiographical novel details her spiritual awakening and past-life memories, exploring themes of esoteric wisdom, reincarnation, and personal transformation.
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Here and Hereafter: Have You Lived Before? Will You Live Again?
Author: Ruth Montgomery
Publisher: Fawcett
Date: Feb 12th, 1985
Montgomery investigates reincarnation and past-life regression, presenting compelling case studies and arguments for the continuity of the soul and the existence of previous lifetimes.
The Buying of the President
Author: Charles Lewis
Publisher: Avon Books
Date: Nov 13th, 1996
Lewis investigates the influence of money on the American presidential election process, revealing the extent to which corporate interests and wealthy donors shape political outcomes.
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.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values
Author: Robert M Pirsig
Publisher: Mariner Books
Date: May 1st, 1974
Pirsig's philosophical novel combines a cross-country motorcycle trip with a deep exploration of the nature of quality, the conflict between classical and romantic modes of thought, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
The Bhagavad Gita
Author: Eknath Easwaran
Publisher: Nilgiri Press
Date: Feb 12th, 2019
Easwaran's translation and commentary present this ancient Indian scripture, which dialogues between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, exploring profound spiritual and philosophical teachings on duty, righteousness, and the path to self-realization.
The Phenomenon of Man
Author: Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Date: Nov 4th, 2008
Teilhard de Chardin integrates evolutionary science with spiritual insights, proposing a vision of humanity's progress towards an ultimate point of convergence he calls the Omega Point.
Nature, Man and Woman
Author: Alan W. Watts
Publisher: Pantheon
Date: Nov 13th, 2024
Watts explores the interconnectedness of nature, human beings, and gender, proposing a harmonious relationship with the natural world and a more integrated understanding of sexuality and spirituality.
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.
The Music of Black Americans: A history
Author: Eileen Southern
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co., Inc.
Date: Nov 13th, 1971
Southern's comprehensive history of African American music traces its development from African roots through the evolution of spirituals, blues, jazz, and classical music contributions.
The Catcher in the Rye
Author: J. D. Salinger
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: Jul 16th, 1951
J.D. Salinger's classic novel depicts a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager navigating his way through the challenges of adulthood in New York City.
Sun Signs
Author: Linda Goodman
Publisher: PAN MACMILLAN U.K
Date: Nov 28th, 2019
Goodman’s comprehensive astrology book offers detailed descriptions of the twelve zodiac signs, providing insights into personality traits, relationships, and life patterns based on astrological influences.
Secret Splendor
Author: Charles Earnest Essert
Publisher: Philosophical Library
Date: Nov 13th, 1973
Essert's book delves into the mystical and esoteric aspects of human existence, exploring the hidden dimensions of spirituality and consciousness.
Blues People: Negro Music in White America
Author: Imamu Amiri Baraka
Publisher: Praeger
Date: Aug 11th, 1980
Baraka explores the cultural and historical significance of African American music, tracing its roots from African traditions through slavery to the blues and jazz movements in the United States.
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.
The Souls of Black Folk
Author: W.E.B. Du Bois
Publisher: Modern Library
Date: Jan 7th, 2003
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."
Mastering the Art of War: Commentaries on Sun Tzu's Classic
Author: Zhuge Liang
Publisher: Shambhala
Date: Nov 18th, 1989
This book offers insightful commentaries by Chinese military strategists Zhuge Liang and Liu Ji on Sun Tzu's classic text, expanding on its principles with practical applications and historical examples.
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 Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead
Author: Timothy Leary
Publisher: Kensington
Date: Jul 26th, 2022
This guide draws on the principles of the Tibetan Book of the Dead to provide a framework for navigating and understanding psychedelic experiences, aiming to facilitate spiritual awakening and personal transformation.
Demian
Author: Hermann Hesse
Publisher: Wilder Publications
Date: Sep 17th, 2022
Hesse's novel tells the story of Emil Sinclair's coming-of-age and spiritual awakening, guided by the mysterious Demian, as he grapples with the duality of existence and the quest for self-discovery.
Sisterhood Is Powerful
Author: Robin Morgan
Publisher: Vintage Books
Date: Sep 12th, 1970
This anthology compiles essays, manifestos, and writings from key figures in the women's liberation movement, highlighting the struggles, achievements, and ongoing fight for gender equality and women's rights.
Kabbalah
Author: Gershom Scholem
Publisher: Quadrangle/The New York Times Company
Date: Nov 13th, 1974
Scholem's authoritative work delves into the mystical tradition of Kabbalah, exploring its historical development, key concepts, and influential texts, providing a thorough understanding of Jewish mysticism.
Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member
Author: Sanyika Shakur
Publisher: Grove Press
Date: Dec 1st, 2007
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.
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.
All You Need To Know About the Music Business
Author: Donald S. Passman
Publisher: Free Press
Date: Nov 13th, 2024
Passman's comprehensive guide covers every aspect of the music industry, from contracts and royalties to marketing and digital distribution, offering essential advice for musicians, managers, and industry professionals.
DO OR DIE
Author: Leon Bing
Publisher: Perennial
Date: Apr 10th, 1992
Bing's compelling account provides an in-depth look at the lives of gang members in South Central Los Angeles, examining the social and economic factors that drive gang culture and the human stories behind the statistics.
The Grapes of Wrath
Author: John Steinbeck
Publisher: Viking
Date: Apr 10th, 2014
Steinbeck's classic novel follows the Joad family's harrowing journey from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, highlighting themes of injustice, resilience, and the struggle for dignity.
The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy
Author: James Trefil
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Date: Nov 13th, 1993
This comprehensive reference book compiles essential knowledge across various fields, aiming to enhance cultural literacy and provide readers with a broad understanding of key concepts and historical events.
Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America
Author: Nathan McCall
Publisher: Random House
Date: Feb 6th, 1994
McCall's powerful memoir recounts his experiences growing up Black in America, from a troubled youth to his transformation into a journalist, highlighting issues of race, violence, and redemption.
The visionary poetics of Allen Ginsberg
Author: Paul Portuges
Publisher: Ross-Erikson
Date: Nov 13th, 1978
Portuges analyzes the poetic vision and creative genius of Allen Ginsberg, exploring the cultural and spiritual influences that shaped his groundbreaking work.
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 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.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Publisher: Harper
Date: Mar 3rd, 2015
Harper Lee's beloved novel, set in the racially charged South of the 1930s, follows young Scout Finch as her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a black man unjustly accused of rape, teaching profound lessons about morality and justice.
Serving Humanity: A Compilation
Author: Alice A. Bailey
Publisher: Lucis Pub
Date: Jun 1st, 1999
This compilation of Bailey's teachings focuses on the principles of selfless service and the spiritual path, emphasizing the importance of altruism in personal and collective evolution.
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.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Author: Malcolm X
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Date: Sep 29th, 1992
Malcolm X's powerful autobiography, as told to Alex Haley, chronicles his journey from a troubled youth to a civil rights leader, providing a profound exploration of race, identity, and transformation.
The Diary of Anais Nin
Author: Anais Nin
Publisher: Mariner Books Classics
Date: Mar 19th, 1969
Nin's diaries chronicle her personal and artistic life, offering an intimate and candid look at her thoughts, relationships, and experiences from the 1930s onward, capturing her journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
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.
Siddhartha
Author: Hermann Hesse
Publisher: Independently published
Date: Apr 27th, 2022
Hesse's philosophical novel follows Siddhartha, a young man in ancient India, on his spiritual journey to enlightenment, exploring themes of self-discovery, inner peace, and the search for meaning.
The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing
Author: Mark Bricklin
Publisher: St Martins Pr
Date: Nov 13th, 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.
Roots: The Saga of an American Family
Author: Alex Haley
Publisher: Wings
Date: Sep 5th, 2000
Haley's epic novel traces his ancestry back to Africa, depicting the harrowing journey of his forebears through slavery and their enduring legacy of resilience and strength.
In Contempt
Author: Christopher A. Darden
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date: Nov 13th, 1996
Darden's memoir recounts his experiences as a prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial, offering an insider's perspective on the case and its impact on the legal system and race relations in America.
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.
The Harder We Run: Black Workers Since the Civil War
Author: William Hamilton Harris
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: Nov 13th, 1982
Harris examines the economic struggles and achievements of Black workers in America from the Civil War to the present, highlighting their contributions and the persistent challenges they face.
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.
Black Like Me
Author: John Howard Griffin
Publisher: Berkley
Date: May 6th, 2003
Griffin's groundbreaking work recounts his journey through the segregated South in 1959, where he disguised himself as a Black man to experience and document the realities of racial discrimination.
Tropic of Cancer
Author: Henry Miller
Publisher: Grove Press
Date: Jan 6th, 1994
Miller's semi-autobiographical novel is a candid and provocative exploration of life in 1930s Paris, delving into themes of sexuality, existentialism, and artistic freedom.
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.
Thoughts and Meditations
Author: Kahlil Gibran
Publisher: WWW.Snowballpublishing.com
Date: Feb 19th, 2015
This collection of writings by Gibran offers profound reflections on life, love, and spirituality, blending poetic language with philosophical insights.
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.
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.
The Prince
Author: Niccolò Machiavelli
Publisher: Independently published
Date: Feb 21st, 2021
Niccolò Machiavelli's seminal work on political theory and the qualities of great leaders, advocating pragmatic and often controversial methods for ruling effectively and maintaining power in a turbulent political landscape.
Home: Social Essays
Author: LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka)
Publisher: Akashic Books, Ltd.
Date: Jan 1st, 2009
This collection of essays by Baraka (formerly known as LeRoi Jones) addresses issues of race, culture, and politics in mid-20th-century America, offering sharp critiques and reflections on social justice and the Black experience.
The Life and Truth of George R. Stewart
Author: Donald M. Scott
Publisher: McFarland & Company
Date: Sep 7th, 2012
Scott provides a comprehensive biography of George R. Stewart, detailing his contributions as a novelist, historian, and academic, and highlighting his influence on American literature and environmental thought.
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No Man Is an Island
Author: Thomas Merton
Publisher: Shambhala
Date: Jun 14th, 2005
Merton's spiritual reflections emphasize the interconnectedness of all humanity, exploring themes of solitude, love, and the pursuit of inner peace.
Mysticism
Author: Evelyn Underhill
Publisher: Alicia Editions
Date: May 16th, 2020
Underhill's classic work examines the nature and practice of mysticism, exploring the experiences of renowned mystics and the spiritual paths they followed.
The Meaning of Relativity
Author: Albert Einstein
Publisher: Benediction Classics
Date: Oct 25th, 2017
Einstein's own explanation of his theory of relativity, detailing the mathematical and conceptual foundations of his revolutionary ideas about space, time, and gravitation.
How to Argue and Win Every Time
Author: Gerry Spence
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Date: Apr 14th, 1992
Renowned trial lawyer Gerry Spence shares his strategies and techniques for effective argumentation, offering practical advice on how to communicate persuasively in various contexts.
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.
Ponder on This: A Compilation
Author: Alice A. Bailey
Publisher: Lucis Pub
Date: Jan 1st, 2003
This comprehensive collection of Bailey's esoteric teachings offers insights into spiritual growth, the nature of the soul, and the mysteries of existence.
Stalin
Author: Edvard Radzinsky
Publisher: Doubleday
Date: Mar 1st, 1996
Radzinsky's biography offers an in-depth look at the life of Joseph Stalin, drawing on newly available archival materials to provide insights into his rise to power and the brutal regime he led.
1984
Author: George Orwell
Publisher: Mariner Books Classics
Date: Apr 4th, 2017
George Orwell's dystopian novel depicts a totalitarian regime under the omnipresent surveillance of Big Brother, where individuality and free thought are crushed, warning of the dire consequences of political authoritarianism.
Nostradamus: The Millennium & Beyond: The Prophecies to 2016
Author: Peter Lorie
Publisher: Book Sales
Date: Nov 13th, 1997
Lorie interprets the prophecies of Nostradamus, offering insights and predictions related to the turn of the millennium and the years leading up to 2016, analyzing their relevance to contemporary events.
Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools
Author: Jonathan Kozol
Publisher: Crown
Date: Aug 27th, 1991
Kozol investigates the stark disparities in educational opportunities and resources between affluent and impoverished school districts in the United States, highlighting systemic injustices.
In Search of Lost Time
Author: Marcel Proust
Publisher: Modern Library
Date: Jun 3rd, 2003
Proust's monumental work, a seven-volume masterpiece of 20th-century literature, examines the intricacies of time, memory, and desire, chronicling the narrator's experiences in French high society and his quest to define himself and his past.
A Black Theology of Liberation (Ethics and Society)
Author: James H. Cone
Publisher: Orbis Books
Date: Nov 1st, 1990
Cone's groundbreaking work presents a theology rooted in the Black experience, advocating for liberation and social justice through a reinterpretation of Christian doctrine.
Part of My Soul Went With Him
Author: Winnie Mandela
Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc
Date: Nov 13th, 1985
In this powerful autobiography, Winnie Mandela recounts her life and activism against apartheid in South Africa, reflecting on her struggles, resilience, and enduring commitment to justice.
Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle
Author: Alice A. Bailey
Publisher: Lucis Pub
Date: Oct 1st, 1948
Bailey explores the concept of telepathy, its role in human consciousness, and its connection to the etheric body in her esoteric teachings.
The State of the World Atlas
Author: Michael Kidron
Publisher: Viking Adult
Date: Sep 1st, 1995
Kidron's atlas provides a visual and statistical overview of global political, economic, social, and environmental trends, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the world's current state.
The Great White Lie: Slavery, emancipation and changing racial attitudes
Author: Jack Gratus
Publisher: Hutchinson
Date: Nov 13th, 1973
Gratus examines the history of slavery, the process of emancipation, and the shifting racial attitudes that followed, highlighting the enduring legacy of these issues in contemporary society.
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.