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 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.
Tropic of Cancer
Author: Henry Miller
Publisher: Grove Press
Date: Dec 1st, 2007
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.
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.
The Catcher in the Rye
Author: J. D. Salinger
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: Aug 13th, 2019
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.
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.
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 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.
Part of My Soul Went With Him
Author: Winnie Mandela
Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc
Date: Mar 31st, 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.
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.
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.
Secret Splendor
Author: Charles Earnest Essert
Publisher: Philosophical Library
Date: Mar 31st, 1973
Essert's book delves into the mystical and esoteric aspects of human existence, exploring the hidden dimensions of spirituality and consciousness.
The Harder We Run: Black Workers Since the Civil War
Author: William Hamilton Harris
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: Mar 31st, 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.
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.
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.
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."
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 visionary poetics of Allen Ginsberg
Author: Paul Portuges
Publisher: Ross-Erikson
Date: Mar 31st, 1978
Portuges analyzes the poetic vision and creative genius of Allen Ginsberg, exploring the cultural and spiritual influences that shaped his groundbreaking work.
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 Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety
Author:
Publisher:
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.
Interesting People
Author: George L Lee
Publisher: Vantage Press
Date: Mar 31st, 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.
The Great White Lie: Slavery, emancipation and changing racial attitudes
Author: Jack Gratus
Publisher: Hutchinson
Date: Mar 31st, 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.
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.
All You Need To Know About the Music Business
Author: Donald S. Passman
Publisher: Free Press
Date: Mar 31st, 2025
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.
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.