Remembering Tupac Shakur (1971-1996): Introduction

By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Today marks seventeen years since Tupac Shakur died and the rap game has just begun to move on from his death. Given his deep body of work Tupac Shakur put forth, it is no wonder why it took so long for hip hop to properly move forward. As recently as 2006, posthumous Tupac albums were being released.

Hip hop is now finally in a place where it can move forward, but oh no, hip hop will never forget. From his Digital Underground days until his gangsta-inspired Death Row days where he vowed to live and die in LA, Tupac Shakur brought it. In terms of lyricism, some were better, but no one brought the energy and passion Tupac did.

Yes, today is the day that Tupac died after succumbing to his gunshot wounds, but today is the day Hip Hop Vibe celebrates his life. Tupac Shakur is wrongly considered the face of the the West in the East/West feud. But, true Tupac fans know he represented every one on every coast and equality.

Tupac Amaru Shakur, rest in peace friend, there is no one like you on this Earth.

Follow K.B. Tindal on Twitter @KBTindal.