Tupac Shakur

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Lore & Background

Tupac Shakur's third studio album, Me Against the World, was released while he was incarcerated in March 1995. It debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single "Dear Mama." The album was certified double Platinum by the RIAA and is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, as well as being the first number 1 album from an artist in prison. All Eyez on Me, a double album released in February 1996, topped the Billboard 200 and included international hits such as "California Love" and "How Do U Want It," both of which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100. All Eyez on Me was certified Diamond by the RIAA. Following his death in September 1996, several posthumous albums were released, starting with The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, released under the alias Makaveli in November 1996. The album debuted at number 1 and was certified quadruple Platinum by the RIAA. Additional posthumous albums include R U Still Down? (Remember Me) (1997), Still I Rise (1999, with Outlawz), Until the End of Time (2001), Better Dayz (2002), Loyal to the Game (2004), and Pac's Life (2006). Each of these albums continued to achieve commercial success, with several reaching the top of the Billboard charts and earning multiple Platinum certifications.

In Their Own Story

In February 1993, Shakur released his second studio album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., which saw him collaborating with artists such as Ice Cube and Ice-T. The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Platinum certification from the RIAA. Notable singles from the album include "I Get Around" and "Keep Ya Head Up," both of which reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. In 2001, Guinness World Records hailed him as the best-selling rap artist in the US. According to the RIAA, he has sold 37.5 million albums in the United States, with an additional 4 million under his alias Makaveli, making him the second best-selling hip-hop artist in history.

Reader's Guide

Tupac Shakur's role in music history is defined by his studio albums, posthumous releases, and record sales. His debut album 2Pacalypse Now included singles "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Trapped," both highlighting his focus on social issues. Me Against the World is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. All Eyez on Me solidified his status as a rap superstar. Posthumous albums like The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory are regarded as some of his most profound works. His skills include lyrical prowess and emotional rawness, as evidenced by songs like "Dear Mama" and "California Love." His cultural impact is measured by his 75 million records sold worldwide and his recognition by Guinness World Records as the best-selling rap artist in the US.

Did You Know?

• Tupac Shakur's debut studio album, 2Pacalypse Now, was released in November 1991 and peaked at number 64 on the Billboard 200.
• Me Against the World was the first number 1 album from an artist in prison, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 in March 1995.
• All Eyez on Me was certified Diamond by the RIAA and included the international hits 'California Love' and 'How Do U Want It,' both of which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
• Following his death, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory was released under the alias Makaveli in November 1996 and was certified quadruple Platinum by the RIAA.
• According to the RIAA, Tupac Shakur has sold 37.5 million albums in the United States, with an additional 4 million under his alias Makaveli, making him the second best-selling hip-hop artist in history.