June 16th is the birthday of hip hop icon Tupac Amaru Shakur. His life cut short in 1996 by senseless violence. His murder remains to this day is unsolved.
The ‘testimony’ of hip hop icon Tupac Shakur (2Pac) is written and there is nothing he can add to what he has left us. Tupac is dead. There will be no new oration from one of the masters of words or no new contentious tracks to make headlines. What we have from him is what we have and we must come to grips with that.
In his life Tupac touched many people. He understood the world around him and was quick to point out the flaws and the weaknesses of the government and society. He understood the power of the mic and the power the man holding that mic could brandish; not only in the hip hop culture but in all society.
Tupac has written his last poem, his last rhyme and has given his last opinion of problems in the urban community. As far as hip hop goes: Tupac is gone. But his greatest and strongest points are not those of a hip hop artist, a wild gangsta rapper associated with powerful Death Row Records and Marion ‘Suge’ Knight; his strongest point was that he was in a position to ‘make a change’ and to point out the problems; and most likely those values had something to do with his death; like many other social activist before him.
Continue reading ‘Hip Hop Icon or Bearer of a Legacy – Tupac Shakur [ThugLifeArmy]‘
With all the talk about hip hop being dead, indie label Thug Life Army Records sets forth a project that proves hip hop is alive and well: outside the boundary of corporate ‘boardroom’ hip hop.
‘In the Shadow of an Icon’ is an amazing tribute to the teachings and thought process of hip hop icon; rapper, activist, poet Tupac Shakur (2Pac). Tupac connected with the street because he was from the street and understood the messages that the street needed to hear.
Artist from all across the country including California, New York, Georgia, Texas, St. Louis as well as Canada have contributed to this project set in the mindset of Tupac Shakur (2Pac).
‘In The Shadow of an Icon’ brings no bling, or spinning rims, no meaningless repetitive hooks – just good quality hip hop with a message from unsigned artists relevant to hip hop culture in a time when real thought provoking hip hop seems to have left the scene.
Continue reading ‘Indie Hip Hop Label Re-Issues Unique Tupac Tribute Project [ThugLifeArmy]‘
Afeni Shakur Brings HEAT
Many people forget that hip hop icon 2Pac’s (Tupac Shakur) mother Afeni Shakur was a Black Panther who was really ’bout it ’bout it back in the days. She was pregnant with 2Pac when she went on trial as part of the infamous NY Panther 21.
This sista has always put in work for the community, and while she did have some momentary setbacks which were described by 2Pac (Tupac) in some of his songs, after his death Afeni has emerged stronger then ever. She is still a freedom fighter.
The other week Afeni Shakur came to Memphis, Tennessee for the Dream Reborn Conference and delivered a blistering speech about the direction Hip Hop and Hip Hop activists must take going into the 21st century. She was quite clear about us owning land, starting our own businesses and being spiritually grounded. Her speech drew a rousing standing ovation. 2Pac’s mom is no joke.
Check out what she has to say. Visit http://www.ThugLifeArmy.com to hear the pod cast.
http://www.thuglifearmy.com/news/?id=4303
Remember to check TLA constantly for updates and information.
Energize. Organize. Revolutionize! 
