Summary

The web content reflects on Tupac Shakur's legacy as a poet and revolutionary, marking what would have been his 52nd birthday, and highlights his posthumously published book of poetry, his influence, and a recent documentary about his life.

Abstract

On the occasion of what would have been Tupac Shakur's 52nd birthday, the content delves into the multifaceted legacy of the late artist. It emphasizes his lesser-known identity as a poet, evidenced by the publication of his poetry collection "The Rose That Grew From Concrete," sanctioned by his mother Afeni Shakur. The piece also touches on Shakur's profound impact on hip-hop culture, despite his relatively young age at the time of his death. His charisma is celebrated as unparalleled in the history of the genre. The article further promotes a recent documentary, "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur," as a means to explore his family's legacy and his influence. Additionally, the author shares a personal poetic tribute to Shakur, expressing a deep connection to his work and memory.

Opinions

Tupac Shakur is remembered as a revolutionary figure of his generation, with his memory fading among the younger generation who did not experience his influence firsthand.
The author believes Shakur's poetic talent is often overshadowed by his music, despite the depth and quality of his poetry as showcased in "The Rose That Grew From Concrete."
Tupac's charisma is considered unmatched in hip-hop history, a sentiment the author expects few to challenge.
The documentary "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur" is recommended as a comprehensive exploration of Tupac's life and the influence of his family's activist legacy.
The author feels a personal connection to Tupac, evidenced by the sharing of a personal poem written as a homage to the artist twenty-two years prior.

POETRY

Memories of Tupac: Poet, Revolutionary

Tupac Shakur would be 52 years old today

Tupac Shakur was a revolutionary of my generation. He would have been 52 years old on June 16, 2023.

He died before the first person in Gen Z was born. Memories of him have faded.

Few people remember ‘Pac as a poet. But, he was.

A book of his poetry titled The Rose That Grew From Concrete was sanctioned by his mother, Afeni Shakur, and published by MTV Books in 1999. It featured 72 poems and a powerful foreword from legendary Movement poet, Nikki Giovanni.

I like this touching poem from his book.

Under the Skies Above (After the Miscarriage) by Tupac Shakur

My child is out there somewhere under the skies above waiting anxiously 4 u and me 2 bless it with our love

A part of me a part of u and a part of this love we share will protect my unborn child who lives dormant out there somewhere

Sometimes in my dreams I imagine what it would be like How could I properly guide him when even I don’t know what’s right

Whether he is born in wealth or poverty there will be no deficiency in love I welcome this gift of life given from GOD under the skies above.

Tupac is not remembered as the best Hip Hop lyricist even though he had bars for days. His music catalog was prolific despite being killed at the young age of 25 years old in 1996.

However, I consider him the most charismatic artist in Hip Hop history. You will be challenged to find anyone who experienced him to deny this assertion.

My Beloved Hip Hop: Verses, Insights, and Revelry in 50 Posts

A full list of posts for the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop

medium.com

His charisma and his family legacy as Black Panthers (and more) were on full display in a gripping 5-part documentary titled Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur released on Hulu in April 2023. You should watch it.

I wrote a poetic homage to Tupac twenty-two years ago.

I’m happy to share it publicly for the first time.

Memories of Tupac Written May 6, 2001

Broken wings stuck in ghetto trees that crumble and fall in the season of fall.

Colorful, cracked, and dry like they never flew at all.

Happy Birthday and Rest in Power, ‘Pac.

Honestly,

Ed.

I am a poet, essayist, and civic strategist based in Birmingham, Alabama. Get to know me better here.