¶ … Tupac Sahkur's Poetry
Compare and Contrast Tupac Shakur's Poetry
For most people the life of Tupac Shakur, symbolizes one of tremendous talent and tragedy. Where, he was gunned down in the prime of his career, because of a rival dispute that occurred with another record label and their artists. This was a part of the violent culture and image that he embraced. ("Rap Star Tupac Shakur Dies" 62 -- 64) As he had severed time in prison for: assault and sexual abuse. (Golus 76 -- 88) This is important because it shows the background and environment that Tupac was exposed to at an early age; would have an influence upon him. Despite these different challenges, he was able to take the emotions and experiences that would go through to create a host of songs as well as poetry. Two of the most notable include: the poem The Rose that Grew from Concrete and the album All Eyez On Me. This is important, because they show how Tupac's views would become more radical as time went by. To fully understand the impact of the various events on his life requires: comparing and contrasting the poem with his album. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to the overall issues and challenges that he would wrestle with throughout the course of his life.
Background
Tupac's life was in constant turmoil, as would go from various challenges to tremendous highs. What happened was, he became influenced by the views of his parents (who were members of the Black Panther Party). In 1982, his father was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list for four years. However, despite these challenges Tupac had exhibited tremendous talents early on in life, where he would often perform in various choirs throughout New York City. Then, when his family moved to California, Tupac would become interested in poetry and would continue to peruse his passion of music. In 1988, this would help him to begin working with the rap group Digital Underground as a roadie. This is important, because it would mark the beginning of a brilliant music career and the host of personal problems (ranging from the lyrics in his music to constant struggles with the law). Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than the total amount of incidents that he was involved in between 1991 and 1994. Where, the rapper would attempt to sue the police and would be convicted of a rape (which sent him to prison for two years). In between, the rapper and his entourage would have a host of legal issues with the police (in various cities around the United States). However, his music career would continue to take off, as he would have Grammy award winning albums and receive notoriety as an actor. Yet, beneath it all, the demons of the past would continue to haunt Shakur, resulting in an ongoing dispute between his record label (Death Row Records) and East Coast Records. This is problematic, because the dispute between the two labels and the personalities involved would cause the situation to end in the tragic outcome of: September 23, 1996. (Golus 76 -- 88) What this shows, is how the life and music of Tupac Shakur would have an impact upon his future. Where, the two would often collide with one another, resulting in tremendous conflicts. This is important, because it shows how his music would be affecting his life and the events that are taking place. As a result, an examination of the poem the Roses that Grew from Concrete and the album All Eyze on Me will highlight this divergence that is occurring.
Compare and Contrast The Roes that Grew from Concrete to All Eyez on Me
When you look at the poem The Roses that Grew from Concrete, it is clear that Shakur is describing the harsh life that he would often face. Where, no one cared or was interested in what happened to him, much less if was alive. This feeling of isolation would cause Shakur to look at what was occurring and become hardened by the experience. As the felt that the only person he could count was himself. Despite these feelings, he would continue to overcome the odds to become successful. This is similar to the rose that grew from the sidewalk. In this aspect, Tupac would be the rose while society would...
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