Editorial about Tupac

[S O F I]

Here's a piece written by Meka of 2dopeboyz fame for XXL. What do y'all think? I prefer Dante's version.

For those that didn’t catch it on the front end of this site, today would have been 2Pac’s 39th “borthday” (we’re still working on that spell-checking department here at these parts). And while most pundits will proclaim him as one of the most influential rapsters of all time, I believe part of why he’s been bestowed with that type of acclaim is because he was tragically shot to death while still in his prime back when I was in high school.

Damn. I felt kinda old just writing that last line.

Anyways, I’ll admit that ‘Pac had an immense pull which is still felt in asinine levels today, from rapsters and Twitterers alike running around shirtless in pictures (good grief) to that one impersonator that was at Hot 97’s Summer Jam a few weeks ago (but trying to flip “Makaveli” into a moniker for yourself is just embarrassing on your part). Musically, however, he transmogrified the trend of recording a shitload of songs in one day so that when you’ve either been dead or in jail for a long time you’ll still be “out there” somehow.

But looking back, it’s quite hard to say if, had he not been murdered in Las Vegas, 2Pac (or even Big Punisher, Big L or The Notorious B.I.G. for that matter) would be held in such a high regard today, as he would have been a hop, skip and a jump away from 40 today. Still deep into its everlasting young man’s phase, rap simply does not respect any rapper past the age of 35 because it won’t allow anybody to age at all; instead it will find a younger replacement, not unlike the games of football and basketball.

Plus, 2Pac’s song would have drastically changed as he got older, similar to Jay-Z rapping more about hanging out in St. Tropez with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie than moving weight with Sauce Money and Jaz-O (although, if there’s anything to take from that “Under Pressure” single, it’s that maybe it’s better to do so instead of rapping about Tiger Woods, #FakeDrake-style). I’m sure that if he hadn’t died his “don’t give a fuck,” rambunctious demeanor would have long calmed down by now, and he probably would be doing songs that are more “Keep Ya Head Up” than “Me & My Girlfriend.” While it would make great fodder for the Rock The Bells, nostalgia crowd, it wouldn’t work the same way for the younger generation.

In a sad sense, it was almost if Pac had to die in order to preserve his legacy. I just don’t see him being as impacting alive as he does deceased. But at least we got his millions of songs, impersonators, books, school classes, that museum in Atlanta, those ugly jeans found at your local Burlington Coat Factory, hood movies and other such paraphernalia to keep us remembering.

XXLmag.com - » No Country For Old Men

 

[Da_Funk]

I pretty much disagree with the entire thing.

The only thing I can on agree with him is that he'd be making Keep Ya Head up Type tracks over me & my girlfriend type.

 

[masta247]

I agree with a lot of it. A lot of people would just move on. Instead they worship him and his prime time like it never ended. It's like getting a sequel to a great book with a confusing ending. It usually sucks.

 

[EDouble]

I like Pac in the 1 interview about he sees himself God willing, as far as the industry as an a&r & still drop ablums every now and then said shit about paul mccartney

as far as being replaced or bigger/more lasting appeal because shooting thats just the same argument as if he hadnt been murdered or argument about his success and his Life pre prison and post prison or pre times square shooting and post times square shooting


every record was at least gold or platinuma few times over by the 2nd shooting he had made 4 or 5starring pictures

I think that Biggie is mentioned also for example is testament that its a different situation
Biggie is still respect for his records and N.Y and his place

but Pac was a genuine character a genuine figure, icon

people knew it and they still respect it

 

[yak pac fatal]

i hate when they say he got popular because of his death. the dude went plat in jail. his music was so great, he just kept gettin new fans.

i think theyre just mad their favorite rapper doesnt get the same attention as 2pac.

 

[S O F I]

^A lot of people who say that are those who were actually old enough to remember and listen to Tupac in the 90s, though. You're like, what, 20? The fuck do you know? No disrespect, I'm 22, but you know what I'm saying?

 

[EDouble]

whats Dantes version?


his murder can't be a Non factor but cant forget first 5 to 7 years people who didn't believe he was murdered


any figure that goes before there time success sometimes is viewed different
also contrasting on the artists estates
Elvis Sam Cooke

 

[yak pac fatal]

^A lot of people who say that are those who were actually old enough to remember and listen to Tupac in the 90s, though. You're like, what, 20? The fuck do you know? No disrespect, I'm 22, but you know what I'm saying?

i guess more than they know.

 

[S O F I]

^You obviously don't understand my question. You can't find out on the Internet the extent of Tupac's popularity before his death. You had to have been there and old enough to realize it.

 

[yak pac fatal]

^of coarse not, i time traveled. i layed down a verse for the one nation album. i doubt itll see the light of day.