Johnny JonezTupac Shakur (aka 2Pac) was tragically gunned down back in 1996 on the 13th September. He was shot in the chest four times at a stoplight in Las Vegas. This was one of the most tragic events to ever impact the world of rap and has given way to all manner of wild conspiracy theories.
Many people contest that he is still alive today. Of course, we know that that isn’t the case. However, what would it be like if he were still around? And what would his career have looked like?
2Pac would have been 49 years old today if he were still alive. Although he’s gone, the impact that he made in just 5 short years of his influential career still resonates with rap fans both young and old – and will likely continue to do so for many years to come.
1. He’d be a huge advocate for black civil rights
2Pac was one of the most intelligent and articulate young men to ever grace the rap scene. The fact that he was able to articulate the experience of so many young black males who are victims of violence and police brutality in the US, is what made him so relatable at the height of his career. It’s fair to say that 2Pac would have continued his activism, using his wealth and influence to support a number of charities and set a good example to the younger generations.
2. He’d be pro LGBT
Although 2Pac was a devout Christian, I believe that he would be pro LGBT today. It’s purely speculative of course, but if you have ever seen 2Pac being interviewed and if you have ever read his poetry and listened to his music, you would know just how much emotional intelligence the young man had. 2Pac was pro-peace and I believe that he was a firm believer in allowing people to be true to themselves. Live and let live.
3. He’d be a great role model for young men
If 2Pac were alive today, he would be an excellent role model for young men. It’s difficult to say where his professional career would have taken him, but he would almost certainly have been an entrepreneur. He would likely have starred in many more movies, released several albums and collaborated with other artists, but one thing is for certain: he would be a successful business man.
2Pac was the kind of guy that would tell you to stand up for what you believe in and pursue your goals.
4. He’d be a vocal feminist and support the #metoo movement
While there has always been an element of misogyny in rap, 2Pac was an outspoken feminist. He knew that women were so much more than sex toys for guys and wasn’t afraid to speak out against mistreating women. Today, if he were still around, he would be highly influential. Take the following lyrics as an example.
“I give a holler to my sisters on welfare
Tupac cares, if don’t nobody else care
And I know they like to beat ya down a lot
When you come around the block brothas clown a lot
But please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive but don’t forget, girl keep your head up
And when he tells you you ain’t nothin’, don’t believe him
And if he can’t learn to love you, you should leave him
Cause sista you don’t need him
And I ain’t tryin to gas ya up, I just call em how I see em”
5. He’d have written some wonderful movie scripts
Again, it’s difficult to say what direction 2Pac’s career would have gone in because he had his fingers in so many different pies. However, the few scripts that he did write were incredible. He was a gifted writer who wasn’t afraid to demonstrate his vulnerability and there’s no telling what incredible art he’d have shared with the world.
Rest in peace brother.