Tupac Parents: Meet Afeni Shakur and Billy Garland – Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop and entertainment.

Born Lesane Parish Crooks on June 16, 1971, in New York City, he emerged as one of the most influential and successful rappers in history. His impact is reflected in the sale of over 75 million records worldwide, establishing him as one of the best-selling music artists.

Raised by politically active parents who were members of the Black Panther Party, his mother, Afeni Shakur, played a crucial role in shaping his early years. Relocating to Baltimore in 1984 and then to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988, Tupac’s journey through various cities became integral to his artistic expression.

Tupac Parents: Meet Afeni Shakur and Billy Garland

Tupac Amaru Shakur, born to active Black Panther Party members Afeni Shakur and William Billy Garland, emerged from a turbulent familial and political background.

Prior to Tupac’s birth, his mother faced trial in the Panther 21 case, but she was acquitted of over 150 charges. Family members, including stepfather Mutulu Shakur and godfather Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt, faced legal issues related to the Black Panthers.

Mutulu was convicted for a 1981 armored truck robbery, while Geronimo Pratt’s murder conviction was overturned after 27 years. Tupac’s godmother, Assata Shakur, remains wanted by the FBI for the first-degree murder of a New Jersey State Trooper. The intricate ties to the Black Panthers deeply influenced Tupac’s upbringing in a politically charged environment.

His debut album, “2Pacalypse Now,” released in 1991, propelled him to the forefront of West Coast hip-hop, thanks to his conscious rap lyrics addressing contemporary social issues. Subsequent albums, such as “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z…” (1993) and “Me Against the World” (1995), further solidified his critical and commercial success.

The release of the Diamond-certified album “All Eyez on Me” in 1996 marked a pivotal moment in Tupac’s career, as it deviated from introspective lyrics to embrace volatile gangsta rap. Alongside his musical achievements, Tupac made a name for himself in the film industry, starring in notable movies like “Juice” (1992) and “Poetic Justice” (1993).

His life, however, was marked by controversies, legal troubles, and a tragic end. He faced a drive-by shooting in 1994, served prison time in 1995, and became entangled in the East Coast–West Coast hip-hop rivalry. On September 7, 1996, Tupac was shot in Las Vegas and passed away six days later.

Even in death, his legacy endures. Posthumous albums, including “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory” (1996) released under the alias Makaveli, garnered critical acclaim. In 2002, he was posthumously inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, followed by induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. The Hollywood Walk of Fame also honored Tupac with a posthumous star in 2023.

His name carries historical significance, as he was named after Túpac Amaru II, a descendant of the last Incan ruler executed in Peru in 1781 after a failed revolt against Spanish rule.

Family-wise, Tupac had an older stepbrother, Mopreme “Komani” Shakur, and a half-sister, Sekyiwa Shakur. Raised in challenging circumstances, his mother faced difficulties finding work and struggled with drug addiction in the 1980s. Tupac’s educational journey took him to several schools, including the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied acting, poetry, jazz, and ballet. His friendships, such as with actress Jada Pinkett, and his involvement with the Baltimore Young Communist League USA, added layers to his complex persona.

In 1988, he moved to Marin City, California, attended Tamalpais High School, and engaged in various theater productions. Despite not graduating, he later earned his GED, symbolizing resilience amid adversities. Tupac’s multifaceted talents, social consciousness, and tumultuous life story continue to captivate audiences, making him an enduring icon in the annals of music and culture.