Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real.

Tupac Amaru Shakur, better known as 2Pac, was one of the most influential and controversial figures in the world of hip-hop. Born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York City, Tupac's life was filled with both immense success and profound struggles.

Tupac was born into a family deeply involved in the Black Panther party's activities. His parents divorced before he was born, and his mother, Afeni Shakur, was a key figure in his upbringing. Afeni raised Tupac to be acutely aware of the societal issues that plagued America, instilling in him a sense of justice and a perspective that would later become a significant part of his music.

In 1986, Tupac's family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended the Baltimore School for the Arts. It was here that Tupac honed his skills as a rapper and actor, and he began performing under the name MC New York. The school exposed him to a variety of artistic influences and ignited his passion for performance and lyricism.

Tupac's professional career took off when he joined the hip-hop group Digital Underground as a backup dancer and rapper. His first appearance was on the group's 1991 track "Same Song," which led to his debut in the film "Nothing But Trouble." Tupac's first solo album, "2Pacalypse Now," was released in 1991. The album was noted for addressing contemporary social issues and was both influential and controversial.

Over his career, Tupac released a total of four studio albums, with his last, "All Eyez on Me," being hailed as one of the greatest albums in hip-hop history. Known for his profound lyrics that portrayed the harsh realities of urban life, Tupac quickly rose to become one of the leading voices in 90s hip-hop. His work dealt with topics like violence, hardship, racism, and the struggles faced by the African American community.

However, his life and career were plagued by legal issues and conflicts. Tupac was involved in several legal altercations and served prison time. In 1994, he was shot multiple times in a robbery, and in 1996, he was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. His death was a significant loss to the music world and marked the end of one of the most influential careers in hip-hop history.

Despite his early death at the age of 25, Tupac's influence remains significant. His posthumous releases have achieved commercial success, and his life and work continue to be studied and celebrated for their impact on music and culture. Tupac Shakur was more than just a rapper; he was a poet, a revolutionary, and a voice for the unheard. His legacy continues to inspire and influence, making him one of the most enduring figures in hip-hop.