Tupac Shakur, also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was a groundbreaking figure in the realm of hip-hop. Born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York City to a family deeply involved in the Black Panther Party's activities, he was introduced to the harsh realities of life from an early age. His challenging upbringing played a significant role in shaping Tupac's artistry. Shakur's music career started when he joined Digital Underground as a backup dancer and rapper. However, it wasn't long before he gained prominence for his lyricism that encapsulated socio-political commentary and exposed stark truths about the violence and hardship faced by many African-Americans. In addition to his successful musical career that included chart-topping hits like Dear Mama and California Love, Shakur also dabbled into acting with roles in films such as Juice and Poetic Justice. Despite his soaring popularity within the music industry, Tupac found himself entangled with legal issues frequently which led to multiple prison stints throughout his career. Tragically cut short at just 25 years old due to gun violence, Tupac left behind an influential legacy that continues to resonate within hip-hop culture even today. Known for pushing boundaries through thought-provoking lyrics coupled with raw emotionality - Shakur remains one of the most revered figures not only within rap but across all genres of music.