2Pac

USA, 1989–1996

American rapper and actor (1971–1996, Tupac Amaru Shakur). Began with Digital Underground, then recorded socially conscious and gangsta rap — 2Pacalypse Now (1991), All Eyez on Me (1996). One of the best-selling rap artists; his lyrics addressed poverty, racism and violence. Shot and killed in Las Vegas at 25.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced 2Pac and 3 artists 2Pac influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced 2Pac?

• Public Enemy — Tupac's socially conscious rap grew out of the pro-Black militancy of 'Fight the Power'-era Public Enemy.
• Marvin Gaye — Marvin Gaye was one of Tupac's favourite artists; the socially engaged soul of What's Going On is directly referenced in 'Keep Ya Head Up'.
• Curtis Mayfield — Curtis Mayfield's socially conscious lyrics and smooth grooves inspired Tupac's approach to songwriting.

Which artists did 2Pac influence?

• BTS — Tupac is among the American rappers BTS's rap line cite - the model of hip-hop as a voice for social pain rather than boasting.
• Kendrick Lamar — Kendrick names 2Pac as his largest inspiration - the model for tying personal storytelling to social argument, and the voice he wrote a whole conversation with at the end of To Pimp a Butterfly.
• Lil Wayne — Lil Wayne has repeatedly named Tupac as his greatest inspiration — Tupac's charisma, prolificacy and emotional directness shaped Wayne's style.