Let’s Celebrate the Power of Tupac’s Poetry

If you didn’t know, Tupac Shakur was not just a rapper. He was a poet too, and a damn good one. He is known for having tackled contemporary social issues that plagued inner cities, and he will remain a cultural icon as a symbol of defiance and activism in opposition to inequality. His poems are not limited to these topics, however, as they explore the complexities of family and love. He was a student of the arts; he studied theater, literature, and music at the Baltimore School for the Arts. At school, he was absorbed in the works of William …

Joseph Gobran –
Tupac Shakur

If you didn’t know, Tupac Shakur was not just a rapper. He was a poet too, and a damn good one. He is known for having tackled contemporary social issues that plagued inner cities, and he will remain a cultural icon as a symbol of defiance and activism in opposition to inequality. His poems are not limited to these topics, however, as they explore the complexities of family and love. He was a student of the arts; he studied theater, literature, and music at the Baltimore School for the Arts. At school, he was absorbed in the works of William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes, among many other poets who made an impact on the way rhythm is used in linguistics.

Tupac was fascinated by the relationship between rap and poetry. Some of his music may portray him as more of a rugged soul, but his poetry is a reflection of his sensitivity and his ability to turn words into pure art. “[Rap] is poetry, to me” he said in an interrogation. “It is my opinion that I started to rap when I was writing poetry. Storytelling, poetry… even iambic pentameter is rap. It’s the way you write it, the structure.” After his death, a compilation of of his poetry titled The Rose that Grew from Concrete was released. His poetry represents his incredible eloquence and intellect. Here are some of his most artistic and profound poems.

 

 

“What Can I Offer Her?”

 

All of my life I dreamed of meeting one with immense beauty,

and once I found her I would charm her and she’d be mine forever

I have found her and indeed she is all I wished for and more

but she is not charmed nor intrigued.

Then I think 2 myself  “What can I offer her?”

The tears warm my eyes and blur my vision.

I stick 2 my stance of bravado and give her the same uninterested look she gave me.

She was so beautiful

But what can I offer her?

Via Genius

 

Image Via The Lantern

 

 

“So I say GOODBYE”

I’m going in 2 this not knowing what I’ll find

but I’ve decided 2 follow my heart and abandon my mind

and if there be pain I know that at least I gave my all

and it is better 2 have loved and lost than 2 not love at all

In the morning I may wake 2 smile or maybe 2 cry

but first 2 those of my past I must say goodbye.

Via genius

 

 

Image Via Medium

 

“The Power Of A Smile”

“The power of a gun can kill and the power of Fire can Burn

The power of wind can chill and the power of the mind can learn

The power of anger can rage inside until it tears u apart

But the Power of a Smile especially yours can heal a frozen Heart”

Via Genius

 

Featured Image Via ABC News