Deconstructing the Brilliant Tupac Shakur

VIBE just released part 2 and part 3 of a previously unreleased 2Pac interview, and as I've been watching, I've been reminded of how bold and candid he was. I tell folks this all the time, but Pac's allure derived from how apologetically human he was. He was that rare person who could honestly reveal his entire personality–the warm, loving, socially-aware and sensitive side and that brash, violent, outspoken side. I believe that we all have that Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde dichotomy within us, but few of us are brave enough to be so up front with those contradictions. Pac wasn't, and many of were drawn to him because of it.

Some of us love Thug Life Pac, others love Black Panther Pac, and still others celebrate "Dear Mama" Pac, but without any of those conflicting sides, he wouldn't be the martyr that he is for so many people. A lot of rappers have attempted to mimic this duality, but none have done so with as much truth, heart and brilliance as Tupac Shakur. Though he is often dissed for not being a good lyricist, Pac was an amazing orator. My favorite speech of all time is below–a speech he delivered at the 1992 Malcolm X Grassroots Movement banquet at the ripe old age of 20. If you don't respect his strength, intellect and revolutionary ambition after watching, then check your pulse.

It may be his music that we remember, but it was his mind that made him a martyr. If you think Pac is overrated then so be it, but please due away with your self-masturbatory emcee blogger rankings and remember the man in his entirety.