T.G.I (Legendary Friday)

  So for My first "Legendary Friday" of course I wanted to do an article on shumone, Legendary! So the task at hand I knew wasn't going to be simple. First we have to clarify our understanding of "legend".  The dictionary states, Legend- the body of stories of this kind, especially as they relate to a particular people, group, or clan. So basically shumone with a high regard whom has proven themselves worthy of ovation. As an intelligent black woman and having a "history" that stretches so far back to an unbelievable past, I have several Legends to choose from. So instead of picking my brain extensively, I decided to go with shumone I've always admired and understood, Tupac Amaru Shakur. I know right, What A Legend! If I could describe him in one word my choice would be Realist.

  The basics of Pac are, young black flashy entertainer thug with a Big mouth. To most people on the outside looking in he was an complex "trouble maker". To minority people whether we all accept it or not he was a voice for the people. In my opinion Pac was the idea black man. His strength was at times impeccable as he was very mature and endured lots for his age. It's no doubt Pac was wise and beyond his years, it's backed up by the outstanding work he did while alive and now by the material and legacy he has left behind. Pac was influenced early on with an american struggle known to most minorities, and are still faced today. Mostly raised in a single parent home by his mother Afeni Shakur, Pac was exposed early on to the fall of black people. He witness his strong powerful mother at her best, traveling the world, delivering messages to the people standing up fighting for rights. He also witness his mother become apart of one of Americas realities at her weakest becoming a drug addict. But yet and still he expressed his unconditional love and respect for Ms. Afeni, on the first single titled "Dear Mama" off of his Me against the wold album released in 1995 he rapped, "Ain't No Woman Alive that Can take My Momma Place". In 2010 "Dear mama was added to the National Recording Registry. "The library of congress has called "Dear Mama" "a moving and eloquent homage to both the murdered rapper's own mother and all mothers struggling to maintain a family in the face of addiction, poverty and social indifference"

  I conclude, Pac simply was equipped with conscience and driven to make people think. From listening to his music, to watching his interviews, speeches, movies even music videos, I felt him. Pac was on a mission from day one to uplift, educate and empower people. He wasn't able to open everybody's eyes because of his outward appearance but he was trying to reach out to and appeal to a group of fallen people. Lost kings and queens with erased memories, lack of self knowledge, who were misplaced and miseducated. He was fearless, angry, and outspoken the perfect recipe to get harassed by a controlling, manipulating, and corrupt government. If you take a look into Pac's work and listen or "peep game" as he says, to what he speaks about you'll begin to get the bigger picture. Pac rapped about political and social views in ways to relate to a dumb downed crowd. He related to the american struggle even after success, as a male he gave women shum what of a voice and guidance/advice of how important both they and their roles in society were. During his lifetime he fought several battles mainly defending his character. He was more than just an entertainer, to me he was a leader, father figure and a historical legend.

I encourage you all to watch, listen, and do research on Tupac Amaru Shakur. I leave you with one of several of my favorite interviews of Pac's. Here he kicks knowledge, tells it like it is and gives us a glimpse of just how Legendary he is.

Thnx for checking out my monthly legendary feature. Feel free submit suggestions or inquire to me about anything! Mizztuffyal@Gmail.Com. Please leave comments and share.