Tupac began his career in 1990 as a roadie and backup dancer for Digital Underground. In 1991, he co-wrote and co-starred in the film “Nothing But Trouble.”
He released his first solo album, “2Pacalypse Now,” in late 1991. Racism, poverty, violence, and teen pregnancy were discussed. It generated debate and boosted the rapper’s appeal.
‘Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.’ was released in 1993. Keep Ya Head Up and I Get Around were bigger hits than its predecessor.
He formed Thug Life with Big Syke, Mopreme Shakur, Rated R, and others. They released “Thug Life: Volume 1” in 1994. The album was gold in the US.
Around this period, he was shot in an armed robbery. After the shooting, he was sentenced to prison for sexual assault. He read a lot of books and worked on his songs while in prison.
He released “Me Against the World” in 1995 while jailed. The album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart. A classic hip hop record, it influenced generations of artists.
His final album, ‘All Eyez on Me,’ came out in 1996. It features five singles and went multi-Platinum shortly after its release. Popular tracks included “How Do U Want It” and “California Love.”
Tupac was killed in a drive-by in September 1996. Some of his previously recorded work was released posthumously. His posthumous albums all sold well.
