Tupac Shakur's 'Screaming Thug Life'

He grew from concrete: The life and death and work of Tupac Shakur.

“Screaming Thug Life ‘till I die” (“Life Goes On”). These words have a powerful meaning that most people ignore. Tupac Shakur coined this phrase. Although most people think that this phrase glorifies the “thug” mentality of gang violence, murder, robbery, and being a menace to society. In better perspective, most people thought this phrase was glorifying the negative stereotypes of black men. From the outside looking in most people thought that Tupac was just another embodiment of negative stereotypes of the black male, but they were wrong. Tupac Shakur was a philanthropist, poet, activist, prophet to some, and a martyr. His phrase “Thug Life” was the battle cry for the underdog. It was the glimmer of hope and guiding light for people who had lost hope for their future. Tupac Shakur was something like a black Jesus for the African- American community. Shakur was not
According to the coroner’s report He was originally born Lesane Parish Crooks (Scott). Tupac Shakur came from a long line of political and civil activists. Both of Shakur’s parents were members of the Black Panther party, who worked and fought during the Civil rights movement. His aunt was the infamous Assata Shakur who was accused of slaughtering thirty-seven police officers and escaping prison. From an early age, Tupac was exposed to revolutionary thoughts and taught to stand up and speak out for what he believed in. Tupac’s Mother Afeni knew her was son was going to lead a great movement. Tupac Shakur was named after a famous Incan martyr by the name of Tupac Amaru. Tupac Amaru was slain for leading a revolt against the Spanish trying to save his people (“Tupac Amaru”). Contrary to popular believe Tupac Shakur never really live the life of a thug. Tupac took ballet and studied theatre at the Baltimore school of