Tupac on Growing Up Poor, His Rise to Fame & His Future (1995) | MTV News

Tupac Amaru Shakur: Name and Background

Meaning of Tupac Amaru Shakur

• Tupac's name is derived from an Inca chief, reflecting a cultural heritage that resonates with his identity.

• The name signifies "intelligent warrior," indicating a connection to strength and wisdom.

Early Life in California

• Tupac moved to Marin City before settling in Oakland after leaving Baltimore.

• He dropped out of high school due to insufficient credits, prioritizing financial stability over graduation.

Struggles and Employment

Jobs Held by Tupac

• His first job was at Round Table Pizza, where he enjoyed free toppings while making pizzas.

• He briefly worked as a bag packer at a supermarket but was fired for writing raps during work hours.

Education Aspirations

• Despite wanting to attend college, he felt unprepared without financial support or stability.

Family Dynamics and Challenges

Relationship with Mother

• Tupac's mother was in Baltimore dealing with eviction issues when he moved to California; she sent him ahead for safety.

• His mother's struggle with crack addiction began shortly after his arrival in California, complicating their relationship.

Personal Resilience

• Despite the challenges posed by his mother's addiction, Tupac expressed unconditional love for her and acknowledged her struggles as part of who she is.

Childhood Reflections

Growing Up Experience

• He described himself as quiet and withdrawn during childhood, finding solace in reading poetry and watching television.

Coping Mechanisms

• To cope with hardships like homelessness, he associated with drug dealers and criminals who shared similar struggles.

Tupac's Early Experiences and Influences

Introduction to Drug Dealing

• Tupac reflects on his brief attempt at selling drugs, admitting he lacked the necessary skills and ended up returning drugs instead of demanding payment.

• He describes how local drug dealers acted as informal mentors, encouraging him to pursue his dreams rather than getting involved in their lifestyle.

Transition to Music

• Tupac shares his journey from making pizza to joining Digital Underground, emphasizing his passion for rap and how he would interrupt conversations to showcase his talent.

• His first interaction with Shock G was positive; after rapping for him, he was quickly accepted into the group.

Reflections on Digital Underground

• Tupac looks back fondly on his time with Digital Underground, despite some embarrassing moments during performances that included humorous antics.

• He expresses a desire for hip-hop to have another group like Digital Underground due to their unique style and fun approach.

Influence of Environment and Family

Struggles with Father Figures

• Discussing the "thug mentality," Tupac reveals it stemmed from being alone without support or money during difficult times in various cities.

• He explains that while drug dealers were not glamorous figures, they were the only ones who showed him care when he needed it most.

Absence of a Father Figure

• Tupac discusses growing up without a father, attributing this absence partly to societal changes in the late '60s and early '70s that affected family structures.

• He recounts not knowing who his biological father is and mentions a man claiming to be his father after he was shot, which left him feeling confused yet curious about this connection.

Tupac's Reflections on Fatherhood and Personal Struggles

Relationship with His Father Figure

• Tupac expresses that his feelings towards his father figure, Legs, remain unchanged despite the circumstances of their relationship. He emphasizes the importance of privacy regarding Legs' personal reasons for leaving.

• He recounts how Legs acknowledged him as his son without a blood test, highlighting a lack of traditional paternal connection but still receiving material support from him.

Childhood Abuse and Future Aspirations

• When asked about childhood abuse, Tupac hints at deeper issues he plans to explore in a future book, indicating a desire to monetize his experiences rather than share them freely.

• He acknowledges that while he has achieved success through music, he believes writing about his pain will provide a more profound narrative.

Ambition and Leadership Qualities

• Tupac interprets his mother's statement about him being someone who "makes up the game" as an indication of his ambition and drive to excel in various fields like rap and acting.

• He identifies himself as a natural-born leader who prefers giving orders over taking them but believes everyone should have leadership qualities.

Views on Justice and Karma

• The interviewer questions why Tupac isn't actively seeking justice after being shot multiple times. Tupac reflects on the futility of revenge and suggests that karma plays a significant role in such situations.

• He asserts that law enforcement is aware of who shot him but implies they are not doing enough to pursue justice, expressing skepticism about their efforts.

Impact of Growing Up Without a Father

• Reflecting on growing up without a father, Tupac believes it affected his discipline and confidence levels during childhood. However, he feels more confident now due to personal achievements.

• Despite feeling capable of being an excellent father due to his love for children, he expresses hesitation about having kids because he's concerned about bringing them into the world today.

Influence of His Mother's Ideals

• Tupac shares how being raised by a mother involved in the Black Panther movement shaped his worldview. She instilled principles that encouraged community orientation and understanding women better than many peers do.

• He feels comfortable around women and appreciates strong female figures in contrast to some men who struggle with such interactions.

Community Center Initiatives and Personal Reflections

Plans for a Community Center with Mike Tyson

• The speaker discusses plans to start a community center in collaboration with Mike Tyson, emphasizing the creation of a rap league where notable figures like Tupac and Koolio sponsor football teams made up of local kids.

Engaging the Community

• The initiative aims to involve the community by organizing events such as food sales by local churches and security provided by fathers and uncles, fostering community spirit through block parties on weekends.

Fundraising Efforts

• To support the community center, fundraising activities will include unique events like "get-a-date" fundraisers featuring rappers, with proceeds directed towards establishing centers in impoverished neighborhoods across the U.S.

Addressing Misconceptions

• The speaker reflects on how society has misunderstood aspects of his identity, expressing a desire to clarify these misconceptions while demonstrating that young black males can achieve great things if given opportunities.

Pursuit of Happiness Amidst Struggles

• When asked about living a normal life, the speaker acknowledges ongoing struggles but expresses determination to create happiness within his current circumstances, recognizing that perfection is unattainable for anyone.